Performance art
Cheng feels that a person’s body is the most primitive theater there is, and that clothing is a kind of performance art. When he runs into someone capable of appreciating it, Cheng is more than happy to share his thoughts on the attitude toward life that accompanies his clothing, and even donates clothing he has made to performing arts groups, thereby indirectly supporting their performances.
U-Theatre, the Taipei Chinese Orchestra, and Sun Son Theatre have all worn Cheng’s clothing in their performances, and in recent years he has designed stage sets for performance troupes. “Designing sets and costumes helps me to better understand what a human body in motion needs, and to cut clothes in a way that better suits our movements, so that our bodies have more breathing space.... Such things spur me to think harder about clothing.”
At Expo Milan 2015, volunteers in the Taiwan pavilion wore the traditional clothing of Taiwanese farmers, made in colors that brought to mind the colors of the Italian national flag. This clothing, provided free of charge by Cheng, made a powerful visual impact that attracted coverage by the local media. “We used architecture, clothing, and cuisine,” says Cheng, “to show the world what Taiwan is about, and to demonstrate the hardy survivor spirit of our people.”
Whenever there is an opportunity to place Taiwan in the international spotlight, Cheng will certainly be out front in the effort. Says Cheng: “Clothing design embodies the lifestyles and culture of the Taiwanese people. I have chosen to understand everything in the process, from fibers to sales. That enables me to know about the entire life cycle of clothing. By continuing a traditional way of clothes making, I hope to make sure that the world becomes aware of this spirit.”
The production of natural fiber garments has restored the original essence of the act of wearing clothes. (courtesy of Cheng Hui-chung)
The act of putting on clothes is itself a kind of performance art. Indeed, Cheng has provided his natural fiber garments to performing arts troupes. Shown here is Philharmonia Moments Musicaux performing in a paddy field in the town of Daxi, Taoyuan. (courtesy of Cheng Hui-chung)
At Expo Milan 2015, volunteers in the Taiwan pavilion wore natural fiber clothing that attracted a lot of attention among foreign journalists. (courtesy of Cheng Hui-chung)