In Taiwan, a land rich in diversity and vitality, the role of a curator extends beyond merely showcasing art; it involves embarking on a journey of profound dialogue with local areas. For Eva Lin, an experienced curator of off-site projects, the charm of off-site curating lies in using art as a medium to evoke the audience’s emotional resonance with the land and rekindle curiosity about their own culture.
Over the past few years, Eva Lin has played an active role in the curatorial efforts of the Romantic Route 3 Art Festival, the “Underground Matters” project of the Matsu Biennial, and “The Hidden South” art project. Through these experiences, she developed an in-depth understanding of the concept of “time difference,” which encompasses not only time but also cultural, historical, and social disparities. This has motivated her to seek effective ways to connect with the local area within these “time differences.”
Eva Lin emphasizes that her approach to immersing herself in local culture is to dwell within the “time difference” adopting the ways of the locals to understand their culture, and to uncover neglected stories and taboos. For example, Liu Chihhung’s work "The Floating Lights" that centers on traditional fishing methods in Matsu reinterprets these cultural elements, evoking memories among the older generation of fishermen while demonstrating how art can re-present overlooked cultural landscapes.
In her curatorial process, Eva Lin enjoys discovering overlooked cultural landscapes and presenting them anew through contemporary art. She stresses that off-site curating is not just about creating new works but about using the capacity of art to excavate local stories and spirits, transforming each of them into an opportunity for audience resonance.
2024|AUGUST
Off-Site Curating: Continuing the Local Stories and Spirits
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