“Taiwan Beauty” 2024 European Touring Exhibition opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 3 (Friday) at the Press Club Brussels Europe. Ambassador to the EU and Belgium, Lee Chun, also attended the event.
Lee Chun mentioned that in discussions with European and international friends, the topics often revolve around semiconductors, cross-strait relations, and technological development. However, Taiwan possesses a lot of “soft power”, and through artistic exchanges, there can be more interaction between Europe and Taiwan. The “Taiwan Beauty” touring exhibition serves as a great opportunity for this. The combination of an art exhibition with chamber of commerce activities is also a groundbreaking approach. He hopes for more cross-domain collaborations in the future to showcase the abundant vitality of the Taiwanese people.
The Press Club Brussels Europe is renowned as the news center of the EU, where journalists frequently gather to track European affairs. It has hosted numerous discussions on Chinese human rights crises. Holding an art exhibition introducing Taiwanese artists near the EU and NATO headquarters once again highlights Taiwan’s cultural freedom.
Lin Tianzhang, Chairman of the Belgian-Taiwan Chamber of Commerce (BTCC), who assisted in organizing the art exhibition, expressed a warm welcome for more Europeans to “see” Taiwan. The touring exhibition is not only an art feast but also a window for the world to get to know the rich culture and diversity of Taiwan.
Lin Tianzhang believes that each painting is a window. Through the interpretations of the artists, the audience can contemplate Taiwan’s landscapes and feel the historical significance of the island. The artists narrate Taiwan’s stories in their unique ways, showcasing the blend of traditional and modern society, as well as the collision of Eastern and Western elements that emanates a unique humanistic charm.
According to incomplete statistics, there are about two thousand Taiwanese immigrants in Belgium. Many overseas compatriots, such as Lai Shanlin, Commissioner for Overseas Community Affairs in Ciney, and Lin Changcheng, Consulting Commissioner in Liège, didn’t hesitate to travel to Brussels to help with the exhibition setup.
The day before the opening, Lin Changcheng and his wife arrived early at the venue to lend a hand. Lin brought his own tools and rolled up his sleeves to assist in hanging the artwork. Lai Shanlin specially prepared orchids and greeting cards, wishing for the successful completion of the event. He said, “Supporting the Taiwanese compatriots to shine for the country is a duty when away from home.” After assisting in setting up the exhibition, the two honorary overseas affairs committee members hurried back to their work.
Su Huanhao, Director and Curator of the non-profit organization “Formosa Art and Technology Museum” (FATM) in California, reflected that though he has been promoting “Taiwan Beauty” for years, this is the first time curating an exhibition in Belgium. He particularly admires the early representatives of the Baroque painting style, such as the Flemish painter Rubens from the northern region of Flanders. Therefore, organizing an exhibition in Belgium holds a special significance for him.
Su Huanhao expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic assistance from the Belgian compatriots. Through Lin Tianzhang’s coordination, many local compatriots participated in arranging and promoting the “Taiwan Beauty” exhibition, highlighting the camaraderie among Taiwanese compatriots in Europe. This once again proves that the most beautiful aspect of Taiwan is its abundant human touch.
Emmanuel De Bock, District Councillor in Brussels, and Ho Zhangxian, Consulting Commissioner for Overseas Community Affairs in Belgium, came to appreciate the artworks. Lin Wanrui, President of the European Taiwan Chamber of Commerce (ETCC), and Zhang Yuyang, Honorary President of ETCC, also traveled internationally to participate in the “Taiwan Beauty” exhibition. Zhang Yuyang even demonstrated calligraphy on the spot, sharing the beauty of Chinese calligraphy with the audience.