Honorable Mention

#28 "[Panting]" from 42
DESCRIPTION
Created from a 42s clip in “Gravity” (2013)Shot on color negative film
Digital pigment prints
"42" is a series of 42 abstract photographs that delve into the intersection of time, memory, and imagery, centered around the number 42. Using long exposure, I captured 42-second segments from my favorite 1980s and 1990s sci-fi and fantasy films and TV series, genres that shaped my formative years. This technique blurs the original narratives and light into single abstract images, inviting viewers to reflect on their relationship with time and memory.
Drawing from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, where 42 is the ultimate answer, the project mirrors the number’s enigmatic nature. It encourages personal interpretations, with recognition of the source material adding a layer of memory-driven emotion for those familiar with the works. "42" invites all to find their own meaning within its abstract forms.
"42" is a series of 42 abstract photographs exploring time and imagery, inspired by The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, where 42 is the "ultimate answer." I used long exposure to capture 42-second segments from my favorite 1980s and 1990s sci-fi and fantasy films, blurring their narratives into single abstract images. This invites viewers to reflect on time, memory, and personal meaning. For some, recognizing the source evokes emotional depth; for others, the abstract forms spark unique interpretations. Each finds their own significance, echoing the enigma of 42.
AUTHOR
Kai Chung Hsu (ERR-ik) is a fine art photographer and visual designer based in Taiwan. From 2012 to 2014, he studied Fine Art Photography at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. His work is characterized by abstract and surreal aesthetics, spanning from classical darkroom processes to fine art inkjet printing, and from traditional to digital photography. Proficient in a wide range of photographic techniques and theories, he applies them seamlessly across diverse creative projects.Inspired by science fiction films and rock music, he merges personal emotions and storytelling into his imagery through a unique visual lens. After returning to Taiwan, he taught at the photography studio “Onfoto” (now known as “for Storyteller”). In 2020, he founded his own visual design brand, ERR-ik, offering professional services in graphic design, still and motion photography, animation, and post-production.
In 2024, he co-founded San Fandisco Ltd., expanding into more diverse commercial design and photography services.