Margaret Shiu (蕭麗虹), the founder of the Bamboo Curtain Studio, passed away in Singapore on Aug. 30 at the age of 75. Shiu had been following closely as well as supporting the development of Taiwan's art, and she was one of the important promoters of the programs of the artists-in-residency and reuse of spaces in Taiwan. Minister of Culture Lee Yung-te expressed his sincere condolences upon hearing the news.
Born in Hong Kong in 1946, Shiu settled in Taiwan in 1976 as an artist and a curator. In 1995, she founded the Bamboo Curtain Studio on the riverside of Tamsui to assist in the further understanding and development of emerging art trends in Taiwan.
The studio, known as the pioneer of Taiwan's art village, has been in operation for more than 25 years. It has cultivated multiple artists to create in the artist residency, international exchange, and continued to care for the sustainability of the society and the ecological environment with artistic actions.
Moreover, Shiu co-founded Taiwan Women's Art Association with numerous female artists in 2000. In addition, the awards she had received include the 11th Taishin Arts Award (2013), and the 25th Taipei Culture Award (2021).
Minister of Culture Lee Yung-te pointed out that Shiu practiced what she preached. Not only did she support the development of Taiwan's art, but she also devoted her life to the issues of environmental sustainability, and promoted international cultural exchanges in Taiwan. Her passing leaves a legacy that will be cherished forever by future generations.