2019-03-08

Taiwan– Week 4– Hualien

Hualien– Portrait of Ubing Masau, took me three tries to make a good portrait, after I’ve formally asked her permission to make her portrait [1]. I’ve only encountered misprints with several people, mostly Shamans (but more perhaps to my own mistake). We had an interview with her and Turuku, much we learned from her [2]. Rikey Tēnn was our first test portrait to demonstrate the portrait making process [3]. we had customary drinks after, every night [4]. Arrive at Dong Hwa University [5, 6, 7, 8, 9] with a dedicated education system to indigenous natives studies, pioneering that led to other universities to also start including special sections on Indigenous studies. Graduation vest according to indigenous weaving patterns [10] figurative painting of indigenous representation [11]. Visited Wata gallery [12, 13] which was showcasing native contemporary art and craft where I splurged on a unique weave of the millet. Had the opportunity to also interview Ubing’s mother 許春好 in their home [14,15] and make a portrait of her [16,17]. She teaches her mother tongue of Turuku [18] at elementary and middle school, through the traditional musical instrument. With Hanako grand daughter [19]. It was a short trip, so hopefully in future I would be able to visit and document their stories and rich history, their migration from Nantou to where they are in Hualien now. Her portrait now in their family home cabinet [20]. It is still raining, and for the pass two days Te-Mao hospitality to us has been so warm [21]. You belong to Hualien, the blue of the sea and the warmth of the sun, thank you!