Discovering the Hidden World of Internet Cafes through Photography

The first Gunsan Book Fair, held on September 1st, was a melting pot of local booths and independent bookstores from Japan and Taiwan. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, a Taiwanese art book store, Moom Bookshop, caught my attention. Their unique collection of photo albums, including ‘INTERNET CAFE! PANDA’ by Chih-Hsien Chen, left a lasting impression.

‘INTERNET CAFE! PANDA’ is a thought-provoking photo book that documents the lives of customers at an internet cafe in Taichung, Taiwan. The book’s plain cover belies the striking images within, which capture the harsh realities of the cafe’s poor hygiene conditions. Chen’s photographs are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as customers find ways to create their own order amidst the chaos.

I had the opportunity to speak with Chih-Hsien Chen about his inspiration for the book and his experiences working at the internet cafe. Chen’s passion for photography is evident in his work, and his unique perspective on the world is a testament to the power of art to capture the human experience.

Interview with Chih-Hsien Chen

What inspired you to create ‘INTERNET CAFE! PANDA’?

I was working at the internet cafe and noticed that the customers had dark circles under their eyes, like pandas. I decided to document their lives and create a photo book that would showcase the harsh realities of their existence.

Can you tell us more about your experience working at the internet cafe?

I worked at the internet cafe for a year, and it was a challenging experience. The conditions were poor, and the customers were often marginalized. However, I found their stories fascinating, and I wanted to capture their lives through my photography.

How did you build relationships with the customers?

I provided them with free food, and that helped to break the ice. I also made sure to ask for their permission before taking their photos, and I tried to be respectful of their space.

What do you hope people take away from your book?

I hope that people will see the humanity in the customers and understand that they are not just statistics or stereotypes. I want to challenge people’s perceptions and encourage them to think critically about the world around them.

Chih-Hsien Chen’s ‘INTERNET CAFE! PANDA’ is a powerful and thought-provoking book that challenges our perceptions of the world around us. Through his photography, Chen humanizes the customers of the internet cafe and encourages us to think critically about the social and economic issues that affect their lives.

Image Source | Chih-Hsien Chen