Shen Chao-Liang made over 100 photographs between 2006 and 2011. In his introduction to his book, Stage, the artist explains his fascination with these stage trucks, their history, how they are made, and the life that surrounds the performers and business owners. The artist followed many stage trucks to remote areas on the island, stopping on side roads, industrial zones, at seaports, rice paddy fields and in front of Temples. Since the 1970's, performance groups, singing and dancing at weddings, funerals and other festivities have been part of Taiwanese culture. These highly designed, unfolding stage trucks provide the settings for the musical shows, flaunting a magical array of lights, colors and symbols that represent the values and spirit of Taiwanese culture.
Shen Chao-Liang was born in Taiwan and has been dedicated to photography since 1993. His works have been published and exhibited internationally, receiving awards for best photography in festivals in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. This Stage series was exhibited at the Photo Biennale, Korea (2008), the GETXOPHOTO in Bilbao, Spain 2009), Dali International Photography Exhibition in China (2010) the Contemporary Art Exhibition in Beijing (2011), the Hong Kong International Art Fair (2011) and the PHOTOQUAI in Paris (2011). He has had solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Osaka, New York and Toronto.