Founded in 1985, Renjian magazine promoted photography’s role in social engagement and storytelling. The lifting of martial law in 1987 and the subsequent end of newspaper restrictions in 1988 ushered in a more open-minded era in terms of thought and speech for Taiwanese society. Photographers captured social moments more directly, witnessing drastic political and cultural changes, using their work for reportage, activism, and exploring reality. This made photography a vital tool for examining and representing society.
Hsu Po-Hsin worked as a photojournalist at the Independence Evening Post from 1988 to 1995, capturing key images of Taiwan’s street movements during that time. These social movements, occurring before and after the lifting of martial law, were crucial events during Taiwan’s reform. His work highlights moments of drastic social change from a grassroots perspective. Chang Tsang-Sang, who has long engaged in reportage photography, combines text and images with a deep humanitarian focus, concentrating on marginalized and disadvantaged groups in society. In 1999, shortly after the 921 Earthquake in Taiwan, he visited disaster zones to produce news reports and take family portraits, documenting efforts to rebuild the community. The unique narrative approaches of these two photographers demonstrate photography’s power to engage society and bear witness to truth.