ACÚDUS is a photography diary zine series I started after moving to the United States from Taipei in 2019 as a means to push me to continue documenting my life. Throughout the images of the first two issues and the newly published Issue 3, you can see my journey after migrating here with my partner. The images capture queer night life scenes in New York City before and after COVID; impactful social movements I felt compelled to join; and our growing community and chosen family.
The final page of Issue 3 depicts our traditional headwear for men in Paiwan (an Austronesian Indigenous people in Taiwan) culture. This image previews an ongoing project to restore and reclaim family and community portraits, reflecting on the era of Japanese colonization during which scientists documented Indigenous peoples in Taiwan. By taking photos of my family I hope to bridge the physical distance between us while also creating a lasting record of my family legacy and generational changes. My family and culture have endured a legacy of colonial violence, but we have preserved and celebrated our traditions. I take great pride in sharing these images and stories with people who are not familiar with Indigenous peoples and culture in Taiwan.
Acudus Aranyian (They/He) is an Indigenous queer documentary photographer from Taiwan (Nanasian). They currently live and work in Brooklyn, New York (Lenapehoking).
Date Published: April 25th 2024
Edition Number: First Edition, 100 Copies
Material: 44 pages newsprint
Size: 289mm x 380mm
Includes double sided poster (700mm x 1000mm)
