JO-YIN, CHEN
Eternity and Evanesce
"Eternity and Evanesce," is centered around the preservation and rediscovery of old streets in Taiwan. These streets hold enormous cultural significance as they represent the history, memories, and stories of our ancestors who migrated to Taiwan for various reasons such as wars, business, religion, and more. Inspired by my grandparents' stories and their love for these places, I embarked on a journey to visit both preserved and abandoned old streets to rediscover the memories of the past.
Through my project, create a visual narrative that show the contrasting outcomes of preserved and unpreserved old streets. Some of these streets have been carefully preserved and maintained, attracting visitors as popular tourist destinations. They serve as living museums, where the stories of our ancestors are preserved and passed down through generations. In contrast, many other old streets have been left to decay and fade away, covered by vegetation and forgotten by the modern world. These unpreserved streets are remind of the fragility of cultural heritage and the consequences of neglect.
Using black and white photography, I capture the architectural structures, the traces left behind by our ancestors, and the impact of care and neglect by their descendants. The images evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to the past, while also highlighting the beauty and fragility of these old streets. By compose each shot to show the details of carvings, dark areas, and cracks on the buildings, ensuring that the entire structure is captured and represented.
By presenting a series of image comparisons, viewers can witness the different outcomes of preservation and neglect. I hope to raise awareness about the need for preserving cultural heritage and inspire viewers to reflect on the consequences that arise from different choices and mindsets, encouraging them to take action in preserving memories that are on the verge of being forgotten.
















