Liu Chen-hsiang's 40-Year Cloud Gate Photography Exhibition, Lectures, and Workshops to Launch

Liu Chen-hsiang, a photographer with a 40-year career, has consistently documented Cloud Gate Dance Theater, witnessing its creative process and evolution. This spring, Cloud Gate Theater will host a series of events centered on Liu Chen-hsiang, including a photography exhibition, lectures, and practical workshops, inviting the public to revisit moments captured by his lens. Cloud Gate founder Lin Hwai-min noted that Liu's photographs ensured Cloud Gate's history was fully recorded. Liu's career spans news documentary, social movements (like the Wild Lily Student Movement), film stills, and performing arts. Starting in 1986, he photographed key Cloud Gate works such as "Legacy," "Moon Water," and "Cursive." His iconic images include aerial views of outdoor performances (taken from rooftops before drones) and a shot of dancers on the National Theater rooftop during the 2006 "Wind Shadow" performance. The "Light and Shadow Forty: Liu Chen-hsiang's Cloud Gate Scene" lecture, featuring Ma Shih-fang, will take place on April 18, delving into the stories behind the images and Liu's photographic insights. The "Cloud Gate Scenery II" exhibition opens on April 18 and runs until June 7, showcasing images from various Cloud Gate locations and performances, including rehearsals in ruins after a fire, outdoor stages amidst rice fields, and a historic group photo from the 2000th performance. It also covers the eras of artistic directors Lin Hwai-min and Cheng Tsung-lung, and includes images of Cloud Gate 2 dancers. The "From Tamsui Scenery to Cloud Gate Theater" photography workshop, from June 4-5, will feature Tamsui cultural expert Su Wen-kuei on the first day, exploring Tamsui with Liu Chen-hsiang. The Danjiang Bridge, inspired by Cloud Gate dancers and opening in May, will be a new focal point. The second day will involve shooting a rehearsal of "Spring Struggle 2026" at Cloud Gate Theater.