The Taiwan Academy of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, in collaboration with Creative Class Collective, proudly presents the "ART RENZEI” Art Festival, opening on June 24, 2024. With the theme " A Platform for the Youth," the festival will feature Taiwanese artist Hung Yi’s installation Love & Legacy at the Acres of Books. In this remarkable artwork, Hung Yi explores the concept of global unity and intergenerational transmission, symbolizing how artistic creation can transcend the boundaries of time and space. Through a legacy of art passed down through generations, his work continues to resonate deeply, influencing culture and values.
Hung Yi is renowned for his sculptures, particularly his animal-themed creations inspired by the Chinese zodiac, which have left a deep impression in people's minds. With his latest work, "Love & Legacy” Hung Yi uses love and joy to connect the beauty of art sharing, aiming to ignite inspiration in people's minds, leading them towards more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Hung Yi's playful and pun-filled approach is exemplified in his representations of various creatures, including:
- The kangaroo symbolizes generational transmission, as the Chinese character for the “pouch” of a kangaroo sounds similar to “generation”;
- The magpie in Chinese culture signifies the arrival of good news or the spreading of happiness;
- The dragon represents harmony and happiness, as the Chinese character for “dragon” sounds similar to “harmonious co-existence”;
- The alien embodies artistic innovation and rejuvenation in this context.
The Taiwan Academy of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles has announced its collaboration this year with the Tourism Division to jointly promote Taiwanese culture and unique attractions in Los Angeles. Since April, artworks by Mr. Hung Yi, including "Show Me Taiwan" and "Gourmet Taiwan," have adorned selected trains on the East LA Line (E Line) and Azusa Line (A Line). Additionally, Hung's acclaimed piece, "Love & Legacy," will be featured in the "ART RENZEI" Art Festival at Long Beach, strategically located along the A Line, in a joint effort to enhance Taiwan's image through cross-departmental collaboration.
The "ART RENZEI" Art Festival is scheduled from June 22 to 29, 2024, and will showcase works by 25 artists from 5 countries. "Love & Legacy" will be prominently displayed for over a month at the historic Acres of Books (240 Long Beach Blvd.), aiming to engage American art enthusiasts and deepen their appreciation for Taiwanese culture and traditions.
Creative Class Collective is a non-profit organization at Long Beach that promotes, supports, and encourages innovative ideas in the arts, music, education, and other creative fields to help enhance community planning and economic vitality. The organization is committed to facilitating exchanges between local artists and the international arts and cultural communities, with a particular focus on building dual connections between the American and Asian arts and cultural communities. For more information about the event, please visit https://www.artrenzei.com/about.