創作⾃述

跨⽂化主義意味著融合不同的⽂化，⽽多元⽂化主義則傾向保留其個別的差異。跨⽂化主義 融合各個⽂化，好比混合紅⾊與黃⾊即可得橙⾊。多元⽂化主義則強調讓各⾃的⽂化識別以 並存替代顯著的融合。雖然這些概念經常被描述為對立的範例，但它們實則錯綜，無法被簡 單的分類。然⽽，識別這兩者之間微妙的中間立場是重要的。想像⼀下，退⼀步欣賞紅與 黃，儘管截然不同，卻可以融合並且創造出全新的⾊彩，就好比合成新的⽂化元素。透過更 進⼀步的檢視，這複雜的和諧其實是源⾃於每⼀種⾊調都為整體的豐富性做出了貢獻。這種 平衡的視⾓使我們能夠擁抱⽂化的多樣性，同時確立其獨特性，透過充滿活⼒的⽂化表達和 理解來豐富社會。

《Echoes of Two Lands - 島間迴映》正是在表達這個概念。來⾃紐⻄蘭，⽬前定居台 灣，我將兩地的景觀融合、對比並且相互映照，以喚起⼀種閾限感、模糊邊界與彌合對比。 運⽤環境的素材，我試圖傳達地景如何去塑造⽂化的認同，也描繪環境與⾃我間充滿能量的 互動關係。藝術的啟發並非獨立崛起或孤⾃產⽣的；相反地，它是由各種外在因素與經驗所 形塑。即使看似為描述某個特定場景或視⾓的藝術創作，仍然受到了多重來源的作⽤。雖然 靈感根源於兩座島嶼，這個展覽也暗⽰著⼈性與環境間的普世連結，並且聚焦在個⼈與⾃然 間的內在關係。

⼀些尺幅較⼩的作品是在⼾外創作的，透過影片我記錄了影響它們的聲⾳與環境。使⽤的技 法包含以許多細⼩的油畫筆觸來發展顏⾊、層次與構圖。此外，這個過程反映了作品背後的 理論，隨著繪畫的進程提供了美學上的靈活性，同時也為畫⾯賦予了暗⽰性的特質，邀請觀 眾⾃由地詮釋並結合其個別的視覺體驗，以獨特的視⾓來理解並且共同完成藝術創作。

Transculturalism involves merging different cultures, whereas multiculturalism tends to maintain their separation. To clarify, transculturalism blends diverse cultural elements, akin to mixing colors like red and yellow to create orange, while multiculturalism emphasizes the coexistence of distinct cultural identities without significant blending. While often depicted as opposing paradigms, these concepts are multifaceted and defy simplistic categorization. However, recognizing the nuanced middle ground between these two approaches is essential. Imagine stepping back to see how separate colors of red and yellow, though distinct, can merge to create something new, much like the synthesis of cultural elements. Upon closer examination, we appreciate the intricate harmony where each hue contributes to the richness of the whole. This balanced perspective allows us to embrace the diversity of cultures while acknowledging their unique qualities, enabling transculturalism and multiculturalism to coexist and enrich society with vibrant shades of cultural expression and understanding.

This concept is expressed in 'Echoes of Two Lands - 島間迴映' my 2024 solo exhibition at Gallery Zasso, which is informed by the interconnectedness of identity and environments. Originally from New Zealand and now based in Taiwan, I blend, contrast, and reflect landscapes from both locales, evoking a sense of liminality, blurring boundaries, and bridging contrasts. Using environmental motifs, I seek to convey how landscapes mold cultural identity and the dynamic interplay between environment and self. And as artistic influence doesn't arise independently or in isolation; rather, it's shaped by various external factors and experiences. Even artworks that may seem to reflect a specific place or perspective are still influenced by a blend of different sources. And while inspiration stems from New Zealand and Taiwan, the exhibition suggests a universal connection between humanity and the environment, highlighting the intrinsic link between identity and nature.

Some of the smaller works were created outdoors, with video documentation capturing the sounds and surroundings that influenced them. The technique I employ involves building up colors, layers, and compositions with many small brushstrokes of oil paint. Additionally, reflecting the theory behind this work, this process allows for aesthetic flexibility as the paintings evolve, while also lending a suggestive quality to the artwork and inviting viewers to interpret and bring their own diverse visual experiences to complete the pieces uniquely.