“The Poetic Painting of Taiwan - Duo 'Lan' Exhibition” was curated by Lan Lan and Peng Lan, two new immigrants artists from China, married to Taiwan nationals. The exhibition revolved around the theme “Taiwan's most beautiful scenery”, using watercolor and oil paint. As creation from the new immigrants, the artwork captured the nuances of their emotions towards Taiwan. This art festival symbolized the self-realization of the new immigrants, and celebration of the harmonious blend of cultural diversity.
Director-General Bill Chung of the National Immigration Agency(NIA), the Ministry of the Interior, stated that the exhibition by the two artists demonstrated Taiwan had become their home. To further support the new immigrants in realizing their potential, the NIA started the “New Immigrants and Their Children’s Chasing-After-Dream Program” 10 years ago. The fruits of this program are showcased on the new immigrant empowerment website. Through this website, fellow new immigrants can access about life of the new immigrants, information of job opportunities, education, healthcare, as well as welfare and other rights. Please visit the website for more details. (website: https://ifi.immigration.gov.tw/wSite/mp?mp=1)
“The Poetic Painting of Taiwan – Duo 'Lan' Exhibition” received a subsidy of NT$80,000 from the 10th New Immigrants and Their Children’s Chasing-After-Dream Program. The opening of the exhibition took place on July 13 at Da-gang Art, located near the Guting MRT station, Taipei City. The exhibition continued till July 20, and a charity sale of the artworks was conducted after the exhibition ended. Through this exhibition, the new immigrants in Taiwan convey the journey of realizing their dreams, bringing cultural exchange and cultural diversity. Director-General Bill Chung of the NIA, together with head of the legal division Mr. Chou Ming-rui of the Mainland Affairs Council Republic of China (TAIWAN), and head of the legal division Mr. Chen Yin-ching of the Straits Exchange Foundation were on the exhibition to celebrate with the artists and the audience.
Lan Lan came from Fujian, China. Ten years ago, she came to Taiwan as a postgraduate law student. During her studies, she met a schoolmate and later married to him. She worked as the head of the legal division of her husband's law firm. She also devoted seven years as volunteer staff of the Taipei City Services Center of the NIA. Lan Lan had a passion for painting since childhood. Upon arriving in Taiwan, she reignited her love for painting and pursued it by studying painting in a part-time program in a university. Her daily life in Taiwan inspired her portrait painting, subjecting the local people and the landscapes. She integrated her life of joy and meanings into her art.
Peng Lan came from Guizhou, China, married to her husband for 23 years before he passed away. Through painting, she recorded her marriage life and her love to Taiwan. Peng Lan shared, “Painting has been a source of healing for me, allowing me to focus and capture the spirit of Taiwan, as well as my yearnings for my departed loved one.” “Through painting, I am able to set aside my worries. My husband tour-guided me around Taiwan. We explored the landscapes, local cuisine, culture and traditions. I want to record everything through my art, as also an expression of my longing for my husband.”
“Both Lan Lan and I attended a painting exhibition hosted by a mutual friend. We shared our lifetime love for painting. We felt like sisters since the day we met.” The two artists’ names both contained the word “Lan”, which meant mountain fog. The word perfectly aligned with the motif of this exhibition: the beauty of Taiwan's landscapes.
Mr. Chou Ming-rui said, the paintings by the two artists conveyed their spiritual connection with Taiwan and their bond with Taiwan. Mr. Chen Ying-ching, showed his endorsement for the accomplishments of the two artists. He encouraged all new immigrants residing in Taiwan to step out to pursuit their dreams.