Today we’d like to introduce you to Hsing-Chia Hsieh.
Hi Hsing-Chia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It was because I wanted to document the clouds in the sky when I was age 16, then I asked my mom to buy a camera for me. Photography to me, is a way to make connections with people. I documented my subjects because of my obsession with memories. Through my photographs, I wanted to let people have some things to look at afterward. I was influenced by performing arts since high school, especially in theater. I take behind the scene photos and work as a crew in the theater. Then I worked at a bridal shop for engagement photos and family portraits for about six years in Taipei, Taiwan. I came to the United States in 2019 and earned my M.F.A. in Photography in 2023.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are for sure, some tears and some laughter along the way. Everything takes time to learn, many challenges came on my way. The most struggle thing will be: Being away from home. I lost some of my family members when I’m far away from them. These have also been part of my latest photographic project- Recover from Oblivion, A photobook reminiscent of my memories with family and how I understand them throughout the times.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My recent artwork is an immersive exhibition related to my handcrafted photobook- Recover from Oblivion. Recover from Oblivion is originally a book conveying my longing for my family when I am far from home. It is also about self-discovery, making me aware of what makes me become myself nowadays.
The exhibition was separated into different rooms, including a bedroom- representing my rental house in Savannah, a reading room with my books, and a studio.
The viewer came to the space in which I printed some images from the book, built up installations in which the viewer can find clues in the book, and shared some still-life framed works, which were the extension of the book concept.
The exhibition creates an intimate atmosphere that brings the viewer a new way of seeing family photos nowadays.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I am thankful for people who pay attention to my photobook. The story is personal to me but also universal to each of you. This is our story. We are all connected and have mutual emotions with our loved ones. I want to thank my parents, all of my family members. Also, my professors and peers at the SCAD Photography program. Your support means the world to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hsingchia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riantlove/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hsingchiahsieh/
Image Credits
My personal photo credit is to Willy Wong and Marco Chen. Exhibition photos credited to me, Hsing-Chia Hsieh.
