Exhibition spotlights environment in southern Taiwan

2015/12/24

A joint exhibition by indigenous artists Sakuliu Pavavalung and Rahic Talif is underway at Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, showcasing their concern for environmental issues in southern Taiwan.

Supported by Kaohsiung City Government’s Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Boundary Narratives features 22 animations, installations and sketches. It also sheds light on the pair’s interpretations of tribal culture and life experiences.

Bureau Deputy Director-General Liu Hsiu-mei said the event breaks new ground in examining ideological images created through indigenous artistic productions. “The artists shied away from using tribal legend as the main theme so as to foster a deeper contemplation among show-goers of the environment and society.”

Echoing Liu’s remarks, acting KMFA Director Chien Mei-ling said the exhibition underscores the facility’s efforts in promoting contemporary Austronesian art since 2006. “The 14-week event represents the success of this undertaking while offering unparalleled access to leading tribal art in Taiwan.”

A highlight of Paiwan tribal member Pavavalung’s collection is the animation “Rabbits in the Forest.” Based on a pencil sketch “Rabbits on the Road” in his earlier career, the piece evokes memories of a time when the forest was only accessible by those willing to ride motorcycles along muddy trails. The sight of curious animals gazing upon the visitors nods toward a once-harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

A long-term resident of Dashe Village in Pingtung County, Pavavalung was forced to relocate to Rinari community after Typhoon Morakot in 2009—the deadliest storm to strike Taiwan in more than half a century. He said the experience still stirs a yearning in him for a return to peaceful pre-typhoon days, a sentiment contained in the animation.

Equally impressive is Amis tribal member Talif’s installation “Line.” Part of his “Space of Fifty Steps” series, the work is fashioned from fishing line and plastic bits and pieces. The colorful fish, seemingly at odds with the man-made visual morass, give voice to the artist’s fears arising from at-risk indigenous culture.

Born on the coast in Makutaay Village of Hualien County, Talif spent many years co-existing with the ocean as a fisherman. He said memories of discarded nets in the water and on the beach inspired him to construct the piece as way of raising public awareness of sea pollution.

Running through March 27 next year, the exhibition is expected to generate healthy visitor numbers for KMFA and foster a greater appreciation for the socially aware art of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=240581&ctNode=2194&mp=9)