The artwork "Ngialibalibade to the Lost Myth" by Taiwanese indigenous artist Eleng Luluan (安聖惠) will be exhibited at the 12th edition of Liverpool Biennale, a renowned contemporary visual art exhibition in the UK, from June 10 to Sep. 17.
Responding to the theme of this year’s biennale "uMoya: The Sacred Return of Lost Things," the artwork is based on a legendary tale of Rukai society. According to the legend, Rukai ancestors were born from pottery pots protected by a hundred-pace snake, making this implement a symbol of the origin of life. Using this ancient imagery, the artist built a giant metal container at the exhibition site, employing hand-woven techniques with recycled fishing nets to transform the pottery pot into a sacred "vessel." This commemorative implement is situated at a waterfront between the River Mersey and Prince Dock, prompting viewers to reflect on their interdependence with water and the devastating impact of climate change on our environment.
The "Ngialibalibade to the Lost Myth" is her latest artwork included in the series titled "Ali Sa be Sa be _ Rugged Rock Cliffs." "Ngialibalibade" is a word in the Rukai language, signifying an ongoing process or the act of going through something. It is an adjective that describes the dynamic changes in life, mind, nature, and technology, encompassing both visible transformations or subtle shifts within. The artist attempts to engage in a dialogue between her life experiences and the current occurrences in the contemporary world through her artistic creations.
Since its inception in 1999, the Liverpool Biennial has showcased the works of over 400 artists from around the world in various public spaces, historical sites, and art venues throughout Liverpool. Curated by South African artist Khanyisile Mbongwa, the theme of the 12th edition aims to reflect the history and temperament of the city of Liverpool. According to its official website, the exhibition takes inspiration from the cultural background of the curator and is a call for ancestral and indigenous forms of knowledge, wisdom and healing. In the isiZulu language, "uMoya" means "spirit, breath, air, climate and wind."
For more information, please visit Liverpool Biennial's official website.