TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese veteran artist Jun T. Lai’s (賴純純) stunning retrospective exhibition “Dark Current” is showing at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum until May 25.
The exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Lai’s 40-year artistic journey. It showcases several never-before-seen pieces that are sure to captivate art lovers and casual visitors alike.
At 72, Lai is a celebrated artist who studied under the renowned Taiwanese modernist Liao Chi-chun (廖繼春). Since the 1980s, she has made her mark with a diverse range of works, including paintings, sculptures, and public art installations.
Known for her unique style and profound ideas, Lai has become a key voice in Taiwan’s art world. This exhibition features nearly 80 works, highlighting her versatility and creativity.
The exhibition reflects Lai’s artistic evolution since the 1980s, when she began using black and vibrant colors to establish her signature style. Curator Chang Ching-wen (張晴文) explained that the title “Dark Current” symbolizes the fluidity and cyclical nature of Lai’s work, which often explores themes of transformation and harmony.
The exhibition is divided into four sections, each representing a different phase of Lai’s career.
One of the highlights is the debut of several previously unseen paintings. While Lai is best known for her public art sculptures, these hidden gems reveal her deep conceptual thinking and offer fresh insight into her artistic process.
Must-See Works
Psalm
With pieces scattered throughout the exhibition space, the “Psalm” series was created with 300 cm wide acrylic-painted pieces of polystyrene. It metaphorically depicts women’s journey from dependence to independence.
Kuroshio and Dark Current, Flowing Light: Infinite Possibilities at the Edge
These two new creations are crowd favorites. "Kuroshiro" features heart-shaped acrylic sculptures that reflect light like ocean waves. “Dark Current, Flowing Light” uses driftwood, steel, and mirrors to recreate the natural beauty of Dulan, Taitung, where Lai became a resident in 2007.
Paradise of Blossoms
A vibrant series of sculptures that symbolize female awakening and the splendor of nature. Part of this series will be displayed at the 2025 Osaka World Expo.
Neither Coming Nor Going
Inspired by the legendary minimalist artist Richard Lin (林壽宇), this standout work from 1986 features eight circular acrylic panels in bold red, green, yellow, and black. By stepping away from traditional sculpture, the piece transforms the exhibition space into a dynamic environment that shifts and changes as one moves around it, creating a unique experience for every viewer.
Heart Vessel
This thought-provoking piece combines five Buddha statues with performance art to explore the Buddhist teaching, “Form is emptiness, emptiness is form.” The statues, colored in blue, red, yellow, white, and black, symbolize the five elements and directions in space. Beyond its spiritual depth, the work also alludes to certain societal issues and provides an opportunity for self-reflection.
“Heart Vessel” is a deeply personal piece that serves as a touching tribute to the artist’s parents.
Jun T. Lai’s exhibition. (Taiwan News, Lyla Liu video)
