NTCAM Collection: Encounters in Reflection│308│Chang Chao-tang│Dim Light

Chang Chao-tang Dim Light Gelatin silver print 1977-1984 [The script of this episode] Dim Light consists of 26 black-and-white photographs taken by photographer Chang Chao-tang from 1977 to 1984, documenting his visits to the mining areas in northern Taiwan. The photographs were taken in locations such as Jiufen, Haishan in Sanxia, Houtong in Ruifang, and Yuandun Tabilas in Miaoli, capturing the daily lives of the miners. In the images, miners can be seen riding mine carts in and out of the tunnels, resting by railway tracks and under pit props, and bathing together in bathhouses after work. In addition to labor scenes, Chang also records the everyday life of the miners, such as the propaganda slogans seen on the streets and the somber atmosphere after mining accidents. One particularly notable photograph shows a man sitting on the ground, holding a charcoal pencil and focused on sketching on paper. This man is the Taiwanese artist Hung Jue-Lin, known for his depictions of miners, and Chang Chao-tang has recorded him sketching in the mines. The mines, with their narrow, damp, and lightless tunnels, are captured in a unique way. Chang uses the focused beam of searchlights to sculpt striking close-ups of the figures’ faces, highlighting their labor-worn features while emphasizing the darkness and oppressive atmosphere of the tunnels. The entire series conveys an atmosphere of haze, solemnity, anguish, and detachment, demonstrating Chang’s signature photographic style. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NTCAM Collection: Encounters in Reflection Time│2025/04/25-2025/08/17 Venue│NTCAM: 3A, 3B, 4B Gallery Curator│PAI Shih-ming Co-curator│TSOU Ting Artist│Atelier Hui-kan, HSU Yen-ting, HO Chau-chu, YU Chin-chang, WU Tien-chang, WU LI Yu-ge, WU Hao, WU Mali, LEE Min-jong, LEE Yung-two, LEE Tsai-chien, LEE Chung-chung, LEE Quan-pui, LEE Yih-hong, Idas Losin, LIN Chang-hu, Richard LIN, LIN Chuan-chu, YAO Chung-han, SHIH Tsui-feng, HUNG Tung-piao, HUNG Rui-lin, HU Kun-jung, NI Chiang-huai, TANG Tang-fa, HSIA Yi-fu, YUAN Goang-ming, CHANG Chao-tang, TSONG Pu, LIEN Chien-hsing, CHEN Yueh-li, CHEN I-chun, CHEN Chun-hao, CHEN Shun-chu, FU Chuan-fu, Posak Jodian, HUANG Tsai-sung, HUANG Zan-lun, YANG San-lang, YANG Chi-tung, LIU Wen-wei, CHIANG Jui-keng, CHENG Shang-his, DAI Bih-in, LO Cheng-hsien, LO Huei-ming. More Details: https://ntcart.museum/exhibition/H2503001