Ours
The first chapter of my series “Ours” depicts a ribbon that symbolizes the image of a rainbow. It flies lightly in the sky of Yushan Mountain, the highest peak of Taiwan, with the Alishan Divine Butterflies — Brahmaea wallichii insulata. It is a metaphor for freedom, democracy, and multiculturalism of Taiwan: With this artwork, dedicated to you and me in Taiwan, knowing how to savor the gracefulness of this land.
我的作品《Ours》系列首章，描繪象徵彩虹意象的緞帶，與阿里山神蝶 – 枯球籮紋蛾，一起輕盈的飛揚在台灣最高峰的玉山天際，隱喻著自由、民主、多元文化的台灣；藉由此作品，獻給身在台灣的你我，懂得細細品味屬於這片土地的美好。
Ours 002
Ours 003
Pushing past rows of bushes, the road before me is a vast expanse.
There is a history in Taiwan, in Formosa, a history which belongs to these beautiful islands that have nurtered us here.
As someone who loves and identifies with Taiwan, to depict this country through art posed a challenge that necessitated a certain way of seeing — focused on subtle detail to elucidate a wider splendour.
There is a history in Taiwan, in Formosa, a history which belongs to these beautiful islands that have nurtered us here.
As someone who loves and identifies with Taiwan, to depict this country through art posed a challenge that necessitated a certain way of seeing — focused on subtle detail to elucidate a wider splendour.
撥開層層樹叢，眼前的道路，是如此的寬廣與遼闊。
台灣 – 美麗的島嶼，是滋養我們的土地，擁有屬於自己的歷史。
台灣 – 美麗的島嶼，是滋養我們的土地，擁有屬於自己的歷史。
熱愛台灣，並將國家認同化為創作的我，從細微中凝視壯麗，以藝術書寫台灣。
Ours 004
In mid-September of 2020, the then TECONY Ambassador James K. J. Lee met with the then US Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft, a meeting that Ambassador Craft herself described as “historic,” and a further step to strengthen US-Taiwan relationship.
About 8,000 miles away from New York, Hsu Meng-Han, a Taiwanese artist, was moved by the occasion and inspired to create this painting to capture an important moment of US-Taiwan friendship. Taiwan blue magpies, as seen in the art, are endemic to Taiwan; their strength and character are often seen as a representation of the country.
2020 年 9 月 16 日，時任駐紐約辦事處李光章大使與時任美國駐聯合國大使克拉芙特（Kelly Craft）餐敘，克拉芙特大使在受訪時表示這場餐敘是「歷史性」的會面，有助於進一步深化台美關係。
在距離紐約快 8,000 英里的台灣，藝術家徐夢涵深受這場會晤啟發，進而創作出這幅以台灣藍鵲為意象的畫作。台灣藍鵲貴為台灣特有種鳥類，其風骨和形象經常被視為國家的代表；徐夢涵藉由此作品，紀錄下象徵台美友好的重要時刻。
Embracing the Flame 擁抱烈焰
Snow-capped and majestic Yu Shan (Jade Mountain), two sacred birds soaring in the sky, the black bulbul and the Taiwanese blue magpie, they are determined to bring back the fire for their tribesmen, even if their beaks and claws are burned red, and even if they must sacrifice themselves, they are still determined to complete the mission entrusted by their tribe.
The work “Embracing the Flame” is inspired by the flood myth of the Bunun tribe. The tribesmen deeply cherish the black bulbul, which is respected and known as a sacred bird and is not allowed to be hunted. (In other versions of the story it’s the Taiwanese blue magpie)
As an artist, I immortalized this touching moment through painting. Using lively colors, the headdress of the women of Bunun, the blue Han-style, right-lapel, long-sleeved shirt, and the weaving pattern of the men’s chest cloth are all gently brought into the painting.
