The Display of Taiwanese Contemporary Art in New York City: The Context and Challenges

This paper critically evaluates the multiplicity of contexts in which Taiwanese contemporary art has been exhibited and distributed in New York City. The curatorial practice of arts institutions and individuals, promotion strategies, funding resources and the role of Taiwanese government are all examined. Through interviews with Taiwanese artists, curators from the U.S. and Taiwan, and the staff of Taipei Cultural Center in New York, the paper has identified five challenges: 1) Taiwan's nebulous identity has hindered the presence of Taiwanese artists internationally; 2) lack of inter-institution collaborations between Taiwan and the U.S.; 3) lack of international curatorial professionals; 4) lack of bi-lingual/English database and publications about Taiwanese Art; 5) the Taipei Cultural Center's lack of autonomy from government control. The paper also provides some recommendations for Taiwan's art world and the government to effectively connect with the international arts community and to enhance the exposure and appreciation of Taiwanese contemporary art in the U.S.