In 1947, in the aftermath of World War II, four pioneering photographers—Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, George Rodger, and David Seymour—formed what would become a legendary collaboration. Merging their distinctive styles, they launched Magnum Photos, the longest-running artists’ cooperative. For over 75 years, Magnum has documented many of the world’s most significant events, people, and places, playing a pivotal role in shaping the public’s understanding of photography’s essence and aesthetics, particularly in Taiwan.

UP Gallery is proud to present Cristina De Middel’s first solo exhibition in Taiwan this December. As the first Spanish female president of Magnum, a position she assumed in 2022, De Middel is renowned for blending documentary and conceptual photographic practices. Her work reimagines reality through reconstructions and archetypes, blurring the lines between fact and fiction. The gallery believes our audience will appreciate the familiar documentary roots characteristic of Magnum photographers, combined with De Middel’s unique contemporary approach, infused with a captivating sense of magical realism that sets her apart. We are excited to present this solo exhibition, Full Circle, as the artist took full rein in curating this show.

The exhibition opens with the acclaimed series The Afronauts (2012), a fictional account of Zambia’s failed space program. Led by scientist Edward Makuka Nkoloso, who founded the Zambia National Academy of Science, Space Research, and Philosophy in 1964, the project aimed to make Zambia the first country to reach the Moon and Mars. Nkoloso trained astronauts using unconventional methods. De Middel’s vibrant images depict the hopes of a newly independent Zambia, blending staged photography with real and imagined documents. Her work spans realistic depictions of spacecraft and enigmatic landscapes to the finely crafted details of vibrant space suits, all masterfully capturing this audacious dream with a subtle layer of irony.

With a deep appreciation for nature, wildlife, and animals that resonates with the gallery’s audience, de Middel has included works from Boa Noite Povo (2019). Created in collaboration with artist and partner Bruno Morais, this series examines the extremes of human existence, beliefs in mythology, and political sentiments through representations of nature. Based in Bahia, Brazil, the duo developed a collection that centers on both wild and domestic animals, capturing them in their homes and in the jungles of the Mata Atlântica. These creatures are presented alongside various interventions, including printed collages, archival photographs, mirrored surfaces, and household items—elements that encourage viewers to rethink their understanding of photographic representation.

Lastly, Journey to the Center (2021), which launched this year at the Arles Photography Festival in France and has also traveled to Xiamen, China, and Singapore is the artist’s latest series. The title references Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth to frame the Central American migration route through Mexico as a courageous journey rather than a desperate escape. In this section of the exhibition, de Middel has curated her images and illustrations to address a complex issue through multi-layered photographic works. These pieces blend direct documentation from the artist’s experiences in the region with fictional elements that express her desire for society to move beyond the polarizing narrative that uses migration, real individuals, and their dreams as political tools or weapons to exacerbate societal divisions.

The gallery warmly invites you to join us for this exciting solo exhibition, marking De Middel’s first-ever presentation in Taiwan. This exhibition not only highlights her artistic prowess but also serves as a timely reflection on the pressing issues of our era. Regardless of our diverse backgrounds and experiences, we aim to foster dialogue and empathy, bringing us all full circle.