Wayward Decision aims to explore the intricate relationship between human influence and the natural environment. The book reveals the story of Banping Mountain that the seemingly natural forest was actually a meticulously engineered landscape, and the discovery prompted the artist to question what “nature” truly means.

In the first part of the book, “Understanding the Mountain”, the artist merged different timelines of Banping Mountain by covering the cement-encrusted model of the mountain with stickers of white popinac. In the second part, “Natural Cycle”, the artist captured the interplay between people and the mountain, reflecting the dynamic force that exists in nature.

Published in 2023
17.5 x 24cm
96 pages
Website Link to Book: Here

Showcased as part of Lightbox Photo Library: Travelling Photobook Showcase and Jimei x Arles: Travelling Photobook Showcase at the 9th SIPF Photobook Showcase 2024

Artist Biography:

Chen Ying-Yun is a photographer born and raised in Kaohsiung. His photography delves into the interplay between human activities and the environment, casting a spotlight on the profound consequences of our actions on the world that envelops us. Chen’s lens exposes the complex transformations occurring in Kaohsiung’s urban landscape, as the city undergoes a metamorphosis to redefine its industrial identity through beautification projects.

Chen believes that photography, in the context of evolving landscapes, serves a higher purpose than mere documentation. It becomes a potent tool for raising awareness about the multifaceted issues stemming from the pursuit of a superficial exterior, fostering a deeper understanding of the environmental and societal consequences that accompany such transformations