HOME: TAIWAN 家鄉

Intro:
When travelling internationally, we are often asked, “Where are you from?” Despite providing the same answer, our descriptions of our homeland reveal striking heterogeneity. This divergence arises from the intricate interplay between individual upbringing, family traditions, and the sovereignty of our birthplace. Through diverse artistic media, we expresses unique perspectives on Taiwan and personal journeys of self-identity.

“Blood flows through my veins, no matter where I go.” From the Rinahem Tribe of Cikasuwan in Hualien, Dungi, adorned in traditional Amis attire, reinterprets traditional Amis songs with electronic music, passing on her cultural heritage innovatively to the next generation. She strives to promote traditional culture and challenge stereotypes about indigenous cultures. Having served as an assistant in the Taiwan Legislative Yuan, aiding in policies that foster equality between Indigenous and Chinese people, and living with the Maori in New Zealand, Dungi decided to delve into her culture and express it through music, showcasing her pride and confidence in her cultural identity.

Jeremy Chih-Hao Chuang hails from Yilan and carries Pepohan, Japanese, and Chinese heritage. He documents his hometown’s transformation and his self-identity journey through photography. Reflecting on his childhood home, now in ruins, he states, “I build a house that encapsulates family portraits, pushed it from the new home to the old, bearing my family’s stories and personal memories. Yilan will always be my home.” Jeremy’s photographic works are not merely nostalgic recollections but also a construction of self-identity, aiming to discover his role and release emotional tension.

“I come from a small hill in Chiayi County, Taiwan. No matter how far I travel, I know it will always be my soul’s dwelling: a red home.” From Chiayi, Hsin Hwang integrates influences from various beliefs and cultures, creating her unique world. Through depictions of animals, plants, and her own image, she conveys love and peace. Hwang believes that “home” is a spiritual belonging, and Taiwan always exists in her heart, regardless of her location. Her red love letter, represented as a small house, expresses her longing for home and a profound exploration of the natural and inner worlds.

From a young age, Hsu-Tzu Chen, influenced by her parents’ travels across the United States, New Zealand, and France, developed a desire to explore the unknown. Studying fashion design in San Francisco and Paris, she realised that Taiwan’s unique colours and landscapes permeate her creations, integrating various temporal and spatial imprints. Amy’s work reflects a deep connection with her homeland, blending diverse influences into her distinctive “home.” “Creation is my belonging, a process that deepens my connection with my homeland. I love my island but always need to travel, a profound nostalgia.” Through textiles, Amy continually explores her relationship with the world, hoping to connect with fellow expatriates and reflect on their unique ties and memories with their homeland.

“I aim to elevate the discourse by centring on the personal life journeys and perspectives of artists regarding their hometowns. Through a shared home, we can magnify cultural distinctions and portray a truly diverse society.” Curator Neal endeavours to offer viewers a universal perspective, transcending ethnic boundaries.