In contemporary art, Ju Jun-Ai stands out for his uncanny ability to combine photography, video, and cultural discourse, both as an artist and as a curator. Her work reflects a deep understanding of historical and cultural context, and she is known for hosting exhibitions that challenge traditional notions of representation. Nevertheless, she is committed to respecting the artist’s vision and embodies that delicate balance as a curator. Chu’s curation process brings together art, documentation, and theater to make exhibition spaces immersive and invite audiences to explore complex ideas in new and interesting ways.
One of her most notable achievements as a curator is the exhibition “The President at an In-Between Stage,” which opened in Tokyo in 2019. The exhibition displayed photos and videos of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen taken by the chief photographer. The exhibition, held at the prestigious Tokyo Hillside Terrace, featured photographic and video recordings of important historical events in Taiwan. Chu’s curatorial approach elevated the images from documentary photography to reflections of leadership, public perception, and the carefully crafted reality of political figures in the digital age.
This exhibition explored the fluid boundaries between documentation, theater, and reality through the concept of “document theater.” In an era of poststructuralism and the redefinition of truth, this exhibition raised important questions about the authenticity of reproduced images. President Tsai Ing-wen is portrayed not simply as a political leader, but as a dynamic figure shaped by a variety of social forces, including media portrayals, academic scrutiny, and public discourse. Through Chu’s lens, the president has become a multifaceted symbol, constantly reinterpreted by the world around him.
In addition to manipulating perceptions of time and space, Chu’s curatorial choices allowed the exhibition to be perceived as an interactive event that oscillated between reality and imagination. Chu used thoughtful lighting and spatial design to transform real historical moments into theatrical narratives, enhancing the documentary nature of his photographs. Chu’s curatorial approach is characterized by a combination of documentary photography with elements of performance and theater, making viewing an immersive and participatory experience.
In 2020, Chu will be organizing the exhibition “Visualizing the City: Makoto Lin X Taipei 101” at Taipei 101, showcasing her innovative curatorial skills. Taipei 101, Taipei’s most famous architectural landmark, was the focus of this multimedia show. Chu and Lin used various visual techniques such as parallax views and mirror images to deconstruct the city’s urban landscape. Viewers were able to see Taipei’s architecture, culture, and history in a whole new light as a result of this dynamic exploration.
From the observation deck at the top, we could see a vast cityscape that reflected memory, culture, and imagination. The concept of the exhibition was “folding,” and Taipei 101 functioned both as an observer and as a subject. Chu and Lin’s multi-layered viewing experience invites viewers to examine how cities are constructed, both literally and figuratively, by juxtaposing interior and exterior spaces, present and past. I did. The show not only offered a new perspective on Taipei, but also challenged traditional notions of urban representation.
The visualization of the city is particularly noteworthy given Taipei 101’s iconic status. Rather than seeing Taiwan as a symbol of Taiwan’s modernity and global influence, Chu reimagined it as a site of cultural exchange. Through this exhibition, Taipei 101 became more than just a tourist attraction, but a place to reflect on art and culture, and was etched on the map as a living part of the city’s history.
Chu’s impact on the international arts community extends beyond these large-scale projects. Her exhibitions as a curator and artist in Istanbul in 2023 and London in 2024 included “The Dark Side” at the Boomer Gallery in London; In addition to the meticulous attention to detail in her own creative practice, her photographic work is deeply influenced by her curatorial expertise.
Chu’s work reflects a continuing interest in how photography can offer deeper and more complex insights beyond its documentary roots. She is always deeply engaged with the world around her: political figures, urban landscapes, and personal themes. Throughout his exhibitions, Chu consistently encourages viewers to engage with his work intellectually and emotionally.
In the world of contemporary art, Ju Jun-Ai has had an undeniable influence. She is able to balance cultural awareness with bold artistic choices. By continuing to push the boundaries of art’s interaction with society, Chu’s work gives viewers the opportunity to consider how art can reshape how we understand reality, expression, and identity.
Source: Our Culture – ourculturemag.com
