Introduction

Taiwan, a sub-tropical island, is full of paradoxes: high-tech in some sectors, and developing in others. Vagueness and ambiguities abound. Affordable living, connection with nature and urbansity, and the availability of up-to-date technologies make Taiwan an artist’s paradise.

There are so many good contemporary artists to choose from and this list is far from inclusive. This book highlights approximately 100 Taiwanese artists. New artists appear on the scene regularly while new spaces open and others close. Because things are constantly in flux, it is impossible to have a concise overview. So this is a general overview that focuses on Taiwanese artists who were exhibiting regularly and showing up on the radar screen.

At the beginning of the 21st century, more artists from abroad including Japan, North America and Europe started calling Taiwan home. Since the Taiwan identity is somewhat fragile, the art scene is not yet as inclusive as say Berlin or New York’s. However, it will change in due time. The low cost of living and mild climate are salient features for artists.

In addition to artists and art spaces around the island, two chapters focus on the Taiwan Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and the Taipei Biennial at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum as these two particular exhibitions are Taiwan’s foray with the contemporary international art scene.