"Undercurrent" is a photographic exploration of the Zengwen River basin in southern Taiwan, delving into Taiwanese folk beliefs and the spiritual remnants threatened by modernization.
The project focuses on the “tâng-ki” rituals, where spirit mediums enter trances by self-inflicted wounds, channeling spirits into their bodies. The blood from these wounds recalls the Zengwen River, historically called the "Blind Serpent," which frequently altered its course, leaving a lasting impact on the collective memory.
As I photographed, I felt the subtle pain of my own life changes and recognized a shared, generational scar—a silent testament to Taiwan’s resilience. Here, personal and cultural trauma transform into faith, healing as spiritual scars over time. In these intense rituals, people reach for unseen spirits, drawing closer to each other and to their history.
The coexistence of the river’s everyday flow and the spiritual undercurrents symbolizes both harmony and chaos, capturing a unique beauty—gentle, resilient, and steadfast. Despite an uncertain future, the people of Taiwan maintain a profound connection to their roots, channeling strength through faith and community.
Yehlin Lee was born in 1976 in Taipei, Taiwan. Since 2001, he has been immersed in sound art, focusing on humanistic soundscapes, electroacoustic music, and musique concrte. In 2011, Lee expanded his creative horizons to photography, becoming self-taught and deeply committed to the medium. He views listening, yoga, and photography as interconnected disciplines of inner awareness, each one fostering a fresh perception of the present moment.
Lee's photography is dedicated to capturing the invisible and ephemeral aspects of human existence, whether historical, cultural, or spiritual. His visual language emphasizes associative imagery and metaphor, often revealing meanings beyond his initial intentions. In 2017, his personal photobook "Raw Soul" was published by the Japanese publisher AKAAKA.