In a landmark moment for Taiwan’s contemporary art scene, six Taiwanese video artists are making their debut at Expo Chicago 2025, one of the most prestigious contemporary art fairs in the United States. This marks the first time Taiwan has been featured in the expo’s history, signaling a shift in global curatorial trends and the rising international stature of Taiwanese art.
An Exhibition Rooted in Reflection: Interwoven Timelines
Under the curatorial title “Taiwan Video Art Selection – Interwoven Timelines,” the exhibition offers more than just visual experience—it is a philosophical and sociopolitical statement. The selected works delve into ancient civilizations, tribal lore, spiritual contemplation, and modern knowledge systems, inviting viewers to reflect on the blurred boundaries between memory, myth, and identity.
Featured artists include:
- Chen Liang-hsuan – Breathing
- Chen Yin-ju – Somewhere Beyond Right and Wrong, There is a Garden. I Will Meet You There
- Hsu Chia-wei – Samurai and Deer
- Liu Yu and Wu Sih-chin – Ladies
- Wu Chi-yu – Stories of Celluloid: Terra Nullius Data
- Zhang Xu Zhan – Compound Eyes of Tropical
Each piece adds a distinct layer of narrative to the collective, symbolizing Taiwan’s complex cultural DNA—a blend of indigenous heritage, colonial footprints, and global modernity.
Why Expo Chicago 2025 Matters for Taiwan
Once focused primarily on Western art, Expo Chicago is now expanding its global lens. With over 170 galleries from 93 cities in 36 countries, the event is a melting pot of contemporary visual languages. Taiwan’s inclusion is not just symbolic—it represents the emergence of Asia as a central force in reshaping contemporary art narratives.
This recognition follows the 2023 acquisition of Expo Chicago by Frieze, a London-based powerhouse in the global art circuit, which has pushed the expo into a new tier of international influence.
Behind the Scenes: The Curatorial Strategy
The showcase is the result of a strategic collaboration between:
- Taipei Cultural Center in New York
- Hong-Gah Museum
- Expo Chicago’s Special Projects Committee
The Hong-Gah Museum’s Director, Zoe Yeh, played a pivotal role after participating in the 2023 Curatorial Exchange, where her efforts in global video art promotion sparked the initiative.
This isn’t just a cultural export—it’s curatorial diplomacy, offering a platform for Taiwanese voices to converse with global audiences in a visual language that transcends borders.
Art in an Age of Conflict and Reconciliation
According to a joint statement from the MOC and Hong-Gah Museum, the selection of works was deliberate in its response to today’s turbulent global landscape—including war, migration, climate crisis, and epistemological collapse.
“In an era plagued by polarization and conflict, these works strive to accommodate divergent views, promote mutual understanding, and question dominant systems of truth,” said the museum in its curatorial notes.
This thematic depth is crucial. The works don’t lecture—they invite, creating a contemplative space where modern anxiety meets ancestral wisdom.
Broader Implications for Taiwanese Cultural Diplomacy
Taiwan’s cultural institutions have long leveraged soft power diplomacy through art, literature, and performance. This exhibition is a strategic extension of Taiwan’s international visibility, especially amid increasing geopolitical isolation from formal diplomatic recognition.
Events like Expo Chicago allow Taiwan to maintain cultural legitimacy and creative leadership, reinforcing its role in global discourse through the arts.
FAQs
What makes this exhibition unique?
This is Taiwan’s first curated presence at Expo Chicago, marking a milestone in global recognition for Taiwanese contemporary video art.
What is the theme of the exhibit?
“Interwoven Timelines” explores cross-generational memory, myth, and alternative understandings of reality amid global unrest.
Who organized the project?
The Taipei Cultural Center in New York, the Hong-Gah Museum, and Expo Chicago collaborated to bring the project to life.
What kind of art is featured?
The exhibition focuses exclusively on video art, showcasing Taiwan’s innovation in this medium.
Why is this important for Taiwan?
This signals a shift in Taiwan’s international cultural presence and highlights its growing soft power influence.
