under san-ying bridge

A group of aboriginals moved from the mountain in mid-east Taiwan over a decade ago, came to Taipei tried to make a living. They gathered and resided themselves in this deserted space under San Ying bridge by a river. They built their own houses. Although 'harsh' was pretty much the word to describe the living condition, it gradually started to look like a community known as San Ying Tribe. However, it had been a proposition to tear down this whole tribe by Taipei County Government for security purpose which had been an issue for years. These photos were taken in May 2006 when the tear-down issue didnt seem like an instant threat. Finally in December 2008, Taipei County Government, Governor Chou Hsi-wei (周錫偉) made the final statement this tribe was to be torn down in January 2009 in order to build a riverside biking trail. The residence refused to leave. However, despite the rallies and protests by the residence and supports, the tribe was knocked down by the hydraulic excavators on February 20th 2009. (02-21-09)

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About

Ashley received a Bachelor of Art Degree in Communication and Media at State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz in 1997. After graduation she worked as a reporter and photojournalist in New York City covering local news in 5 boroughs, before returning to Taipei, Taiwan in 2000.

In Taipei, Ashley has worked for financial magzines and newspapers including the renowned finance sector of Apple Daily (of Next Media Group). She left Apple Daily in 2008 to work as a freelance photographer. Since then, Ashley spends her time traveling and working on photo assignments for NPOs and for both domestic and foreign press including The New York Times. In 2009, Ashley was nominated in the categories of Fine Art & Photojournalism at the 3rd annual Photography Masters Cup presented by International Color Awards.

Ashley is distributed by Penta Press and currently based in Tapei and covering assignments in Asia and around the world.

Ashley Pon 's current location:
Taipei , Taiwan

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under san-ying bridge

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