Homeland - Relationship of Taiwan Green Craft @Earth @Community @Mind
As a member of the global community, Taiwan collectively grapples with the profound challenges of climate change, while the post-pandemic era has left our communities emotionally estranged. Yet, despite the fast-paced nature of our world, people are still constantly seeking a place where they can find comfort and happiness. This place, known as "homeland," exists on our planet, within our communities, and within ourselves. It is a perfect synergy that is formed when nature, society, and our inner selves intersect, coexist and reconcile, forming a feedback loop to create a balanced relationship.
Taiwan, a stunning island that spans the tropics and subtropics, is a mountainous gem surrounded by water. It was named "Formosa" by Dutch explorers, which means - beautiful island. Taiwan is also home to rich biodiversity, diverse cultures and humanities, and an inclusive society with a wide range of ethnicities live in harmony. On this land, craft is an expression of life; our community and collective experiences accumulate to be the embodiment of cultures. At its core, craft is a way of interpreting the world around us, offering a unique perspective on our relationship with ourselves, others and society. It is a powerful means of expressing our individuality and finding harmony within ourselves through the process of reconciliation and coexistence. Craft continues to engage, accumulate and evolve to become a vehicle of creativity, inclusivity, diversity and vision. It is the embodiment of our rich cultural heritage and the emotional imprint of our lives.
Taiwan's contemporary craft reflects the United Nations' values on sustainable development, as embodied by the "Green Craft" initiative, which emphasizes nature, circularity, balance, inclusivity and vitality. In addition, the "Craft for All" initiative highlights our belief in promoting equality and accessibility to crafts. Meanwhile, the "One Community One Craft" (OCOC) program is a decentralized social outreach initiative that offers tailored programs suitable for different age and social groups while creating a sense of community and fostering solidarity.
Craft is a powerful tool for cultivating meaningful relationships between people, nature and society, and finding a sense of belonging within the inner self (the homeland). Craft is not only an expression of Taiwan's responsibilities to our Earth, communities, and minds, but also a core philosophy that embodies the aesthetics of our relationships.
Exhibition Duration: 2023.5.12 - 2023.5.31
Venue: Overseas Community Affairs Council, R.O.C. (Taiwan)Address: 901 Wind River Lane Gaithersburg, MD 20878 U.S.A.