Solo exhibition showcases indigenous culture in Hualien

2015/12/16

A solo exhibition by Amis artist Yosifu opened Dec. 7 at Hualien County Stone Sculptural Museum, showcasing the talent’s signature works and indigenous art scene in eastern Taiwan.

Backed by the county government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau, “The Love of the Earth” features 23 acrylic, oil and print pieces. The theme comprises legends from local tribes, as well as the artist’s love of the ocean and still lifes.

CAB Director-General Chen Shu-mei said Yosifu is well-known for combining Western and Eastern styles. “The bold colors employed to create dramatic effects are certain to prove pleasing to visitors and invite deeper contemplation of the painter’s concern for humanity and society.”

As the most famous son of Matailing Village in Hualien, Yosifu is the first Amis painter to win international accolades for Taiwan. He has been based in the U.K. for 15 years and is a regular participant in the Edinburgh International Festival. Demand is always high for his creations, with many owned by private collectors in Taiwan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Spain and Sweden.

One highlight of the exhibit is “Born of the Sun.” The piece depicts a half-naked and well-muscled man opening his arms to embrace the sun as the giver of life and spiritual existence through the conduit of a feather. According to Amis lore, the tribe once worshiped the sun as its main god and believed humans descended from the heavenly body.

Equally impressive is “Shooting the Sun,” which features three Atayal warriors attempting to darken one of two suns and bring an end to a drought-caused famine. The trio’s gestures, muscled bodies and determined look in their eyes underscore the importance of this tale in tribal tradition.

Similarly intriguing is “Rainbow Pearl.” The work pictures a Paiwan tribeswoman wearing a handmade necklace perfectly complementing the sensual lines of her back. Lapis lazuli is a time-honored treasure and family heirloom of the indigenous group.

Running through March 24 next year, the exhibition is expected to generate healthy visitor numbers for the museum and foster a greater appreciation for one of Taiwan’s most vibrant cultural components.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=240178&ctNode=2194&mp=9)