Ministry of Culture-Performance Venues & Architectural Heritage

In the age of technology, as information becomes more transparent due to data analysis, one's understanding of the world also becomes more updated, in-depth, and increasingly more comprehensive. Today's technology is capable of simulating the world and its events in a very realistic manner, creating scenarios that blur the line between reality and fiction.

Beyond learning about the world through using one's senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch, it has also become quite imperative to be able to keep a clear consciousness and awareness. The abilities to remain internally alert, to sharpen primordial sensory functions, and to rediscover strength that could keep one's body and mind calm and stable have become compulsory for each person living in today’s time.

Eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind are used to explore and experience the world on a daily basis. However, how should one go about experiencing each sense and consciousness in a pure way? Art appreciation is undoubtedly an exceptional path for attaining such experience. From March 7 through June7, "Sensory Yoga" at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts will serve up artworks related to perceptual experiences, sensory exploration, and consciousness and awareness.

Audience members are invited to interact with the featured artists and their creations and embark on a journey revisiting their five senses, or perhaps even their sixth or seventh senses. The term "yoga" holds multiple meanings, including the profound philosophy of "unity by connecting the body, mind, and soul" or "Tat Tvam Asi," a Sanskrit phrase which can be loosely translated as "Thou art that."

Originally from India, yoga has become a popular practice for self-growth enjoyed by many today. Through breathing, meditation, and poses, yoga practitioners are able to form connection between their minds and bodies and the cosmic energy.

As the exhibition title "Sensory Yoga" hints, the objective of the exhibition is to use art to guide viewers in experiencing feelings similar to those from practicing yoga. Those who engage in internal reflections will follow a path to the awakening of sensory abilities that lie within. When sensory abilities are augmented and sharpened, one can finally attain a state of inner tranquility.

In addition to senses of sight, hearing, scent, taste, and touch, the subconscious will also be explored through art. Additionally, some of the featured artworks will showcase performative and interactive elements, with members of the audience invited to take part in the artworks. Through each performance or participatory activity, viewers will be provided with opportunities to engage in sensory experiences and reflect on the social and cultural issues that the artists seek to examine.

As the world collectively braces for the coronavirus crisis, the Taichung museum hopes to provide exhibition-goers with a space to train and strengthen their senses and awareness and for the museum to fulfill its purpose of purifying minds and bodies through art.

‘Sensory Yoga’
Date: March 7 – June 7, 2020
Venue: National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts
Address: No. 2 Wuchuan W. Rd. Section 1, Taichung City, Taiwan (ROC)
Site: http://english.ntmofa.gov.tw