The National Museum of Taiwan Literature (NMTL) unveiled its latest exhibition titled “Shining Stars of Modernism - American and Taiwan Literature” on Dec. 1, featuring works from American modernist writers from the 1920s to 1950s as well as the development of Taiwan’s modernist literature from 1960 onwards.
The NMTL pointed out that, besides displaying the translated works of American modernist writers including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and William Faulkner, who had remarkable powers of observation and a great deal of creative energy, the exhibition also sheds light on how Taiwanese writers of the 1960s developed their distinctive styles by embracing the techniques of modernism.
The NMTL added that the exhibition also presents a comprehensive historical record of Taiwan’s modernist movement. It emphasizes how modernism’s horizontal influence shaped Taiwanese culture, igniting a strong innovative spirit rooted in native consciousness.
The inauguration ceremony on Dec. 1 saw the presence of Deputy Culture Minister Lee Ching-hwi (李靜慧), NMTL Director Nikky Lin (林巾力), American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Sandra Oudkirk, along with academic curators Chen Rong-bin (陳榮彬) and Wang Mei-hsiang (王梅香), among other distinguished guests.
Deputy Minister Lee said that due to its unique historical and political background, Taiwan is the fusion of different cultures. She highlighted the pivotal influence of modernism on Taiwanese literature and the aim of this exhibition to illustrate the transformative impact of American modernist literature on the development of Taiwan’s literature.
Director Lin expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the AIT Kaohsiung branch, acknowledging their invaluable contributions from collections and digital archives borrowed from the University of South Carolina Library and the Chicago Oak Park Public Library.
“Shining Stars of Modernism - American and Taiwan Literature” is open for viewing at the NMTL until Apr. 28, 2024. For more information, please visit NTML’s website and Facebook page.