The National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI) will present "Homeland: Relationship of Taiwan Green Craft - Earth/ Community/ Mind," an exciting ecological art exhibition at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York. The exhibition will run from June 7 to 28, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of traditional crafts and contemporary innovations within the framework of sustainability.
Featuring the works of 42 talented artists, the exhibition will showcase over 20 pieces of recycled art, each representing a remarkable fusion of artistic expression and environmental consciousness. The central theme of the exhibition revolves around the multifaceted concept of "homeland," inviting viewers to delve into a profound exploration of Taiwan's sustainable crafts and its unique local aesthetics. The artwork encourages viewers to contemplate the roles of individuals within nature, society, and themselves. Two prominent artists, Wu Kuang-Liang and Ho Shiu-Ling, will be present at the exhibition in New York, and they will personally conduct several workshops from June 7 to 28.
Earth, community, and mind are three aspects that pertain to our society at large. "Earth" expresses how we can better coexist with nature. Using traditional lacquer painting, fiber craft, and ceramic skills, artists turned ocean trash into amazing art. The history of lacquerware manufacturing in Taiwan dates back to the Japanese colonial period. After World War II, lacquerware lost popularity for some time, but now, emerging artists such as Wu Kuang-Liang have breathed new life into the old craft. Wu is scheduled to host hands-on workshops in New York during the exhibition, in addition to fiber craft artist Ho Shiu-Ling.
"Community" reflects the relationship between individuals and their environment. In 1994, Taiwan's Ministry of Culture implemented the Integrated Community-Building initiatives which empower community residents to participate in local culture life. Following a philosophy based on these initiatives, NTCRI launched the "One Community, One Craft" program in 2021, which promotes community expression through craft art. Community-oriented artwork will be on display in the exhibition.
"Mind" represents the spiritual aspect of Taiwanese everyday life. Koji pottery is a type of folk art commonly found with traditional architecture. Illustrating auspicious wishes, legends, folk tales, and stories from history, the pottery is often used to decorate temples or other buildings. Koji pottery artwork by Lin Tsai-Hsin, a craft master who is renowned in Taiwan, will be presented as well.
As Taiwan's most influential institution dedicated to promoting the development of crafts, NTCRI has been at the forefront of combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. By fostering interaction and connection between crafts and society, it has championed the "Taiwan Green Craftsmanship Spirit (臺灣綠工藝精神)," making NTCRI a pioneering force in developing Taiwan's craft industries since its establishment in 1954.
For more information about the exhibition, please visit: https://reurl.cc/0EVyEk