SCIOGRAPHY OF A FLAG, 2019 Digital video, projector, flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan) sewed with Chinese knots | Dimensions variable
Installation view at the California Institute of the Arts, 2019
This piece delves into the complex political situation surrounding Taiwan's sovereignty and the challenges it faces as it strives to maintain its autonomy amidst external pressures. The flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is adorned with numerous Chinese knots, highlighting the weight of the shared cultural heritage with mainland China. However, this shared heritage is often exploited by mainland China as a means of oppression and justification for "uniting" with Taiwan. The flag is positioned between a projector and a wall, casting a shadow onto the background. An image of a black flag in motion is then placed in accordance with the shadow of the pole, creating the illusion of a flying flag's shadow. Taiwan's sovereignty is persistently threatened by China's power, making it challenging for the country to fully exercise its autonomy and pursue its own interests.
The flag of the Republic of China — Blue Sky, White Sun, and a Red Earth — was used in mainland China between 1928–1949 and has been in use in Taiwan since 1945. This flag is later banned by China and consequently on international platforms as it is used as the national flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan) nowadays.