"Banana Man"  is a photographic series of a fictional character—represented as a banana man —in different scenarios in locations throughout New York City. 

 

Banana is a common fruit and used to be the largest share of trade exports where I’m from - Taiwan - so it also represents me in a way. Sometimes I feel lonely and out of place in NYC. Banana man, like me, struggles with self-image, with how to place himself in a city that isn’t his own. In addition to showing Banana Man's interesting daily records, this photographic diary also reveals his inner world. For example, planting roses on his head to make himself look better, or having appearance anxiety when looking in the mirror, or hanging a well-known art creation "Comedian" work on the wall to show his taste (did he buy a real one or a fake?) 

 

Banana Man believes that life is full of anxiety and uncertainty, but his optimistic personality allows him to face the difficulties in a humorous way, to try and fit in with the “norm” around him. 

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This project is meant to convey inspirational messages in a surreal and humorous manner. Although the images deal with problems many people face in a big city—such as loneliness, loss of identity, and isolation—I ultimately want my images to leave the viewer in a more positive headspace. I want others to view this project and look inward, learning to accept their uniqueness and imperfections.

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