Bowen Tang

My work "HERO" offers a critical presentation of the mythological development of the Anthropocene, revealing how the process of hero symbolism reinforces hierarchies and ideologies. Drawing on cinematic narrative techniques, I skillfully blend fiction and reality, using visual storytelling to guide the audience into a narrative space filled with tension.

The piece adopts a chaptered structure, resembling scene transitions in a film. Each segment focuses on different aspects of the power dynamics underlying hero worship: from the origins of myths to the commodification of heroes in contemporary contexts, exploring the fluidity of power and identity. I aim to create a sense of deconstruction in time and space, suggesting that power is not static but a dynamic negotiation and manipulation.

"HERO" is a metaphorical "visual essay" that challenges traditional hero narratives, reflecting on the hierarchical power relationships concealed within these stories. It seeks to evoke a reexamination of the complex interplay between identity and power in the minds of the audience.

This 3-minute self-introduction video by an artist who created 'HERO'.