Not indigenous to any one nation, Yang has always personally dealt with the complications of dual cultural identity, prominently featuring in his photography and narratives a balancing act between honoring heritage and supporting assimilation. But in "Shadows," Yang poses a greater question, one extending beyond his experience: What about the people who are native to Australia? What is the story of the Aboriginees?
During his visit Yang plans to recount various snippets of the life stories of those he has photographed, weaving their tales into an intricate presentation involving pictorial slides and special lighting effects. His captivating format of presentation consists of much more than your average PowerPoint. Although he often speaks casually and openly about his work, his tendency is to let the images do the talking. Adding to the aura will be a live instrumental accompaniment by musician Colin Offord.
"I have designed my work loosely, so that it flows," Yang said. "I am telling a story, creating a travelogue, if you will. It is the way I present my work that makes it so unique. It is in the form, the incorporation of both audio and visual elements."
His photographs touch upon very emotive subjects, such as isolation, alcoholism, abuse and neglect. Most prominently they speak of the unsuccessful merger of European and Aboriginal cultures and the post-colonial discrimination suffered by Australia's native inhabitants. But Yang does not limit his focus' scope -- he also depicts the prejudice directed against German immigrants who sought religious refuge in Australia during the World Wars. Showcasing the broken communities that remain today from the turbulent colonial age, Yang captures the inhumanity of internment camps that were once eerily similar to America's own internment camps for the Japanese in the 1940s.
"In 'Shadows' I have found a common ground between two separate, different stories -- the Aboriginals of Australia and the German immigrants to Australia," Yang said. "Their connection is British colonialism and how it treats indigenous and immigrant culture, how it treats those different from themselves. My story is one of reconciliation."
Recently in Australia the government issued a formal apology to the Aboriginal peoples, and Yang hopes by bringing his show to America, Westerners will be able to acknowledge the corollaries between Australian and American history, thus preventing future dark periods of history.
More than a history lesson, "Shadows" is both a stirring and complex expression of humanity, artistically describing hope and pain alike. Perhaps Yang's ambition for Americans is possible -- perhaps our generation can, in fact, be vanguards of justice.
"Shadows" will be showing at the Hop, Saturday March 29 at 8 p.m.
