Erotic photography has been a part of Western history for quite some time, yet it still is a subject of controversy in Asian societies. Starting from this January, SPACE 17 take a bold move and introduces Maco Hsu, an self-proclaimed erotica artist whose works provoked much talk among our fellow gamanians.
SPEECH 17’s First Conference at the Branding Centre
For last month’s SPEECH 17 topic, we invited photographer Maco Hsu to the Branding Centre at Gamania Headquarters to share his experience with us. This is the first talk held in the new Brand Centre; instead of chairs, there were couches. The venue was much more spatial than Gama Island, and is completed isolated from other distractions.
Maco engaged in a more free-style way of interacting with his audience, as to debunk erotic art as a taboo subject. During the talk, Maco explains how Asian countries’ reluctance to openly discussion such topics became his motivation for erotic photography.
Erotic photography: Raw emotion in its best form
Erotica ≠ pornography. Erotic art, differing from pornography’s stark nakedness, is not about revealing the body, but rather capturing a very raw yet intimate moment of pure emotion. It is the act immortalizing such, in a mere seconds of time, that Maco finds most difficult. In his works, Maco deliberately shuns away from the dramatic side of erotica, and uses amateur models instead, in order to get a true, un-posed reaction from his subjects. He opts for disposable cameras and phone cameras, believing that professional lens are not necessarily closer to the common life. It takes much more than fancy instruments to capture a slice of reality. Maco prefers his topics not to be predetermined, and does not discuss with his models beforehand, either. This is essential for the work to speak for its own nude, original form of beauty.
Due to Asian cultural customs, the audience was reluctant to ask questions about erotica at first. However, after Maco explained it from an artistic perspective, gamanians were able to muster their boldness and develop a vivid discussion. 
▲Maco appoints a gamanian himself to ask a question. Congratulations to Jake Lee (left) on receiving Maco’s gallery collection!
※To purchase Maco’s “6%” gallery collection, contact Kevin Yang (#1038). Gamanian discount: 800 NTD, including a “Hottie Cover Fan”, a “6% Hottie Calendar” and a “6% Hottie iCash”. Don’t miss this once in a life time chance! (Check out the actual products at the SPACE 17 exhibition in Gama Island.)
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SPACE 17
SPACE 17 is a space for all Gamanians to exchange inspirations and ideas, as a means to mesh out better and wilder dreams. The monthly exhibitions and events reach out to artists from different corners of the world and offer them a platform for personal statements. It will surely hold ever more Gamania legends in the future.
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