Renowned photographer Pan Chongwei is a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, and is currently planning an exhibition titled “Your Youth is Also My Youth”. The exhibition will showcase precious images of superstars such as Chang Yusheng, A-mei Chang, Dave Wong, Jimmy Lin, Wallace Chung, and Vivian Lai taken in the 1980s and 1990s.
These photos were salvaged by Pan Chongwei during the pandemic when he was organizing and restoring water-damaged traditional film negatives. Each rescued photo has its own untold story behind it.
During the preparation period, Pan Chongwei has been busy and on the go, dealing with tasks such as securing venues and obtaining portrait rights from the artists. He searched for the most suitable venue, with his first choice being Beiliu (Taipei Pop Music Center). He also expressed that besides the venue, the most challenging part was obtaining the portrait rights from the artists.
Pan Chongwei said, “I was quite nervous when I first contacted them, not knowing how they would respond. The first ones who agreed to grant me the rights were Miao Xiuli ‘Sister Miao’ and Wallace Chung. I transitioned from photographing the Little Tigers to capturing Wallace Chung in his youth. I enjoy capturing the transformation of singers the most. At that time, they might not be the best-selling, but they are the most genuine.”
However, the most memorable moment for him during the process was two years ago when he unexpectedly received a signed authorization letter from Wallace Chung himself. He had initially sought permission from the artist’s agent and was hesitant to follow up further. One set of authorized photos captured Wallace Chung’s relaxed and carefree posture as he rested his feet on a balcony sofa.
Pan Chongwei said, “At that time, he had just had a car accident during a racing event, and his hand was still bandaged with steel nails. Despite facing adversity, he always bravely overcame challenges and encouraged others with a better comeback.”
The artists’ positive responses made him feel a stronger sense of responsibility in organizing the exhibition. He was especially moved by Dave Wong’s support. He recalled, “I knew Dave Wong when he was just about to debut and was driving a taxi to support his daughter. It was tough. I photographed several of his albums and witnessed the ups and downs in his life. But he has always been a rebellious and genuine person, which is why his fans still adore him.”
Reflecting on a series of photos taken in a bustling area in Vancouver featuring Dave Wong, Pan Chongwei shared, “It was a cloudy day just after the rain. The lighting conditions for photography were not ideal. As I crossed the street ahead, I turned back and saw Dave Wong walking behind me. He had woken up early and hadn’t fully groomed himself, revealing a sense of worldly wisdom. I picked up my camera and captured the moment.”
When he pressed the shutter button, Pan Chongwei said the image of Robert De Niro in the Hollywood movie “Taxi Driver” came to mind. He added, “That moment was not premeditated, but it became my favorite and most representative photo of Dave Wong that I’ve ever taken. Later, Dave Wong even gestured ‘ya’ back at me, that’s just Dave Wong, he has always stayed true to himself.” This particular photo will also be a focal point of the exhibition.