Annie Hsiao-wen Wang, Taylor Kaku (T.K) – VDXIII
ANNIE HSIAO-WEN WANG
REMNANT
This project has been a two-year journey which began when my husband and I moved to Thailand in 2014. Living on the beach, we saw the dire state of our oceans and the extensive level of plastic pollution. Everyday, millions of tons of disposable plastic waste is generated in every corner of the world. Everyday, the remnants of these wastes are washed up on the shores, and into the sea.
It is estimated that 50-80% of sea turtles in the world have ingested plastic, mistaking them for food. These plastic bags fill up their stomachs but do not give them life-sustaining nutrients; and in the end, the turtles die of starvation. Worldwide, six of the seven sea turtles species are now classified as threatened or endangered.
This work is about questioning our disposable culture, and the excessive human consumption of our times. It is a battle cry for our oceans, and for all the animals of our seas.
Born in Taipei and raised in Australia since 1990, Annie is an inter-disciplinary artist. She is the recipient of several art awards; and has exhibited internationally in cities all over Australia, as well as USA, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Her work has been widely documented in both the Australian and international press. Many of her works are now held in public and private collections around the globe.
This project is proudly supported by One Brown Planet: www.onebrownplanet.com
這個計劃是從2014年我和我先生搬到泰國時開始；那時我們住的房子靠近沙灘，目睹海洋受塑膠污染的可怕狀況。每天，我們在世界每個角落製造成千上萬頓的塑膠製品。每天，這些塑膠廢棄物被沖刷上岸，再被捲入海洋裡。
估計全世界有50-80%的海龜會誤認這些塑料為食物而吞食，這些塑膠袋會充滿它們的胃，但是卻並未提供他們生存的養分，最終這些烏龜就會因沒有營養而餓死。現在，全世界有七分之六的海龜種類已頻臨絕種。
我希望這件作品對我們現在”一次性使用即丟的文化”,和這個時代”人類過度的消費行為”，提出質疑和反思；是一種呼喊，為海洋也為海洋裡所有的動物。
Annie在台北出生，1990年時遷移並成長於澳洲，是跨學科的藝術家，曾榮獲多項的藝術獎項，在澳洲、美國、香港、和台灣的國際都市都展覽過。她的作品多次被澳洲及國際媒體所報導，現今多數作品已在世界各地被美術館及私人所收藏。
TAYLOR KAKU (T.K)
Artist Bio:
Taylor Kaku is a mixed-media artist living in Taipei, Taiwan, who works in sculpture, installation, painting, and drawing. Kaku received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in intermedia sculpture from the University of Utah (Salt Lake City, Utah) in 2013. From 2011 to 2014, he had taken part in many group exhibitions in Salt Lake City. In 2014, he returned to his hometown, Taipei; and work as a freelance artist. In spring 2016, Kaku established an art studio space, Riverside, located in Banqiao District, New Taipei City. Since then, he has managed the mid size studio with a group of emerging artists and young entrepreneurs; meanwhile, he continuing pursues his artist career.
Artist Statement:
My works are about issues that related to human development such as human nature, environment, religion, technology, wealth distribution, and politics. They have been extremely diverse and they also illustrate my exploration of different materials. What I use to create my works helps determine the topic and allows me to continue to push myself to create, explore, and introduce new mediums. Meanwhile, they Often related to nature and human concerns, while exposing our inner darkness, giving them the capability to concurrently attract and repulse.
I challenge myself by using symbolism, sarcasm, narratives, and metaphors to guide the connections between my works and the audience. Past works have discussed food, petroleum industry, mental disorder, and political struggle. Through personal and universal symbols created from a variety of materials and processes that come together to tell real and fictional stories.
In the last couple of years I have been thinking about who I am and what my main theme is. I gradually have found myself to be a dark artist. I work in the dark to serve the light. By representing the dark and negative side through the surreal, panic and strange sculptures, I hope to promote mutual understanding, respect, and assistance.
“T K” <stormrage1017@gmail.com>
