New Horizons in Contemporary Printed Art, New Styles and Connections in the Asia-Pacific Region

Artists from Sydney Printmakers who were invited to participate in this show are Seong Cho, Anthea Boesenberg, Anna Russell and Andrew Totman

The Prints Kuroshio: 2024 Tainan International Print Exhibition is a significant international art event highlighting exceptional print art from the Asia-Pacific region. Artists from Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Thailand, the United States, Australia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and other countries have been invited to Tainan for an exchange of ideas and cultures via the time-honored art form of printmaking. Taiwan, surrounded by important Pacific Ocean currents such as the Kuroshio, is a symbol of the powerful natural forces that transcend national borders, which themselves hint at the movements of the twin forces of ‘culture’ and ‘art.’ As a key route for these Pacific currents, Taiwan has long been a point of convergence bringing Eastern and Western cultures together. This exhibition draws on this symbolism, positioning Taiwan as a nexus for different kinds of Asian-Pacific art while celebrating the diversity and innovation of contemporary printmaking.

Making International Connections Through Printmaking

Printmaking, as a cross-cultural art form, combines technical precision with raw expressive power, allowing for diverse interpretations of contemporary society and personal emotions by artists. The Prints Kuroshio  exhibition aims to highlight the shared nature and connectivity of print art – a connectivity that is not limited to geography, but one which extends to artistic thought and creative spirit. By showcasing outstanding printed works from various countries in a single location – Tainan – this event brings together the fruits of artistic expression from several different cultures, allowing viewers to experience the vibrant growth and diverse perspectives of printed art from around the world.

As a medium, printed art transcends borders, languages, and cultural barriers, serving as an important bridge for international exchange. Each artist carries with them their home nation’s unique history and cultural background, and uses printmaking to create works that reflect societal realities and life experiences. This exhibition represents not only a dialogue between print artists from different countries, but a grand cultural event connecting Taiwan with the wider Asian-Pacific art community.

The works featured in this exhibition delve deeply into major contemporary issues, with meditations on such themes as environmental changes, social concerns, life, and identity. Through printmaking, artists express their awareness and contemplation of the modern world, their pieces capturing individual emotions while simultaneously responding to global issues. In viewing them, we see how contemporary artists use printmaking to explore our evolving world and the future direction of humankind.

The Cultural Value and Significance in the Asia-Pacific Region of the Tainan International Printmaking Exhibition

The Prints Kuroshio: 2024 Tainan International Print Exhibition underscores Taiwan’s significant role in the Asian-Pacific art and cultural spheres, as well as highlighting the charm and vibrancy of Tainan as Taiwan’s cultural capital. As the former capital city, Tainan boasts a prime geographic location and a rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal nexus for Asian-Pacific printmaking art. This year, the exhibition coincides with the grand finale of Tainan 400,which celebrates Tainan’s deep-rooted cultural assets and diverse historical legacy. Hosting the international print exhibition here pays homage to this historic city and reinforces Tainan’s standing as a unique cultural stronghold.

With the ocean currents as its symbol, this exhibition also emphasizes Taiwan’s importance within the Asia-Pacific region’s geopolitics, culture, and artistic exchange. By bringing together artistic forces from across nations, it aims to create a powerful artistic current that demonstrates Taiwan’s place on the global cultural map through artistic expression, while also injecting new creative energy and cultural value into both Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region.

Supervisor︱Tainan City Government

Organizer︱Tainan Art Museum

Co-organizer︱Evergreen Graphic Art Association