"S-Life: New Life Arts and Culture Magazine", since its inception in 2024, has been dedicated to uncovering the cultural and humanistic aspects of the Greater Xinying area and presenting local arts and cultural topics through in-depth interviews. The May issue, titled "To You, Who Came to Taiwan," focused on the experiences of new immigrants and has been transformed into an exhibition titled "My Language Classroom: Stories of New Immigrant Language Learning." This exhibition will take place from January 24 to March 30 at the Impression Hall on the first floor and the Art Gallery on the second floor of Xinying Cultural Center.
Language Learning as a Theme: Showcasing Cultural Integration
The special exhibition, curated by Li Yijie and her team, focuses on the journey of language learning among new immigrants in Taiwan. It explores how they adapt to social interactions and cultural differences, comparing life to a continuous learning experience in a "language classroom." The Tainan City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau expressed hope that this exhibition will enhance public understanding of new immigrants, who have gradually become important cultural contributors to Taiwan over the past 30 years and promote cultural understanding and respect.
Pre-Exhibition Activities: Artistic Creation Tied to Cultural Memories
The pre-exhibition activities kicked off on December 22 with the first printmaking workshop, "Homestyle Dishes on the Table," held at the Xinying Sunshine Bookstore. Under the guidance of curator Li Yijie, adults and children transformed their favorite home-cooked dishes into unique prints. Through the printmaking process, participants also explored the ingredients and memories behind these everyday meals.
Children joyfully pose with teacher Li Yijie alongside their completed artwork. (Image credit: Tainan City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau website)
Chen Liyan, a participant from Myanmar, introduced a delicious dish of Yunnan Cold Rice Noodles, while the curatorial team shared Xinying's famous bean sprout noodles. By tasting different flavors, participants exchanged experiences related to food and the cultural memories of various countries. The completed prints and hanging cloths created during the workshop will be displayed in the exhibition. The curatorial team aims to use these workshops as a platform for participants to engage and learn from one another.
Chen Liyan from Myanmar presents the delicious and refreshing Yunnan Cold Rice Noodles. (Image credit: Tainan City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau website)
Upcoming Workshops for Public Participation
Two more public co-creation workshops are scheduled:
- "Life Interwoven" Punch Needle Embroidery Workshop and "City Impressions" Color Creation Workshop, to be held on January 5 (Sunday) afternoon at Xinying Art Park.
- "My One-Day Life" Image Workshop, scheduled for January 12 (Sunday) at the Art Gallery in Xinying Cultural Center, where participants will document and interpret their daily lives through photography.
The results from these workshops will also be displayed during the exhibition, inviting the public to explore cultural elements embedded in language.
Art as a Medium to Interpret Multiculturalism
The curatorial team hopes to foster dialogue through artistic creation and interaction, showcasing the observations and reflections of new immigrants on life in Taiwan. The "My Language Classroom" exhibition will hold its opening ceremony on January 25 at 10:00 AM, inviting those interested in multiculturalism to participate and explore stories of the intersection of language and culture.
Exhibition Details
- Exhibition Title: My Language Classroom—Stories of New Immigrant Language Learning
- Exhibition Period: January 24 (Friday) to March 30 (Sunday), 2025
- Opening Ceremony: January 25 (Saturday), 10:00 AM
- Exhibition Venue: Xinying Cultural Center, Impression Hall and Art Gallery (No. 23, Zhongzheng Road, Xinying District)
(Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, January 1 (Wed) for New Year's Day, and January 27 (Mon) to January 31 (Fri) for Lunar New Year)
