This Period

Text and images by Chen Chi-Hsiang. During the crisp autumn days, I return to my beloved homeland—Taiwan—like a migratory bird. This period has clearly revealed my transformation; much like my current work, as stated in the press release for my solo exhibition "Seeking My Sky in the 'Mirror'": "Change is to get closer to truth, more aligned with present consciousness, with no other intent. Present reality is more fascinating than value or price." Flux becomes life's truth.

The environment shifts with the mind; people, affairs, and things change with it. No longer stirring up dust or clinging outwardly, nor pleasing others, I note that while Taiwanese warmth is profound, worldly complexities are entangling. Emotional blackmail often occurs, consciously or not, where concerns for relationships and interests create inseparable ties that crush the heart and exhaust body and mind. Non-intimate connections should be left to fate; forcing them only tires the heart.

This period feels little external expansion. Following the flow of life consciousness, I slowly liberate myself from relationships, experiencing a sudden clarity. Viewing people and things lightly, I assume responsibility for my own life consciousness, earnestly embracing myself to live a brilliant life. Affirming and bravely being myself, why waste time when life is short? Under heaven's gift, I intuitively and freely do my best, living earnestly. Life has nothing else but facing, tasting, and experiencing all its joys and sorrows alone, bearing my responsibilities, living out my energy, with no regrets or remorse.