The South as a Site of Collision: Exploring Artistic Responses to Change in 1970s-90s Taiwan
Exhibition Dates: February 25, 2023 – September 8, 2024
Location: Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, No. 80, Meishuguan Rd., Gushan Dist., Kaohsiung City
A Time of Transition:
"The South as a Site of Collision" forms the second chapter of the compelling "Diverse Historical Perspectives Collection." This thought-provoking exhibition delves into the burgeoning "Greater Kaohsiung Art" movement between the 1970s and 1990s, a period marked by profound societal shifts in Taiwan.
Showcasing over 100 artworks, borrowed pieces, and archival documents, the exhibition transports visitors back to a time of intense pressure and transformation. From the constraints of martial law to the anticipation and uncertainty of its lifting, "The South as a Site of Collision" captures the simmering tensions and the subsequent release of creative energy that defined this era.
Navigating Identity and Expression:
At the heart of the exhibition lies the experience of artists grappling with the complexities of their time. Caught between the restrictions of martial law and the dawn of new freedoms, they navigated intricate questions of identity β Taiwanese and mainland Chinese, local and international.
These artists confronted the tensions between artistic expression and social realities, seeking knowledge, engaging in critical reflection, and yearning for recognition and purpose. They forged new artistic languages, challenging the constraints imposed by family, politics, society, history, culture, and even language itself. Through their art, they discovered a powerful means to "speak" and make their voices resonate within a rapidly changing society.
Exhibition Highlights:
- Curated by: Luo Jieyin (Director of Research and Development Department, KMFA), Chen Xiuwei (Director of Collection Department, KMFA), Wu Huifang (Curator of Exhibition Department, KMFA)
- Co-curated and researched by: Huang Wen-Yong (Associate Professor, Department of Fine Arts, Tainan University of Technology), Zheng Shenghua (Assistant Professor, Department of Fine Arts, Tainan University of Technology), Xu Wanzhen (Assistant Professor, Department of Fine Arts, Tainan University of Technology)
- Featuring a diverse range of artists: Discover the works of influential artists active in the Greater Kaohsiung area from the 1970s to 1990s (see full list in the original text).
- Special programs and events: Engage with the exhibition through a series of programs and events scheduled throughout its duration. Visit the [official website](website url) for the latest updates.
Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into a pivotal period in Taiwanese art history. Witness the power of artistic expression as it confronts social and political change in "The South as a Site of Collision."