白雪皚皚、氣勢磅礡的玉山，兩隻神鳥翱翔天際，紅嘴黑鵯和台灣藍鵲，牠們奮不顧身的為族人取回火種，縱然尖嘴和爪子被燒得通紅，甚至犧牲自己，仍堅決完成族人託付的使命。
作品《擁抱烈焰》，靈感源於布農族的洪水神話。族人深深感念紅嘴黑鵯，尊稱神鳥且不得射殺。（另有些故事版本為台灣藍鵲）
身為藝術家，透過繪畫讓這觸動人心的一刻化為永恆。並以鮮活的色彩，將布農族女子頭飾、藍色漢式右襟長袖半長衣，及男子胸布織紋等，溫柔的帶入畫中。
Душу й тіло ми положим за нашу свободу
Soul and body we'll lay down for our freedom
為了自由我們獻出靈魂和肉體
On February 24, 2022, ruthless missiles and air strikes from the Russian army cut through the peaceful sky of Ukraine…
From that moment on, the word “reunion” became an eternal concern. Numerous Ukrainians were displaced by the invaders, and even if they survived the war, their inner pain would not be soothed.
More than sorrow, there is anger. No one should deprive people from other countries of their way of living, or occupy their land, or even erase the fact that their history and culture exists.
From that moment on, the word “reunion” became an eternal concern. Numerous Ukrainians were displaced by the invaders, and even if they survived the war, their inner pain would not be soothed.
More than sorrow, there is anger. No one should deprive people from other countries of their way of living, or occupy their land, or even erase the fact that their history and culture exists.
The feeling of indignation continued to ferment, therefore, I created the painting “Soul and body we'll lay down for our freedom”. The title of the work comes from the lyrics of the Ukrainian national anthem: “Душу й тіло ми положим за нашу свободу”.
I would like to sincerely dedicate this work to the Ukrainian people who are fighting for freedom.
I wish that in the near future, under the blue sky, the green and the bright golden colors of the sunflower will replace the destroyed walls; so that the sunflower, which is the national flower of Ukraine and symbolizes “faith”, “glory” and “courage”, will bloom again.
I wish that in the near future, under the blue sky, the green and the bright golden colors of the sunflower will replace the destroyed walls; so that the sunflower, which is the national flower of Ukraine and symbolizes “faith”, “glory” and “courage”, will bloom again.
2022 年 2 月 24 日，俄軍無情的飛彈和空襲，劃破了烏克蘭寧靜的天際…。
從那一刻起，團圓二字成了永遠的牽掛，無數烏克蘭人因侵略者而流離失所，即便在戰火中倖存下來，也無法撫平內心的傷痛。
比哀傷更多的是憤怒，沒有任何人可以剝奪他國人民的生活方式，或強佔國土，甚至是抹殺其歷史文化存在的事實。
悲憤的心情持續發酵著，因而，我創作出《為了自由我們獻出靈魂和肉體》這幅畫。作品名稱源自烏克蘭國歌歌詞：「Душу й тіло ми положим за нашу свободу」。
謹以此作品，誠摯的獻給為自由奮戰的烏克蘭人。
祈願不久的將來，在藍天之下，滿眼綠意、璀璨金黃的太陽花，能夠取代斷垣殘壁；讓象徵「信念」、「光輝」與「勇氣」的烏克蘭國花 — 向日葵，再次綻放。
Freedom-loving people should look out for each other!
熱愛自由的人們應該互相照顧
In the early summer of 2021, the people of Taiwan will always remember the warmhearted country of Lithuania, for reaching out to donate vaccines to assist Taiwan in combating the pandemic at a critical moment. Since then, this precious friendship has been like a warm current of kindness that continues to reverberate between these two countries.
Another important milestone in the exchange between the two sides was the establishment of “The Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania” in its capital, Vilnius. This is the first representative institution established in Europe under the name of “Taiwan.”
Another important milestone in the exchange between the two sides was the establishment of “The Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania” in its capital, Vilnius. This is the first representative institution established in Europe under the name of “Taiwan.”
Lithuania’s determination to fully demonstrate its alliance and cooperation through concrete actions has deeply touched my heart. As an artist, only through creating can I convey my deep gratitude to such partner who shares Taiwan’s democratic values and beliefs.
Therefore, I have named my artwork “Freedom-loving people should look out for each other!” after the quote by Gabrielius Landsbergis, the then Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania.
The yellow, green, red background of this painting is the flag of Lithuania fluttering in the wind. On the round table in front of the flag, there is a jade glass vase with golden outlines. Inside the vase there’s an orchid that symbolizes Taiwan, which is a metaphor for Lithuania’s courage in firmly supporting the free and democratic Taiwan, also beautifully called the Kingdom of Orchids.
