Cameraman Li Ping-bin was honored for his world-acclaimed achievements in cinematography. Born in 1954, Li has worked behind the camera for more than 30 years. As he did not study cinematography at school, Li developed his skills and unique style on his own. As word spread of his talents, he soon found his services requested by heavyweight directors. Taiwan's Hou Hsiao-hsien, for example, has worked with Li on many productions, including "The Puppet Master" (1993) and "Millennium Mambo" (2001). Filmmakers from Hong Kong, including Ann Hui and Wang Kar-wai, have also collaborated with Li on some of their most important movies.
The cinematographer's achievements have won recognition in both the local and international film communities. Li was honored with the Best Cinematography award at Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards in 1993, 2001 and 2007 and received similar recognition at the Cannes Films Festival in 2000 for Wang's "In the Mood for Love," which was released the same year. Since 2000, Li has expanded his scope to work with more foreign directors, including such renowned auteurs as Gilles Bourdos of France and Isao Yukisada of Japan.
Composer Lee Tai-hsiang received a National Award for Arts for his classical music compositions. The 67-year-old now suffers from Parkinson's disease, but still writes music every day. "My only wish is to continue composing, which is the honor and the meaning of my life," he said. "I hope to contribute to my hometown, the Amis tribe in Taitung County via my music," Lee added after receiving the award.
Performing artist and U-Theatre founder Liu Ruo-yu received her award with gratitude. "The prize is especially meaningful since 2008 is the 20th anniversary of my troupe," Liu said. U-Theatre's work stands out for its combination of Zen philosophy, drumming skills and theatrical concepts. She is now presenting her latest work, "Empty Woods and Mountain Wind," in theaters around Taiwan.
The works of architect Lee Chu-yuan, another National Award for Arts recipient, include Taipei 101, Tuntex Sky Tower in Kaohsiung and many other commercial buildings in mainland China. Lee's structures are known for integrating Asian aesthetics and the modern style of architecture. Although his designs have won praise, they have also received criticism, but he is able to take such reviews in his stride. "Architects, just like artists, must believe in themselves," he said.
Novelist Shih Shu-ching is the first female writer to be awarded the NCAF honor. Since 1969, she has published 10 collections of short stories and six novels, including the trilogy depicting the history of Hong Kong. Now living in New York, she is working on the last book of a three-part series on Taiwan's early history. The first two volumes have already been published and have received excellent reviews. Interpreting the history from female perspective, Shih said she aims to "write a biography of the island in the form of fiction."
The 76-year-old visual artist Liu Kuo-sung was honored for his modern ink painting style. Liu received early training in the traditional style of Chinese ink painting, but later broke away from the genre's orthodoxy, striving to find a style that combined Eastern aesthetic philosophy with Western artistic traditions. His series of "space paintings," which were inspired by the American moon landings, were considered groundbreaking works in the development of ink painting.
In order to publicize the achievements of the award-winning artists, the NCAF also announced that it will produce documentaries of their work.
Write to Amber Wu at amber0207@mail.gio.gov.tw