Born in 1956 in Changhua, Taiwan
Lives and works in Taipei, Taiwan
Wu Tien-Chang received a bachelor of fine arts from the Chinese Culture University (1980). Wu’s work reveals the contradictions of the photographic medium, with its apparent reality, yet often contrived and fictitious nature. He makes costumes, props, and backdrops for his elaborate and surreal sets, and directs his actors to perform. He digitally recombines, deforms, and reshapes dozens of snapshots taken during carefully staged sessions, to create theatrical and painterly photographs. The resulting works depict surreal and haunting scenes, deeply steeped in Wu’s interests in photographic theories and Taiwan’s complex history and culture.
Wu Tien-Chang has exhibited internationally, including Farewell, Spring and Autumn Pavilions, Unlimited sector, Art Basel, Basel, Switzerland (2024); Liquid Glare — Wu Tien-Chang Solo Exhibition, The 8th Madatac, Conde Duque Centro Cultural, Madrid, Spain (2017); Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Aspinwall house, Kochi, India (2016);Taiwan Pavilion, Venice Biennial (2015), Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taipei, Taiwan (2011, 2009, 1990, 1987); Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, Kaohsiung, Taiwan (2011, 2010); Soho Photo Gallery, New York, U.S. (2010); Hong Kong Arts Centre, Hong Kong (2010); Eslite Gallery, Taipei, Taiwan (2010); Art Beijing, Beijing, China (2009); Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei, Taiwan (2009); National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Taichung, Taiwan (2009); National Art Museum of China, Beijing, China (2009); Taipei Cultural Center, New York, U.S. (2008); and MOMA Contemporary, Fukuoka, Japan (1997).