Introduction

Chairperson, Council for Cultural Affairs

Tchen Yu-Chiou

The horse is brisk and swift as the sheep is gentle and agreeable.”  People are going to welcome the Year of the Sheep with a fresh mindset as they bid farewell to the Year of the Horse.  The sheep, one of the six domestic animals, has been closely involved with human communities since ancient times.  This special relationship is reflected in the Chinese written language.  The Chinese character for ‘sheep’ (羊yang) is also incorporated in the character祥xiang, which means auspicious.  The sheep is therefore associated with positive qualities and makes frequent appearances in works of art and folk craft.  According to the cycle of the Chinese calendar, 2003 is the Year of the Sheep.  The “Celebrating the Year of the Sheep” exhibition is being staged in several countries this spring, as a way to welcome in the New Year.

Overseas cultural centers have become an important channel for the exchange of international culture and fine art.  With interactions between the East and West occurring more often, Taiwan’s cultural centers are working constantly on cultural diplomacy through various exhibitions and performances.  In this way, Taiwan’s culture is shared with an international audience, and different cultures are given a chance to exchange, interact, and even combine ideas, beliefs, and traditions.

Since 1995, the Council for Cultural Affairs, Executive Yuan, has authorized the National Taiwan Craft Research Institute at the Taipei Cultural Center, as well as the Chinese Information and Culture Center in Paris to hold a Craft Exhibition of Twelve Animals.  2003 marks the eighth anniversary and stage in this project.  Thanks is due to the Information Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, which successfully promoted our cooperation with Daley Center, allowing the exhibition to be staged in Chicago, the third largest city in the United States.  As usual, the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac provide inspiration for the exhibition. Sheep will be the theme this year.  Ink paintings, prints and craftwork by Taiwanese artists will be on display.  In addition to showcasing Taiwanese traditional culture and introducing the mythology and art of the twelve zodiacal animals, we hope the exhibition will receive a positive response from our foreign friends.

Exhibitions held by the National Taiwan Craft Research Institute in the past few years have been praised both at home and abroad.  Artists in Taiwan are gradually making improvements as they gain opportunities to create and display their work, drawing encouragement from enthusiastic audiences.  Their art manages to integrate traditional and modern approaches smoothly and successfully.  They apply both cutting-edge and traditional techniques when creating their work, and also follow the principles of environmental protection when selecting their materials.  They incorporate their ideas and emotions in their creations.

Special thanks is also due to the exhibition host, the National Taiwan Craft Research Institute, as well as to the sponsors: the Information Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, the Taipei Cultural Center, the Chinese Information and Culture Center in Paris, and all the members of their staffs.  The objectives of the exhibition will be achieved as long as the continuing vitality and value of Taiwanese traditional culture is conveyed to our foreign friends.  Finally, we offer our wishes that the exhibition be carried off smoothly and with great success in the Year of the Sheep.