Xu Yang-Cong – Passing Through the Human World

Text and Images / Chen Chi-Hsiang

Yang-Cong passed through the human world with grace, like a bright star streaking across the sky. His untimely death is truly lamentable. He was one of the outstanding artist friends I met during my artistic activities in Taiwan. We both had solo exhibitions at Taipei's Pema Gallery, which was a space for our artistic activities. We often met at opening receptions and art lectures, sharing common ideals about art and a concern for the direction of humanistic art on this land.

Earlier this year, before returning to Paris, I was participating in a contemporary art symposium in Chiayi when, to my surprise, Yang-Cong and Pema-Lianhua unexpectedly appeared at the venue. From his gaunt and frail figure, I realized he was battling for his life (undergoing chemotherapy). I quickly understood and visited him in Dounan a few days later, documenting his studio and conducting an in-depth interview. We both sang our hearts out within art. I never imagined that by the time I returned to Taiwan at the end of the year, he had already passed away.

I can only gaze at the distant sky, using the title of his photography collection, "Passing Through the Human World." Here, through this text, I bow in remembrance of my artist friend Yang-Cong. Rest in peace, my friend.