Writing, gradually supplanted by tools such as keyboards in the course of technological development, is being reintroduced to the public to help them rediscover the beauty of handwritten literary works. From September 5 to October 28 this year, the Taichung Literature Museum will present an exhibition centered on “writing,” showcasing the warm, meticulous strokes of writers’ pens, while also exploring the creative journeys of the authors through the content of their texts.
The special exhibition of writers’ manuscripts held its opening ceremony on September 6 at the Taichung Literature Museum. Deputy Director Zeng Neng-ting of the Taichung City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau attended on behalf of the bureau. He remarked that literature is a beautiful and romantic encounter. This exhibition, themed “Words. My Writing,” highlights the diverse facets of writers’ handwriting and combines them with vivid illustrations to depict Taichung’s cultural and scenic landmarks, such as the banks of Lyuchuan, Huludun Canal, and Taichung Railway Station, as well as the charm of the writers themselves. The precious manuscripts on display are drawn directly from the authors’ works, and through guided tours, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the works while experiencing the profound beauty of handwritten artistry.
Professor Liao Zhen-fu, the exhibition’s curatorial advisor, noted that the exhibition is organized around three key themes. The first, “Love for the Land: Writers’ Depictions of Taichung,” portrays the impressions of this cultural city, its connection to life in Taichung, and the cityscapes reflected in writers’ works. The second, “From Writers’ Reflections on Life to Lyric Dialogue,” invites the public to experience Taichung’s past and present through the emotional power of literature. The third theme is “Diverse Communities, Children’s Literature, and Social Engagement,” highlighting the depth of Taichung’s literary traditions and the genuine emotions embedded in everyday cultural life, thereby bringing literature closer to the lives of the city’s residents.
In addition to exhibiting the archived manuscripts of Taichung writers at the Taichung Literature Museum, the exhibition features a specially designed interactive area where visitors can practice writing in the style of four authors: Chen Qian-wu, Chen Xing-hui, Lu Han-xiu, and Wang Jin-xuan. Through multimedia interactive installations, participants can create engaging digital works. The exhibition also includes a writing submission area, encouraging visitors to freely express their imagination by sharing their reflections on the exhibition in writing. The Cultural Affairs Bureau will select outstanding submissions after the event and present awards in recognition of their brilliance.
The exhibition also features a series of four lectures, inviting the renowned writer Liu Ke-xiang, the insightful and spiritually reflective Wang Yi-jia, Taiwanese language education author Fang Yao-qian, and Indigenous female writer Liglav A-wu. Drawing on their life experiences, they share the mindset behind their creative processes and introduce the diverse facets of literature. The lectures aim to inspire each attendee to discover their own emotional resonance with literary arts.
The musical ensemble Xianwai Zhiyin opened the exhibition with a cross-genre performance featuring the guzheng and violin. The opening ceremony was attended by Taichung writers Chen Xian-ren, Jian Zheng-zhen, Lin Guang, Du Ye, Wu Ying, Cai Rong-yong, Fang Qiu-ting, Gu Jia, as well as Mr. Jiang He-yan, father of writer Jiang Ling-qing, Councilors Jiang Zhao-guo and Huang Shou-da, Director Lin Hong-jun of the Humanities Division at the West District Office, and representatives from Councilor Zhang Yantong’s Office. Curatorial advisor Professor Liao Zhen-fu, together with several writers, conducted on-site guided tours, explaining the creative processes behind the manuscripts and revealing little-known stories of inspiration, allowing attendees to fully experience a literary summer celebration!