CapitolBeatOK Staff Report

Published: 08-Jul-2010

Forty pieces of photographic art reflecting the cultural fabric and every day customs of Taiwan went on display today (Thursday, July 8) in the north gallery of
 the State Capitol in Oklahoma City.

The exhibit, which runs through August 6, is part of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Sister State relationship between Taiwan Province, Taiwan, and the State of Oklahoma.

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office and curated by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the exhibit features photographs from four Taiwanese artists who spent years documenting the natural and human wonders of mainland Taiwan and its smaller sister islands.

In addition to the grandeur of Taiwan’s mountains, coastlines and waterways, the photographers’ work showcases Taiwan’s people in their normal environments of daily living, and focuses on the vitality of Taiwan’s performing arts.

“Because the arts are an invaluable tool for producing understanding and cultural awareness between people, the Oklahoma Arts Council is happy to be working with the Secretary of State’s office to celebrate Oklahoma’s unique ties to Taiwan Province,” Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director, Suzanne Tate said.   

In addition to the 30-year Sister State relationship with Taiwan Province, the State of Oklahoma enjoys Sister State relationships with Kyoto Prefecture, Japan (25 years) and Gansu Province, China (25 years).

Sister state programs have proved to be effective in creating an atmosphere in which economic development and cultural and educational exchanges can be implemented and strengthened.

The “Taiwan Sublime” exhibit is located in the north gallery on the first floor of the State Capitol and is free and open to the public weekdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The work reflects the cultural fabric and everyday customs of life on the island of Taiwan.  Included are the works of Liu Chen-hsiang, Huang Ting-sheng, Chi Po-lin and Chen Chih-hsiung.

Themes within the stirring photos include “rhythms of nature and humanity,” “folkways, melding the mundane and the celestial,” “soaring – an elevated view of natural Taiwan,” and “passion – heavenly feast of the performing arts.”

For more information about the exhibit contact Alyson Atchison at (405) 521-2020.

Note: Editor Patrick B. McGuigan contributed to this report.