Curatorial Statement
Text by Atsushi Yoshida

Over the past six months, we have experienced a great deal: the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment movement, the Taiwanese presidential election, the Kaohsiung mayoral recall, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through these events, we have witnessed the power of Taiwanese youth. Taiwanese young people are deeply engaged with their country's politics, which is beneficial for Taiwan as a whole. In a democratic society, the voices of the younger generation are naturally heard by adults—they are, after all, the children of the nation. Young people's sharp insights have the potential to effect social change. The successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic by Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center is one example, where democracy has protected the safety of citizens.

Youth care deeply about their freedom and security, which drives their engagement with politics. Similarly, art becomes a reflection of this engagement. As Heihachi Hashimoto said: "Art is an expression of the spirit, and sculpture is the three-dimensional manifestation of spirit." I interpret "spirit" as personal thought and reflection, and "purity" as essential in this expression. In this exhibition, the works of young Taiwanese artists reflect their strongest interests and concerns, including political awareness. Their works invite viewers to observe social injustices and raise questions. This is an honest and pure act of expression—capturing the essence of a particular moment in time.

Of course, such expressions may sometimes appear imperfect or underdeveloped, but they can also reveal surprising creativity and high levels of accomplishment. Skill alone does not determine the value of expression; it is the sincerity and care with which it is realized that matters. From creating these works, the artists gain invaluable experiences—treasures that cannot be replaced.

In this collection, viewers can perceive the spirit of the artists, often present subtly within their works. Exploring the inner worlds of these creations offers audiences a unique sense of discovery and enjoyment. Taiwanese student artworks are frequently underestimated; in reality, they convey ideas with purity, free from the influences of economic pressures. As artists age, maintaining this purity becomes increasingly difficult. Young artists possess the freedom to express themselves fully, which aligns perfectly with the concept of art as "the three-dimensional expression of spirit." This quality is invaluable and worth recognizing.