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Li Tung
Li Tung

September 17 : 2025

Li Tung

Li Tun's International Discovery of the Year-winning image can be read in various ways, which is part of its inherent magic. Are these three bodies embracing protectively or in a bonding, sentimental way? Either way, the figures seem to blend together, almost as if an abstract painting has come to life.

by Lily Fierman

"Embodied Syntax"

Q:

Can you tell us more about creating your winning image, “Embodied Syntax?”

A:

This work is an extension of my long-term art series Form (體). I have always been deeply fascinated by the fragmented nature of human self-perception. This curiosity began during my university philosophy courses, where I discovered a small yet profound blind spot in how we think: we understand our own existence through abstract concepts, not as tangible objects like chairs, apples, or dogs

This led me to wonder if our understanding of our own bodies is inherently distanced, could our bodies express far more than we perceive? Around that time, my friend Olivia, a professional nude model, invited me to photograph a group of her fellow models. I decided to expand my exploration from a single body to multiple bodies, allowing us to experiment in the studio with the possibilities and interactions between body, mind, and limbs, transforming the body from the concrete into the abstract.

For me, art is a medium to express the concepts I wish to convey, so most of my works are thoroughly planned in advance rather than captured by chance.

Q:

Who are the models? 

A:

All the models who participated in this project are outstanding and highly professional nude models based in Taiwan. I am immensely grateful to Olivia, Wen, Elfie, Siena, Gary, and Justin. Without their exceptional performances, this work would not have been possible.

Q:

Did you go into this shoot knowing the image you wanted to create, or was this more of an unexpected moment? 

A:

This image was carefully pre-designed. For me, art is a medium to express the concepts I wish to convey, so most of my works are thoroughly planned in advance rather than captured by chance.

Q:

What inspires you?

A:

A mentor once told me, “Without pain in your heart, you cannot be a great artist.” I know I am not great, but what inspires and drives me has always been the desire to express and heal the wounds I have carried since childhood.

Many people have inspired me along the way. I am especially grateful to renowned Taiwanese photographer Chang Chao-Tang and acclaimed Taiwanese director Huang Hsin-Yao. Chang’s work, which directly confronts the depth and rawness of human nature, helped me find my own artistic path. A single piece of advice from Huang during an event became a pivotal turning point that brought me to where I am today.

Q:

In your bio, you mention your core belief, “The art can reflect yourself.” Can you go into more details about this?

A:

I believe true art is not merely a stacking of techniques or aesthetic theories. The works that truly move people always carry the weight of the human soul and emotion. The image you create is always honest. Even if you try to disguise your desire, hatred, joy, or pleasure with refined techniques, traces of your true intentions will still emerge in the details.

That is why I strive to be completely honest with myself in my work. Only by truly confronting and reflecting on myself can I create something meaningful.

Q:

How did you find your style?

A:

My path did not begin in the arts. Growing up under the intense pressure of Asia’s elite educational system, I initially trained as a civil engineer. Eventually, I chose to follow my heart and pursue photography and art.

Throughout this journey, I have continuously dug deeply into my inner world, from my surface-level preferences to my most fundamental personal values and beliefs. Carrying that mindset into my work naturally led me to develop the visual language and style I have today.

Q:

What are you working on next? 

A:

I am still exploring the realm of body art. My current goal is to merge my artistic style with diverse materials, pushing further into the boundaries between body and consciousness.

My upcoming projects will involve more participants than ever before. I hope that by incorporating a larger number and greater variety of people into my works, viewers will be prompted to reflect more deeply on what their own existence means to them.

Q:

What would be your dream subject? 

A:

My dream collaborators would be actors with extraordinary expressive abilities. I have long admired performers like Joaquin Phoenix, Arimura Kasumi, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Bae Sue Ji.

If I ever had the chance to work with such incredible talents whose performances and presence captivate me, I believe we could create something beyond perfection and imagination. I know that may just be wishful thinking, but it is a dream that continues to inspire me.

ARTIST

Li Tung

Li Tung

Location:

Taiwan

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Art of Storytelling Contest

Art of Storytelling Contest

Regular Submission

Sep 8th - Nov 7th

Extended Submission

Nov 7th - Dec 17th

The Art of Storytelling Contest by the 1839 Awards honors the craft of visual storytelling through photography

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