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FIGURE OF NOTE:

Hubert Yang | Photographer

Based in Taiwan, Hubert Yang resides above a fresh market street in a light filled apartment where he spends his time creating through photography.
Don McCullin once said, “Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling.” To be witness to the work of Hubert Yang is like perceiving the world anew. A single leaf, rocks worn by time, a crease of skin, a parcel of light at a certain time of day. A romantic notion amongst simple existence, not to see but to feel. Elegantly speaking to his humble and gentle character, Hubert’s bravura lies in the intention “A lot is demure and unsaid but it’s the power of feeling that is conveyed”.
Dressed in the 02 robe in deep black on the coast of Taipei, Hubert shares with us some insight into his world. 

Location: Taipei, Taiwan

Date: 03/03/22

Time: 3:50pm

 

 

 


Where are you from and where are you now?
I was originally born and lived in New York until I was around 4-5 years old. Later on, moved to Taichung where I grew up most of my life. It’s a city with perfect weather and serenity. Recently, I decided to move to Taipei to seek for more work possibilities.

 

What is your cultural background?
I am of Taiwanese ancestry. Taiwan has always been a journey of romance to me. I guess a lot of my work reflects off it. A lot is demure and unsaid but it’s the power of feeling that is conveyed.

 

Do you prefer mornings or evenings?
I used to prefer evenings, but now I am becoming more of a morning person. I love to start the day slowly with soothing ambient music, jazz or boss nova and practice yoga.

 

Do you have any rituals you never fail to begin or end the day with?
I ritualistically burn Palo Santo when I return home to cleanse my aura and the entire house. It makes me feel calm and tranquil.

 

Can you describe where you live and the view from your bedroom?
I live just above a fresh market street. And the view of my room is due north, it has a beautiful stream of sunshine directly on my white bed. It sets a very positive energy into my bedroom.

You are a photographer of human and nature. Did you always know this was what you wanted to pursue?
To be honest, I never knew how to define myself. The concept of ‘I’ has always been difficult for me to understand. 2021 has been a big shift for me, I started to know more about myself and venture into taking more photographs of nature and quiddity, less about materialistic things.

 

Where did photography begin for you?
It was around seven years ago. At the time I had no experiences in photography. Out of the blue, a friend who ran a clothing brand asked me to help her shoot a catalogue of the brand. Sooner, it evolved into a career that I didn’t actually expect.

 

The images you take speak so delicate and softly. What is your approach to taking a picture?
I just want to preserve the feelings that touch me in the moment. I feel so warm and content when people tell me they feel the sensuality and delicateness of the photos.

 

Who, what and where do you turn to for inspiration?
My inspiration comes from the relationship of light and shadow and the beautiful intricate details of everyday.

 

How would you describe your creative process?
I would usually go with the flow and the feeling of the moment without really preparing anything in particular.

Have you always felt the need to create in your life?
Before the summer of 2021, most of my time was consumed by having to create. It was second nature to me. But lately I’m starting to notice that the stress of producing is affecting the sincerity of my creativity. So at this stage, I am taking each step slower to regenerate.

 

Has there been a significant moment of your past that has informed where you are today?
Yes. A lot happened in the summer of 2021. It was a time of realization and reflection. I had to put my guards down to face certain things, and to create change.

 

Three words that describe you.
Soft. Sensitive. Sensual.

 

What is your approach to dressing each day and what is your go-to attire?
Comfort and simplicity. Be unique but don’t over dress. Keep it simple.

 

Words you live by.
“Stay soft. It looks beautiful on you”

 

How do you find comfort?
I find comfort in situations where I can express myself freely.

 

 

 

 

 

When do you feel most yourself?
When I am home alone. When I dance.

 

Where is your favourite place to be in the world, and what do you do there?
My favorite place to be in the world is any space that is of the right energy, the right people, the right state of mind.

 

Where do you spend your down time, and what do you do there?
The beach. I like to spend an entire afternoon just lying on the beach and looking at the shimmery reflection on the surface of the ocean.

 

What brings you joy?
Music, dancing, yoga, spiritual growth, and being surrounded by nature and loved ones.

 

How do you stay grounded?
It is what I’m practicing at the moment. By focusing on breathing to feel the present. Also, to be grateful for everything I have every night before bed.

 

Before you go to bed, how do you unwind?
Listening to crystal singing bowls and meditating before sleeping.

 

What do you dream of while you sleep?
I think it is always connected to what I think and see in the day. Mostly my dreams are quite magical and unrealistic. And it’s always easy for me to remember them. I believe sometimes my higher self will convey messages through my dreams.

 

 

 

 

 

Interviewed by Montana Purchase for Deiji Studio’s Field Notes

 

 

See more of Hubert's work here.
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