Chien-Chi Chang (b.1961), born in Taiwan, studied at Soochow University (BA) in 1984 and at Indiana University (MS) in 1990. Chang joined Magnum in 1995 and became a full member in 2001. His work manifests the abstract concepts of alienation and connection. The Chain (2002), a collection of portraits made in a mental asylum in Taiwan, shows pairs of patients literally chained together. He has extended the theme of marital ties in two additional books: I do I do I do (2001) and Double Happiness (2005).

In Jet Lag, Magnum photographer Chien-Chi Chang weaves together a visual summation documenting the mundane moments and ultimate disconnection during life on the road. Chien-Chi uniquely signs the title page of each book differently using a variety of stamps to show his appreciate and thanks to readers.

“It’s kind of what comes to my mind. I don’t really have a preconceived idea except for just initially signing my name,” he said. “Every time I go to a new place, I try to acquire new stamps from the local stores.” His stamp collection includes a hedgehog, ants, Chinese symbols, the Magnum Photos stamp and even some stamps from his kids. As Chien-Chi once referenced, you don’t take every breath the same way, so why sign each book the same?

“Today is Monday, so this must be Zurich.” For those who travel a lot, the world becomes a steel-and-concrete construct of interchangeable flight crews, hotel rooms, and check-in counters. In this jet-setting life, the most important thing is that the power adapter fits. For Jet Lag, award-winning photographer Chien-Chi Chang has created succinct black-and-white images of globalized disconnect. In these photographs, reality is less a touchstone than a distraction: the crucial space is “between.” Planes and beds and flickering screens provide the only continuity, and there is little human warmth except the body heat of the passenger in the next seat and the sounds coming through the wall from the adjacent room.