I have been working in Taiwan since January 2021. I met Chih-Wei Peng there. He enabled me to experience many things, and I was able to learn much about Taiwanese culture and lifestyle.
After the war, Japan abolished the feudalistic family system. The Western-style nuclear family concept permeated from the period of high economic growth, and the nuclear family progressed. Now, the problems arising from the declining birthrate and single elderly people are serious. Taiwan, on the other hand, still cherishes the traditional Asian sense of family. However, as in Japan, poor, young working people are becoming a problem. Even if they have a family, they cannot become independent from their parents, and they must support a large family such as children and elderly parents with a small salary. Taiwan is a society where women's social advancement and LGBTQ policies are progressing, but I was surprised to find that the patriarchal society in Taiwan is even stronger than in Japan. The advancement of women in society does not lead to the improvement of women's social and family status; the burden on women is particularly heavy at home; men place great importance on saving face.
In such a society, Chih-Wei Peng is working as a temporary worker to protect his family as a man. He works day and night to earn as much money as possible. His motto is to protect his family as a man. I also lecture on gender studies at university, but even the word gender bias felt hollow in front of him desperately living in the present.
What is family? What is money? What is life? What is happiness?
Each question above is without an answer, but his way of life may be one answer.
Saori Baba
Chih-Wei Peng, a single father supporting two daughters as a man in Taiwan, where the patriarchal system remains strong. His parents care for his daughters at their house while he continues working day and night. He has moved all over Taiwan and is living as a migrant worker who is physically and mentally on the edge. His only pleasure is seeing his daughters a few times a month.
“I protect my family as a man.” These word sounds terribly dated in today's world of diverse lifestyles. But who can deny his way of life?
His name is Chih-Wei Peng.
Saori Baba Profile
1978
Born in Fukuoka City
2015
Completed the master's course at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Kyushu Sangyo University (KSU)
2018
Completed the doctoral program at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, KSU; Obtained a PhD in art.
April 2020 to present
Part-time lecturer at the Faculty of Arts, KSU
January 2021 to present
Assistant Professor, College of Arts, Tainan University of Technology.
Solo Exhibitions
2015
2.7% - I developed early-onset breast cancer (EOBC), Nikon Salon, Shinjuku, Tokyo
2016
The View Through My Blood, Sony Imaging Gallery, Ginza, Tokyo
2016
Bachata en Fukuoka, Sony Store Fukuoka Tenjin, Fukuoka
2019
peeping room, Hiroki Oda Museum of Art, Kama City, Fukuoka
Group Exhibitions
2014
On the way by Graduate School of Fine Arts, KSU, Konica Minolta Plaza, Tokyo
2015
The Emerging Photography Artist 2015, Roppongi AXIS, Tokyo; Received Sony Award
2015
Kurashiki Photomural f, Okayama
2016
Mitsubishi Corporation Gate Art Program Winners' Exhibition, Tokyo
2016
New Generation Art Frontier Exhibition, Fukuoka
2016
Kurashiki Photomural f, Okayama
2017
U-Mu Q Exhibition by Faculty of Art and Design, KSU, Ueno Royal Museum, Tokyo
2018
Epson meet up! Exhibition, Tokyo
2022
APA Award 2022, 50th Japan Advertising Photographers' Association Exhibition, Tokyo
Awards and Publications
2013
Her work was published in “Your shot” selected by the editors, August issue of the English version of National Geographic magazine in the United States.
2016
Her works were featured on seven pages in “Cameraman Frontline” in the September issue of Monthly Cameraman published by Motor Magazine Ltd.
2016
Winner of the Mitsubishi Corporation Gate Art Program. Her works were purchased.
2016
Winner of the New Generation Art Frontier Exhibition
November 2018 to December 2019
Serialized as an official writer at web Cameraman by Motor Magazine Ltd.
2019
Received the Epson meet up! Selection Excellence Award.
I have been working in Taiwan since January 2021. I met Chih-Wei Peng there. He enabled me to experience many things, and I was able to learn much about Taiwanese culture and lifestyle.
After the war, Japan abolished the feudalistic family system. The Western-style nuclear family concept permeated from the period of high economic growth, and the nuclear family progressed. Now, the problems arising from the declining birthrate and single elderly people are serious. Taiwan, on the other hand, still cherishes the traditional Asian sense of family. However, as in Japan, poor, young working people are becoming a problem. Even if they have a family, they cannot become independent from their parents, and they must support a large family such as children and elderly parents with a small salary. Taiwan is a society where women's social advancement and LGBTQ policies are progressing, but I was surprised to find that the patriarchal society in Taiwan is even stronger than in Japan. The advancement of women in society does not lead to the improvement of women's social and family status; the burden on women is particularly heavy at home; men place great importance on saving face.
In such a society, Chih-Wei Peng is working as a temporary worker to protect his family as a man. He works day and night to earn as much money as possible. His motto is to protect his family as a man. I also lecture on gender studies at university, but even the word gender bias felt hollow in front of him desperately living in the present.
What is family? What is money? What is life? What is happiness?
Each question above is without an answer, but his way of life may be one answer.
Saori Baba