The yellow, green, red background of this painting is the flag of Lithuania fluttering in the wind. On the round table in front of the flag, there is a jade glass vase with golden outlines. Inside the vase there’s an orchid that symbolizes Taiwan, which is a metaphor for Lithuania’s courage in firmly supporting the free and democratic Taiwan, also beautifully called the Kingdom of Orchids.
Through this artwork, I hope that the friendly relationship between Taiwan and Lithuania continues to deepen, and that this force of kindness will spread to countries around the world, and that this tiny stream will eventually converge into a vast ocean under the bright sunshine.
2021 年初夏，台灣人民永遠記得這個暖心的國家立陶宛，在疫情嚴峻的時刻，伸出援手捐贈疫苗、協助台灣對抗疫情。自此，珍貴的情誼彷如一股善意的暖流，綿延不絕的迴盪於台立之間。
而雙方交流的重要里程碑，是「駐立陶宛台灣代表處 The Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania」，在立國首都維爾紐斯揭牌成立。這是全歐洲第一個以「台灣」名義設立的代表機構。
立陶宛以實際行動，充分展現盟友合作的決心，深深觸動我的心。身為藝術家，唯有透過創作，才能將滿滿的感激之情，傳遞給和台灣共享民主價值信念的夥伴。
因此，我以立陶宛時任外交部長藍斯柏吉斯（Gabrielius Landsbergis）的名言，替作品命名為《熱愛自由的人們應該互相照顧 Freedom-loving people should look out for each other!》。
這幅畫的黃、綠、紅背景，是一面迎風飄揚的立陶宛國旗。國旗前方的圓桌上，擺了一個描金翡翠玻璃花瓶，瓶內插著象徵台灣意象的蘭花，隱喻立國無懼強權，且堅定的支持著 — 擁有蘭花王國美名的自由民主台灣。
透過此作品，期盼台立之間的友好關係持續深化；讓這股良善的力量，在世界各國發酵，願涓涓細流終能匯聚成豔陽下的大海。
Matsu Mussels 馬祖淡菜
The moment I opened the package, the smell of Matsu’s sea came to my nose; for a moment, it was as if I saw a unique island and a vast ocean....
The dark and hard shell, with a few barnacles attached to it, was grinning at me as it breathed through its open mouth. A plain, unpretentious local ingredient, just like its name, Matsu mussel.
Looking closely at the mussel, a bundle of seagrass-looking filaments can be seen around its shell, which are actually byssal threads that help the mussel attach itself to rock walls during its growth. However, these modest threads are connected to its heart, and if carelessly pulled out, the mussel will immediately die.
This reminded me of Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Birthday of the Infanta’, where the little Dwarf dies of a broken heart. Unlike the little Dwarf’s desperation, Matsu’s honored guests from afar can taste the full freshness and delight through simple cooking.
This reminded me of Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Birthday of the Infanta’, where the little Dwarf dies of a broken heart. Unlike the little Dwarf’s desperation, Matsu’s honored guests from afar can taste the full freshness and delight through simple cooking.
Sauté the green onion, ginger and garlic in sesame oil, add some water and bring it to a boil, then add the mussels. The surprise from waiting for the shell to open is like a “gender reveal party”, where the yellow orange flesh means female and the ivory flesh means male. Finally, drizzle some cooking rice wine to enhance the flavor, and a gorgeous pot of translucent white soup is ready to be served.
The savory sesame oil mussel soup is served in a handcrafted ceramic vessel. The taste of the island and the warm, rustic craftsmanship are conveyed through the intuitive arrangement of the dish, allowing one to experience the beauty of life.
Tasting Matsu mussels is full of imagination and fun. Gently grabbing a tuft of byssal threads, placing the mussel into your mouth, then pulling the byssus out, the plump, juicy texture of the meat happily dances a charming and sensual tango in your mouth.
