Exhibition Period｜2021/01/04～01/13

The concept behind the Department of Cultural Development’s Class of 2021 Graduation Exhibition, Tai-Talks (臺槓), is derived from a clever homophone of the Taiwanese Hokkien phrase khai-káng (開講), which carries the warm, welcoming meaning of casual chatting and storytelling. Drawing creative nourishment from the everyday life and landscapes of Taiwan, the graduating students have developed a diverse array of cultural products, multimedia video pieces, and rigorous academic research. This exhibition spotlights several innovative designs inspired by traditional Taiwanese elements. Among them are Glimmering Shards, which reimagines the classical temple craft of Jian-Nian (cut-and-paste ceramic shards), and Blossoming Radiance, a project that seamlessly integrates traditional Chuan-Hua (wrapped-thread flower craft) into modern lighting fixtures. Another highlight is Taipei Scenic Ceramics, a collection of pottery vessels whose color palette draws directly from Twelve Views of Famous Places in Taipei, a canonical colonial-era work by Japanese painter Gobara Koto. Exploring indigenous heritage, Applications and Rebirth of Barkcloth blends traditional Austronesian barkcloth—a material deeply rooted in island life—with ambient lighting to create pieces rich with oceanic character. In the realm of visual media, the exhibition features It Wasn't On Purpose, an original short film written and directed by a student. Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the film delves into issues of social order and the right to life during a global crisis. On the scholarly front, SAKE: The Art of Brewing in Taiwan 1898-1944 — A Study of Advertisement Imagery in the Taiwan Daily New Newspaper stands out as a brilliant academic thesis investigating Taiwan's historical sake culture during the Japanese colonial period. Traversing traditional craftsmanship, historical archives, and contemporary societal issues, the Class of 2021 graduates have paired meticulous observations of daily life with the unique nutrients of the Taiwanese soil. Through their distinct perspectives, creativity, and talent, they have forged a deeply moving collection of authentic and heartfelt works.

Performance Highlights