TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like if humans, gods, demons, and animals all crashed a family reunion, Daniel Lee’s (李小鏡) “108 Windows” series has the answer.
Currently on display at the National Center of Photography and Images in Taipei as part of the "Gods and Sentient Beings" exhibition, this iconic collection is a mesmerizing blend of mythology, technology, and existential reflection.
Taiwan News sat down with the nearly 80-year-old Taiwanese artist to discuss his journey, inspirations, and advice for young artists.
From Fashion to Philosophy: Lee’s Artistic Evolution
Starting out as a fashion photographer and movie art director, Lee eventually found his true calling in digital art.
“Hollywood came knocking a few times, but I realized I didn’t want to be just another cog in the machine. I wanted to create something that was entirely me,” he said.
His “108 Windows” series, inspired by a visit to China’s Hanshan Temple, reflects this vision. The temple’s tradition of ringing a bell 108 times to pray for the 108 kinds of beings in Buddhist cosmology sparked his imagination.
Lee sought to explore reincarnation and the fluidity of identity. “What if we are not just one thing, but a mix of everything?”
The Tech Struggle Was Real
Creating “108 Windows” was no easy feat. In the 1990s, digital art was still a niche field, and Lee was far from a tech wizard.
“I had to ask my friends for help all the time,” he recalled. The project took over two years to complete, but the result was worth it.
The series debuted in 1997 at New York’s OK Harris Gallery and was later featured at the 2003 Venice Biennale. The Venice installation transformed the static images into a video projection accompanied by the haunting sound of Hanshan Temple’s bells.
“Every 15 minutes, the cycle repeats,” said Lee. “It’s like a reminder that life is constantly changing, and we are all part of this endless loop.”
Why Black and White?
One striking feature of Lee’s work is his preference for black-and-white imagery.
“Color photos feel too much like snapshots,” he explained. “Black and white strips away distractions and lets you focus on the essence of the subject.”
His emphasis on faces—both human and otherworldly—stems from his time in New York.
“In a city full of people, you are constantly surrounded by stories. Every face has a narrative, and I wanted to capture that.”
New York: The Ultimate Art Bootcamp
Lee credited New York’s vibrant 1980s art scene for shaping his creative mindset.
“It was like being in a constant art battle. You had to be tough, but it also pushed you to grow. When you're surrounded by so much talent, you can’t help but step up your game.”
He described his time there as “building a suit of armor”—a fitting metaphor for an artist whose work blurs the line between the human and the otherworldly.
AI and the Future of Art
Lee is not one to shy away from technology. He is currently experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Sora.
“AI opens up so many possibilities, but it’s not just about letting the machine do the work. As an artist, you have to guide it to ensure it’s still your vision.”
He sees AI as a tool, not a replacement for human creativity. “It’s like having a new paintbrush. The question is, what are you going to paint with it?”
Advice for Young Artists
With the art market facing challenges, Lee offers words of wisdom to aspiring artists:
“Don’t give up. Even when it’s tough, keep creating. Art is not just about making a living; it’s about making a life.”
He believes every artist has a unique path to follow. “Find what speaks to you, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The world doesn’t need more copies; it needs originals.”
'Gods and Being' exhibition. (Taiwan News, Lyla Liu))
