Supported by Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture (MOC), artist Jun T. Lai is taking part in World Expo 2025 Osaka with her large-scale installation “Flower of Hope (希望之花).” The work is featured in the Expo’s public art program, with Lai as the sole Taiwanese representative among 20 international artists.
Her installation, located at the east entrance of Yumeshima, invites visitors into an immersive experience exploring the relationship between humans, nature, technology, and the future. It will remain on display throughout the Expo, which opened on Apr. 13 and runs until Oct. 13.
With a creative career spanning four decades, Lai has worked across painting, sculpture, installation, and performance. In mid-May, she will present an interactive performance inspired by “Alice in Wonderland,” appearing as an Alice-like character to distribute flower masks and invite visitors to dance. The piece explores themes of female empowerment and transformation.
Lai’s participation reflects the goals of the MOC’s “one plus four T-content plan” launched in 2024, which supports international promotion of Taiwanese visual arts. Last year, the initiative backed 15 overseas exhibitions, 17 collaborations with global institutions, and showcased 98 artists in 17 cities across 10 countries.
(Photo credit: Jun T. Lai)