Stanley FUNG: Saint Anonymous
December 3 - 30, 2015
Opening Reception|Friday, December 4, 6 - 8 pm
Opening Reception|Friday, December 4, 6 - 8 pm
Stanley FUNG, The Virgin in Waiting, 100×67.5 cm 2008, courtesy of the artist
inCube Arts SPACE is pleased to announce a solo show by the Taiwan artist Stanley FUNG. Entitled Saint Anonymous, the exhibition will run from December 3 -30, 2015. inCube Arts SPACE is located at 314 West 52nd Street at second floor.
Stanley FUNG as a creator working in Photo-Imagery Art, his vocation is a Christian clergy. More than a small hobby aside from the service to God, The work of Fung in his own words, “is part of the religious contemplation, from which he is born, and, is willing die for.”
The portrait work Saint Anonymous has gone beyond the spectrum of objective depiction. These works may be seen as “poetic portrait of soul”, taking Christian humanity as its foundation, and constructing a drama within a single frame, to tell a unique view of humanity. It is based on this view of humanity that each individual in his work is not an accident derived from a series of contingent coincidence in the vast universe, nor a Naked Ape, nor a subject of desire, nor cultural animal; yet a coalescence of substance and divinity – an anxious finite being endowed with eternal consciousness.
Moreover, the work of Fung reflects his interests in time and history of humanity. His time-consciousness is not a circulated close universe, but opens to the ultimate goal created by God; and history, in his view, is an obscure way in an extremely slow manner to reveal the presence of God.
“For him, photography is not only an artistic method for expressing the self, but a way to photograph the souls of mankind. In the history of portrait photography, Edward Curtis, whose works are mostly those of North American Indians, is without a doubt the foremost pioneer in using photography to capture the soul. Although he found it difficult not to be influenced by Curtis and his works, Fung still managed to create his own style, which is an amazing feat. As a pastor, Fung discovered hints of biblical revelations amongst his fellow church members. From this, he successfully conveyed the magical powers of faith, those that make one feel calm, fulfilled, strong, and satisfied. These portraits exude a sense of spiritual sublimation, and express that even a humble mortal can also become extraordinary. The strongest characteristics of photography lie in capturing a moment. Fung’s works seem to do exactly the opposite, and are more like a slow release of the flow of time. The world is never devoid of confrontations between right and wrong, or a tug of war between good and evil. Human nature has always hovered between a bestial nature and divinity. What he captures is actually the process of awakening that occurs when one goes from being lost to being enlightened. Only with faith can one distinguish between right and wrong. From Fung’s works, we indeed see a search for redemption.” - Yuan Yi-zhong, Dust Icons, Sept. 2011.
This exhibition is sponsored by the Taipei City Department of Cultural Affairs, supported by Ministry of Culture, R.O.C. (Taiwan), Taipei Cultural Center of TECO in New York.
For further information on the artists and works, please email the inCube Arts SPACE info@incube-arts.org
About Stanley FUNG
1961
Born in Hong Kong. Father, Fung Jia-Hao, is a preacher for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
1964
Moves to Taiwan and settles in Chiayi after father is sent by the church. Father establishes the first Methodist Church in Chiayi.
1974
Participates in the Youth Fellowship at church. Receives deep insight through Bible study and faith. Repeatedly receives replies from God to prayers, and confesses to his sins. Undergoes confirmation ceremony to become a Christian.
1979
Enrolls in the Department of Arts and Crafts at XieHe High School of Industry and Commerce, and receives instruction in Printmaking from the sculptor, Mr. Dong Zheng-Ping.
1982
Takes on art design work after graduating from vocational school (excluding three years of military service). Two photography exhibitions, Beipu and Bachimen, by the photographer, Juan Yi-Zhong, inspire Fung to begin photography.
1988
Befriends photographer Chien Yung-Pin. Holds first solo photography exhibition, A Child and A Butterfly Named Alice, at Xiamen Photography Art Gallery with Chien's encouragement and asistance.
1990
Registers at Toten Photography Classroom's twelfth class, and enrolls in "Masters of Contemporary Photography and Black and White Darkroom Technique" taught by Professor Juan Yi-Zhong.
2003
Receives Master's Degree at Taiwan Theological College & Seminary.
2008
Ordained to priesthood.
AWARDS
Lion Art Best New Artist Award, Honorable Mention Award
AFGA Black and White Photography, Golden Prize
Taiwan International Exhibition Photography Art, Merit Award
Ministry of Education Photography Award, First Prize
Taipei City Art Award, Honorable Mention Award
Tainan City Art Award, First Prize
Taiwan Fine Art Exhibition, Honorable Mention Award
First BenQ The True, The Good, and The Beautiful Art Award, Second Award
Second BenQ The True, The Good, and The Beautiful Art Award, Third Award
Epson Color Imaging Contest, Merit Award
SOPA, Excellence in Feature Photography, 2011
First ROC National Art Exhibition, Photography, Bronze Prize, 2012
Second ROC National Art Exhibition, Photography, Golden Prize, 2013
Third ROC National Art Exhibition, Photography, Silver Prize (without a golden prize winner), 2014
First Photo Shanghai, Modern Weekly Photography Award, 2014