Transcendental Visions of Ko Si-Chi's Art Works

Chinese American Arts Council/Gallery 456, the Taipei Cultural Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in New York, and Studio Ko are pleased to co-present Transcendental Visions of Ko Si-Chi’s Art Works at Gallery 456, on view September 22 through October 13, 2023.

We invite you to embark on a journey into the captivating world of Ko Si-Chi, one of Taiwan’s most celebrated contemporary photographers. In the realm where photography meets artistry, Ko Si-Chi’s unique talent shines as an artist whose work transcends borders, captivates audiences worldwide, and achieves international acclaim as a testament to his exceptional skill.

Ko Si-Chi’s rise in the international art scene began in 2006, the same year he received the prestigious National Literature and Art Award from the National Culture and Arts Foundation. It was during this time that his influential “Mind Images” series found a home with Cercle D’art, a renowned French art book publishing house known for its association with great artists like Picasso and Zao Wou-Ki. The publication of his self-titled photography album “Ko Si-Chi” was a defining moment that affirmed his artistic prowess. This album, available in both French and English editions, reached art lovers across the globe. This marked a significant achievement for Taiwanese photography, as Ko Si-Chi’s creations illuminated the global stage and cemented his esteemed status in the international art community.

Among his works, the masterpiece “Sea of Golden Light” received the remarkable honor of being featured in UNESCO’s 1997 desk diary, commemorating the Year of Water Environmental Protection. This recognition not only was a great honor for Ko Si-Chi but also positioned “Sea of Golden Light” as an iconic representation of Taiwan’s cultural image, cherished by collectors at home and abroad.

Ko Si-Chi’s innovative spirit led him to experiment with dye-transfer photographic printing, a technique developed in part by photographer Jeannette Klute at Kodak. Ko Si-Chi’s use of dye-transfer enhanced the depth and visual appeal of his beloved works such as “Presence of Venus,” “Olay! Antonyo (Bullfighting),” “Look Over the Sea,” and “Grandma Maria.” The striking interplay of light and shadow in these prints invites viewers to rediscover his art with each gaze. These pieces, characterized by vibrant color and lasting durability, rival the allure of traditional oil paintings. In doing so , Ko Si-Chi elevates color photography to the highest realm of artistic expression.

In an era overflowing with images and the widespread influence of AI-generated images, traditional photography faces unprecedented challenges. The proliferation of AI-generated images blurs the lines of reality, allowing for the manipulation of time and space in photographs. However, in this era of rapid replication, the ability to evoke emotion and resonate with the soul becomes increasingly rare. These fleeting moments are mere passing trends in the grand landscape of time.

For Ko Si-Chi, though, photography goes beyond the surface. It becomes a means of expressing the artist’s inner essence. Through his lens, scenes are transformed into enduring works of art, capturing the spirit of the times while offering solace to the human spirit. Ko Si-Chi’s photographs are a testament to the enduring power of a medium that weaves the fabric of beauty and spirituality, destined to stand the test of time.

Join us on this visual journey as we celebrate the profound artistry of Ko Si-Chi, a pioneering photographer whose work transcends boundaries, speaks to the heart, and underscores the timeless allure of photography.