Quick Pick — Edward Fu-Chen Juan at Seymour Art Gallery

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Edward Fu-Chen Juan, “Memory Crimes 記憶犯罪” (courtesy of the artist)

Edward Fu-Chen Juan explores the impact of Taiwan's government and the subsequent Truth and Reconciliation Commission on the country's diaspora in his new exhibition, Memory Crimes 記憶犯罪.

The show is on view until Aug. 30 at Seymour Art Gallery in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

“With this body of work, his intention is to pay homage to the victims, their lives, their survival, their descendants, and those who have yet to be acknowledged for their suffering,” according to the gallery statement. 

“On February 28, 1947, a democracy protest in Taipei ended with a public massacre committed by the authoritarian KMT government. It marked the beginning of over 40 years of martial-law dictatorial rule in Taiwan, known as the White Terror. During this time citizens were oppressed through acts of imprisonment, torture, and execution; prosecution often took place without trials and process.”

The 228 Memorial Museum in Taipei documents this history with information from the victims and their families.

Juan found a photo of an executed journalist with his family’s surname; the journalist turned out to be his great-uncle. 

The information has provided Juan with inspiration for his new exhibition. Working as a printmaker, papermaker and inkmaker, Juan created an installation that suggests the interior of a traditional Taiwanese house. Screen-printed figures, only visible through back-lighting, are meant to resemble spirits of former residents. ■

Edward Fu-Chen Juan, Memory Crimes 記憶犯罪, is on view until Aug. 30 at Seymour Art Gallery in North Vancouver, British Columbia.