The photo poster project, organized by cizucu and held in cities worldwide, is an exhibition of photo posters that anyone can join simply by choosing a city and date.
What we call the ppp is more than just a photography exhibition. It is a community where everyone can safely share their stories, and a unique opportunity to connect with creators from around the globe in real life.
This time, we spoke with mei, a creator who participated in the photo poster project.
Please introduce yourself!
Hello, I'm mei. I started taking photographs gradually during the pandemic. I usually capture cityscapes, portraits, and still lifes that evoke a sense of narrative.
What draws me to photography is the desire to leave traces of things before they quietly change or eventually disappear—proof that they truly existed. I would be delighted if I could share the world I see through my lens with someone else.
What inspired you to participate?
One day, I received an invitation from cizucu to exhibit my work. To be honest, I was a bit anxious at first. But deep down, I felt, "This is a rare opportunity. I don't want to have any regrets," so I decided to take the plunge and participate.
I live in Hong Kong, and this was my first time exhibiting overseas. Instinctively, I felt it would be a special and unforgettable experience. Strangely enough, I had just traveled to Taipei about a month before the exhibition, so to be returning so soon felt almost fated. The timing felt serendipitous, and I thought, "I want to cherish this connection."
How was your experience participating?
I was nervous as I headed to the gallery, but the staff were incredibly warm and listened to me attentively, which quickly put me at ease.
Seeing my own artwork displayed directly on the wall for the first time, and watching people pause to gaze at it, I felt a surge of gratitude and wonder well up from deep within.
The other participants' works were truly wonderful as well. During the sharing session, everyone encouraged each other and listened intently. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed, which allowed me to genuinely engage with each photograph.
I was also delighted by the system that let us print and take our photos home. It felt like I had gained another "souvenir" from Taipei, making the experience even more perfect and unforgettable.
Why did you choose that particular photograph?
This photograph is especially meaningful to me among my recent works, and it's one of my personal favorites.
It was taken on an ordinary school day. As I walked through the campus, I glanced at a building in front of me and spontaneously pressed the shutter. At that moment, I was asking myself, "Will I regret choosing the path of art in the future?"
But when I captured that moment, I realized something. This photograph itself is the "answer" for me right now. I hope it will always remind me of the purity of my beginnings and the passion I feel when pursuing my dreams.
For those considering joining the photo poster project
Sometimes, emotions and thoughts that are hard to express in words can connect you with others in unexpected ways through photography. The photo poster project is a wonderful opportunity to experience such connections and to step outside your comfort zone.
If you live far away, the exhibition can be a great reason to travel and explore a new city. The exhibition becomes a "special journey," and you'll surely gain memories to last a lifetime.
Artworks have power. A single photograph can touch someone's heart somewhere and create resonance.
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but moving forward despite it." The first step is to take action. From there, I believe you can gradually move closer to your dreams.
