A Taiwanese photographer who spent 40 years capturing emotive images of people and places islandwide has won the country’s most prestigious annual cultural award.
Chang Chao-tang is the first photographer since 1987 to be awarded the National Cultural Award, created 20 years ago to recognize outstanding contributions to Taiwanese culture.
“He was selected in recognition for his tireless efforts and remarkable contribution to society,” the Council for Cultural Affairs said Jan. 12 at a news conference in Taipei City.
Chang, 68, said the award recognizes the efforts of one individual and is great encouragement to all photographers in Taiwan. He attributes his success to Taiwanese pioneers in documentary photography Chang Tsai and Cheng Sang-hsi.
“Passion for life and the land as recorded in the works of many photographers, famous or unknown, continues to move people today,” he said, urging the government to preserve these images by establishing a museum of photography.
Chang, who also wears the hats of a writer, documentary filmmaker and film festival curator, teaches at Tainan National University of the Arts.
Various Taiwanese artists were quick to acknowledge Chang’s moving photographs as an inspiration in their careers.
“His images capture the Zeitgeist of Taiwan in different times,” said Lin Hwai-min, founder and artistic director of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre. National literary treasure Huang Chun-ming agreed, adding that the photographer’s pieces evoke reflection on the meaning of life.
ROC Premier Wu Den-yih will present Chang with the award and NT$1 million (US$34,400) in prize money at a ceremony Jan. 19 in Taipei. (JSM)