Following the successful conclusion of the inaugural Matsu Biennial in April this year, the event was featured in a four-page article on Japan's widely acclaimed art magazine Bijutsu Techo (美術手帖), which has become an important indicator for the Matsu Islands to boost its international visibility through the biennial.
Bijutsu Techo, a monthly art magazine in Japanese, is regarded as one of the most authoritative art magazines in Asia. Since its launch in 1948, the magazine has brought its readers the latest in Japanese and global contemporary art, garnering widespread support among people.
A four-page article introducing the Matsu Biennial was published under the section titled "World Report－Taiwan" in the July issue. It was written by Sumiki Hikari (栖來光), an author who visited the Matsu Biennial. The article touched on topics such as transformational justice and freedom of expression in Taiwan during the martial law and war zone administration period. It also mentioned the positive influence of arts and culture in Taiwanese society, and while human rights issues are being addressed through political means, restorative justice can be accomplished through the power of the arts.
In response to the article, the General Association of Chinese Culture (GACC) Deputy Secretary-General Lee Hou-ching (李厚慶) said that although the inaugural Matsu Biennial was affected by the implementation of border controls due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, efforts were made to facilitate the visits by embassies from various countries in Taiwan as well as the cultural exchange event between Dongyin and Yonaguni Island.
Co-organized by the Lienchiang County Government and GACC, the inaugural Matsu Biennial was held from February through April this year. More than 30,000 people attended the biennial, setting a record number of tourists who traveled by air and sea to the islands. The indoor exhibition also attracted more than 23,000 visitors.
(Photo Courtesy of The General Association of Chinese Culture)