Image reproduced from 風傳媒

Tainan Art Museum proudly presents the exhibition 'Salty Winds and Flying Sands: Return of Artists from the Saline Lands,' curated by Wu Chi-Tao, featuring 18 artists born or raised in the 'Saline Lands.' Their works respond to the land and invoke memories of the past. The exhibition opened on the 24th and included a special performance by Taiwan's folk music master Chen Ming-Chang, adding a vibrant musical ambiance to the event.

Historically, Taiwan was once the world's largest salt-producing nation, and the culture of salt industry fostered a rich local memory and cultural heritage along the southwestern coast. During the Japanese colonial period, the Beimen district of Tainan was referred to as the 'Saline Lands' due to soil salinization. Poet Wu Hsin-Jung wrote in 1935 in his work 'Spring in the Saline Lands': 'Comrades, forward! The Saline Lands are our hometown. Let the flowers of truth bloom in this barren land.' This line reveals the history and culture of the area while reflecting the origins and deep emotions of local literature.

The rise of literature from the Saline Lands garnered praise for its simple yet powerful style. However, over time, due to natural disasters and policy changes, salt production gradually migrated to areas like Qigu and Beimen, eventually ceasing entirely in 2002, becoming a part of history and beautiful memories for many.

Despite the gradual decline of literature from the Saline Lands amid changes in language policies and political climates, artistic creation found new vitality in this period. The various works reflect the artistic concepts and techniques from different generations, ranging from colonial art during the Japanese rule to the diverse developments in contemporary art. Young people from the Saline Lands often faced financial difficulties, and their artistic pursuits were primarily encouraged by teachers, drawing inspiration from local culture, such as temple art, sculptures, and other forms of artistic expression.

Whether artists pursued their dreams in cities or grew up in rural settings, their creations brought personal fulfillment and had an indelible impact on the cultural development of their communities. The exhibition 'Salty Winds and Flying Sands: Return of Artists from the Saline Lands' invites 18 artists from the Saline Lands, including Buzi (Chen Zong-Chen), Lu Shu-Chen, and Li Chong-Chong. Their works encompass a variety of styles, including ink painting, oil painting, prints, photography, and mixed media, showcasing their deep reflections on the land and history.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the Tainan Art Museum 1st Hall's café, 'Weng Gu Zhi Xin,' has introduced a special 'Saline Duo' menu item, featuring the 'Salty Marinade Pancake' and the 'Salt and Honey' specialty drink, extending art from canvas to table, allowing visitors to explore this unique artistic experience through taste.

The exhibition opened on the 24th, featuring a special performance by triple award-winner Chen Ming-Chang, who performed classic pieces that align with the exhibition theme such as 'Where Salt Has Been' and 'Grandma's Five-Dollar Car.' Tainan Art Museum Chairperson You Wen-Mei expressed gratitude for the support from Taisugar Corporation and other art institutions. Director Gong Zhuo-Jun emphasized that the literature and art of the Saline Lands enrich the cultural essence of Tainan, inviting the public to immerse themselves in the art within the 'Salty Winds and Flying Sands.'

The exhibition runs until October 26, 2025, at the Tainan Art Museum 1st Hall, 2nd floor, Exhibition Room B–H. For more information, please visit the official exhibition website.