BE THERE
Habitat 7Presented by Julie Saul Gallery February 16, 2006- March 25, 2006Jeff Chien-Hsing Liao
Having lived in the shadow of the 7 train for many years, Liao continues to be fascinated with the diverse complexity of the communities that lie therein. As he says: "In my imagery, you will see 7 trains relentlessly rumble through different communities, and along its tracks vibrant details of these thriving communities that depend on the very existence of the train." In order to acheive his vision, Liao relies on a background in documentary photography, and draws influence from photographers such as Bernd and Hilla Becher and Andreas Gursky. However, Liao's work moves well beyond the sphere of traditional documentation. Using a large format 8 x 10 negative, he takes several pictures of the same location over the course of a day and uses digital technology to combine elements captured in the various exposures into images that are at once sweeping in scope, and packed with minute details. This method allows him something of the discretion of a painter in composing his pictures, and allows an individual image to span several hours of time. At the root of Liao's work lies an intensely humanist impulse: "The main elements that comprise the image are the physical details of the neighborhoods and human activities that exist within....I'm always interested in observing how these people both uphold their ethnic traditions and pursue the typical American Dream." The Queens Musuem of Art will also present an exhibition of this work from March 12 through July 9.
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