“God Only Knows”
Statement
Loosely inspired by George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” and the album “Pet Sounds” by the Beach Boys, “God Only Knows” is about what it’s like to be an animal in the modern world.
Photographer’s statement
After graduating from university, I moved from America to China and made a photo diary project called “My Little Dead Dick” with my girlfriend at the time, which drew a lot of attention overseas. When the project ended, I moved the base of my activities to Japan, because I had always been attracted to Japanese photography, but I began to think it would be impossible to create a work that surpassed my earlier project. I tried taking new photos over the next four years, but I had lost sight of my direction and did nothing but age. But, last fall I hit on the idea of “God Only Knows.” I thought this work would be my last attempt and if it didn’ t turn out, I would abandon photography. But now, at the end of several years of conflict, I can at last trust in my own judgment.
- 1981:Born in the U.S.A.
- 2003:Graduated from the Film/TV Department of Tisch School of the Arts, New York University
Moved to Taipei, Taiwan and began photography - 2006:Moved to China and started the photo diary project “My Little Dead Dick”
- 2008:Short-listed photographer for Festival des Artes de la Mode, Hyres, France
Converse Ad Campaign for 2008 Beijin Olympic Games
Moved to Japan - 2011:Freelance
Selecting judge: Katsumi Omori
These photos feel like they have depth despite being monaural. His photos are a bit too good, though (smile). They have a dynamism, but not in the sense of surface movement. This is true not just of the animals but of the space around them as well. The works overall have a pleasant airy feel about them. I like the way he’s focused outward and is not looking too intently at himself. I’d love to see where he is going next and what he is going to photograph.
