Crafts are objects created by the rhythmic interaction between nature and people. In the past, people often put too much emphasis on the process of how craft works are made and what they are made from but they neglected the life cycle of the materials themselves and their natural environments. In facts, people’s social lives are heavily affected by the life cycle of materials; people need to live their lives in accordance with the natural environment and make good use of the resources provided by nature to make their lives better.

“Following Heavenly Laws”, “Down to Earth” and “The Seasonal Crafts for the People in Taiwan” are the three main topics of this exhibition to portray the roles that crafts have played in traditional festivals. Affected by nature and inspired by earth, these participating craft workers have also created many works based upon seasons and festivals. Through their mastery of the nature of materials they employ, they not only create something from nature but also try something new.

Following Heavenly Laws

The unique geographical location has endowed Taiwan with its own climate and environment; it has also shaped the life rhythm for the people. Thus, the gathering times of the raw materials for making crafts also have to follow the rules of seasons. No matter it is crop farming in spring or harvesting in autumn, everything has its rhythm for people to live by periodically.

Down To Earth

The active orogenic movements have made Taiwan an island that has a mountainous landform and drastic altitude difference. Also with the influence from diverse monsoons, the residents in this island have learned how to live in harmony with and appreciate the wisdom of nature from which they have developed a variety of craft industries.

The Seasonal Crafts for the People in Taiwan

The hope of craftspeople is to incorporate their knowledge about the materials and their ideas about the qualities into works. They are not bound by the traditional forms of crafts; they also employ modern technology in creating works. Nevertheless, they will never allow themselves to be detached from nature and always pay attention to observe the climate and materials, trying to create crafts which are imbued with ancestors’ wisdom and tradition.

Exhibition Duration: 2019.6.5(WED)-2019.11.3(SUN)

Opening Hours：Tuesday to Sunday and national holiday, from 9am to 5pm

Venue：Craft Exhibition Hall, NTCRI. No.573, Zhongzheng Rd., Caotun Township, Nantou County 542, Taiwan (R.O.C.)