Tang Chan – Reaching her goals
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- In: Interviews, Shuttercrack
If I had to describe Tang Chan’s work in one word I would say: distance. Even though she shoots portraits most of the time, there is a certain space between the viewer and the subject in her work. I stumbled upon her through a shuttercrack submission and fell instantley in love with her portfolio. You can see her work in real life at the CFYE “Spirit Level” exposition in Amsterdam during this month. Now first a interview with the great Tang herself.
Who’s the person behind the photos?
My name is Tang Chan, I’m from China. My major is Art and Fashion design, and I’m also an editor.
What got you into photography, and what makes you keep on doing it?
It’s about 7 months ago (Mar. 2009) when I really begin to take photos.I just end up a project at that time,came back from another city.I’ve learned a lot from the experience of this project,my viewpoint somehow changed.When I saw my new artist friend’s easy way of life,I noticed another lifestyle. Then I started to try to slow down the temple of living and picked up my camera again.
If we’d like to trade something for a photo you made, what should the CFYE delivery man bring to your door?
It’s up to you:)
What’s your favourite item to take on the road with you?
Camera, a reading or a novel to take with.
Best shooting location we should check out?
If the spot that I’m passing by have sth that attracted me, I’ll stop to take it in. i prefer taking photos which is based on ‘occasionality’ , not on some specific locations. It’s better creating the fun by yourself rather than waiting them happen.
Tell us about your work as a photographer, did you just picked up a camera and educate yourself?
Keep pressing the shutter. You need to realize what you like and what you want.
What’s your camera setup?
I used NIKON FM2 and RICHO, and OLYMPUS Mjull for now.
How does your environment react on you taking your camera everywhere and shooting all the time?
There are always my friends in the pictures and it’s like they all get used to facing my camera.
What’s the strangest thing that ever happened to you when you were out shooting photos?
There used to be an interesting experience with deep impression when I took photos in a museum, it is an exhibition about Netherland’s contemporary art. My sight was attracted by a corner with beautiful light when I was ready to leave, I looked at it and considered how I can keep and make this moment more interesting, so I took that photo.
What I didnot understant is my friend and I seems to become people’s focus of attention, after talking with some of them, they seemed to consider this kind of things is fresh and took for granted when they knew we were art students. However, I think even you are not working in art industry or majoring in this area, you can still fill your life with beauty and fun. So some of these people’s reactions really made me confuse.
(pic @ www.flickr.com/photos/tangchan/3770684475/in/set-72157612256725019/ )
Who is your favourite movie/gaming/cartoon character?
I like Christopher Nolan and Woody Allen’s work, they’ve made me think a lot from every different ways.
A movie I recently watched named “Kirschblüten – Hanami” which was directed by the German director Doris Dörrie was really moved me. And one of my favorite cartoons is “Tekkon kinkreet” ,which is directed by Michael Arias and edited by Japanese cartoonist Taiyo Matsumoto.
Which artist would you like to work with?
I admire Rei Kawakubo, Olivier Zahm, Jefferson Hack, (M/M)Pairs and Nick knight.
If you could fill a swimming pool with something, what would it be?
In fact,I had an experience just like this.
You can check them from the address below,
(pic@ www.flickr.com/photos/tangchan/3685782085/in/set-72157612256725019/ )
(and @ www.flickr.com/photos/tangchan/3686589818/in/set-72157612256725019/ )
Favourite city, and coolest thing about it?
I’ll live and continue my studing in Paris next year, that’s really a thrill for me,and things will become much more interesting!
I’ve been lived and worked in Shanghai for a period.It’s a city that full of exciting things and people which is really attracted me.
I admire and curious about Antwerpen because of it’s revolution in fashion and the spirit of development.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I have a project called “Fashion Perspective Monthly” ( tangz.blogbus.com/c2470714/ ).It’s about creations of fashion,and it keeps going. I hope to create more work that are fun and honest to my heart,which can also inspire more different viewpoint. I am now doing my best to reach this goal.
