Join us for Q&As with Dir. Singing Chen following 2 special screenings of the artist documentaries MOUNTAIN SPIRITS and EARS SWITCHED OFF AND ON on Oct 20 and 22 at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
Taipei Cultural Center is delighted to announce the collaboration with the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts to present the final screenings of our 25th anniversary film series: MOUNTAIN SPIRITS and EARS SWITCHED OFF AND ON by the rising Taiwanese director Singing Chen. Mountain Spirits is the documentary about the Taiwanese acclaimed artist Wang Wen-Chih who has been taking part in various international art festivals including Venice Biennale in recent years. Using the natural materials of bamboo, rattan, and wood to express a profound serenity, and drawing on his memories of growing up in the mountains, Wang’s work displays both a unique vision and style in contemporary art. This documentary captures Wang’s attitude to life and his passion for nature in which both the work and the artist himself evoke the spirit of the mountain. 68min. Mandarin with English subtitles.
“If you don’t want to see something, you can close your eyes. But if you don’t want to hear something, you can’t turn off your ears.” Ears Switched Off and On delves into Taiwan’s underground sound scene, documenting some of the pioneers of sound art since the 1990s who have received scant notice from the mainstream: Dino, Fujui Wang and Lin Chi-Wei. 93min. Mandarin with English subtitles.
Singing Chen is amongst the most talented young directors in Taiwan, recognized for her highly stylized approach. Her films convey far-ranging observations of contemporary society and the environment, with penetrating depictions of characters and life situations. She uses magical realism to express the absurdity of contemporary society in order to expose its larger structural issues. Her tightly structured narratives develop subtle emotions and capture a unique humor.
Mountain Spirits
Thu, Oct 20 at 6:00 pm
Ears Switched Off and On
Sat, Oct 22 at 2:30 pm
Q&As with Dir. Singing Chen on both screenings
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, 3F Screening Room
（40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York）
Free Admission. Seating is on a first-come first-served basis. Space is limited.
