Reception for “Island Sunflower Reflections” exhibition at QCC Art Gallery/CUNY

Island Sunflower reflections

Curators: Luchia Meihua Lee, TAAC, Faustino Quintanilla, QCC Art Gallery/CUNY

Exhibition dates: November 18^th, 2024-March 28^th, 2025

Opening reception: Thursday March 13, 2025 4-7pm

Participating artists:

1. Pin-Hsin Chu
2. Wen-Jen Deng
3. Chia-Hsuan Kuo
4. Ming-Jer Kuo
5. Tsung-Jung Liu
6. Carle Shi
7. Kacey Wong
8. Island Sunrise Team

In the article, “Spring passes and autumn passes, but don’t forget the sunflowers,” from the exhibition catalog marking the 10th Anniversary of the Sunflower Movement, Patrick Huang, expresses gratitude. He writes, “Fortunately, the young people of the Sunflower awakened the sleeping god of spring. Their fervor to shape destiny and save the country swept across Taiwan.”

Artists played a pivotal role in the struggle, not merely as observers but actively on the front lines. The Island Sunrise Team, employing paint brushes, cameras, and video recorders, documented the events. The exhibition showcases visual and written records from 2014, and its reflections.

In one reflection, the Sunflower Movement directly inspired Hong Kong’s Umbrella movement and its followers, although they failed partly or in whole, while leaving strong images of what might have been. Hong Kong artist Kacey Wong, exiled to Taiwan, continues to express the democratic message and take actions. Ming-Jer Kuo points out that nearly 4700 times in the last 12 months has China violated Taiwan’s air space. Air raids and threats to Taiwan continue today. Looking back to Taiwan’s history, 400 years ago Taiwan shared a history with New York – both were colonized by the Dutch in 1624, which was followed by more colonization. Wen-Jen Deng looks at the fate of indigenous tribes in her innovative fiber art piece.

The world struggles not only in war, but in nature, and many people reflect on their lost home, or move to a new land, looking for a new residence. We are like the girl drinking coffee and watching the world, reflecting calmly on all that has changed.

Thursday March 13 4-7pm: Island Sunflower Reflections exhibition reception at QCC Art Gallery/CUNY, Bayside, Queens, NYC
(Beverages and Hors D’oeuvres will be provided)