Kaohsiung Launches 'UK Culture Year' with 'Hello, Big Ben!' Exhibition

The Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts in Taiwan has inaugurated its "UK Culture Year," kicking off with the "Hello, Big Ben!" exhibition at the Children's Museum of Fine Arts. This initiative seeks to immerse audiences in British art and culture through a diverse program of exhibitions, a British-themed carnival, and various interconnected activities.

The inaugural exhibition, "Hello, Big Ben!," is designed to engage children by exploring iconic British landmarks and cultural symbols. It features the work of six Taiwanese artists who have lived and studied in the United Kingdom. These artists translate their experiences into imaginative children's book illustrations and artistic creations, offering a unique perspective on British life and culture.

Through thematic sections like "Finding Big Ben," "The Beginning of the Story," and "Falling Down the Rabbit Hole," the exhibition encourages children to delve deeper into British culture beyond surface-level observation. Interactive elements, including a "Mad Hatter's Tea Party" space inspired by "Alice in Wonderland," a "British Adventure Puzzle," and a "Little Snail's Home" magnet collage, are designed to foster critical thinking and observation skills in the digital age.

Participating artists include Wu Shao-hua, whose work "Journey Between Book Pages" incorporates British elements and fairy tale characters; Li Chin-lun, with "A Kind, Wealthy Lady and Her Hundred Dogs," exploring human-animal bonds; and Chang Tzu-chun's "Today," which delves into the complex emotions of an elderly woman facing demolition of her home. Other featured artists are Wu Hsin-chih, Ballboss, and Chi Yu-ju, each bringing their distinct interpretations of British experiences and personal reflections to the exhibition, which runs until August 30, 2027.