拆開包裹的當下，馬祖的海味陣陣撲鼻而來；一瞬間，彷彿看見獨特的島嶼和遼闊的大海…。
黝黑且堅硬的外殼，上面附著些許藤壺，張口呼吸的牠，正咧著嘴對我微笑。樸實無華的在地食材，如同牠的名字–馬祖淡菜。
仔細觀察淡菜，殼上一撮參差不齊的海草，是牠附著於岩壁上，以便生長的足絲。但是不起眼的足絲，卻又連通心臟，若不慎拔掉，淡菜會立即死亡。
這令我聯想起王爾德的《公主的生日》，因心碎而死的小矮人。不同於小矮人的絕望，對於遠道而來的馬祖嬌客，只需簡單料理，即可嚐到滿滿的鮮味與歡愉。
把蔥薑蒜用麻油煸炒，加適量水至滾開後放入淡菜。等待殼打開的驚喜，宛如一場「性別揭曉派對」，橘色肉為母、白色肉為公；最後再淋上料理米酒提味，一鍋奶白色湯頭即華麗登場。
將香氣四溢的麻油淡菜湯，盛裝在陶藝家的手作器皿。島嶼的滋味、溫潤質樸的工藝，透過隨心擺盤，讓人感受到生活之美。
品嚐馬祖淡菜，充滿了想像力與樂趣。輕輕抓住那撮足絲，將淡菜放入口中，再將足絲拉出，肥碩飽滿、彈牙多汁的肉質，在嘴裡快樂的跳著迷人又性感的探戈。
黝黑且堅硬的外殼，上面附著些許藤壺，張口呼吸的牠，正咧著嘴對我微笑。樸實無華的在地食材，如同牠的名字–馬祖淡菜。
仔細觀察淡菜，殼上一撮參差不齊的海草，是牠附著於岩壁上，以便生長的足絲。但是不起眼的足絲，卻又連通心臟，若不慎拔掉，淡菜會立即死亡。
這令我聯想起王爾德的《公主的生日》，因心碎而死的小矮人。不同於小矮人的絕望，對於遠道而來的馬祖嬌客，只需簡單料理，即可嚐到滿滿的鮮味與歡愉。
把蔥薑蒜用麻油煸炒，加適量水至滾開後放入淡菜。等待殼打開的驚喜，宛如一場「性別揭曉派對」，橘色肉為母、白色肉為公；最後再淋上料理米酒提味，一鍋奶白色湯頭即華麗登場。
將香氣四溢的麻油淡菜湯，盛裝在陶藝家的手作器皿。島嶼的滋味、溫潤質樸的工藝，透過隨心擺盤，讓人感受到生活之美。
品嚐馬祖淡菜，充滿了想像力與樂趣。輕輕抓住那撮足絲，將淡菜放入口中，再將足絲拉出，肥碩飽滿、彈牙多汁的肉質，在嘴裡快樂的跳著迷人又性感的探戈。
Quail Eggs and Irises 鵪鶉蛋與鳶尾花
Today, let’s talk about a classic street food from Taiwanese night markets: “Grilled Quail Eggs”.
Exquisitely small, with patterns that resemble splashed-ink landscape paintings, these fresh quail eggs are turned into aromatic “Grilled Quail Eggs” skewers under the magical and skillful hands of the street vendors, and in an instant end up in the hands of eager customers waiting in line. Each person with a skewer has a broad smile in the face, illustrating the charm of this night market delicacy. Undoubtedly, this delightful taste must have left a deep mark in the memories of Taiwanese people since long ago.
Some time ago, while strolling through the traditional market, I casually stumbled upon a small truck selling colorfully patterned quail eggs. A bag was only one hundred NT dollars, which made me pleasantly surprised. I felt like I had found a treasure and brought two bags home with me.
As I admired these peculiar gifts from the divine creator, I gently washed the thin eggshells, then I took out an electric griller and brushed them with extra virgin olive oil. After a while, the tiny yolks and whites started sizzling…
Surrounded by the wafting aroma of eggs, at that moment, I could almost see my childhood self, tightly holding onto my mother’s hand, my eyes following the skilled movements of the street vendors, while I obediently and quietly waited next to them.
Thanks to these adorable quail eggs, memories of long-forgotten childhood experiences came flooding back. To increase the sense of ritual in my life, I decided to bring out my long-cherished vintage 1980s Arcopal France milk glass side plate with ultra-marine blue irises and gracefully present the golden brown and crispy sunny-side-up eggs.
The blooming irises on the plate exuded an air of elegance and sophistication, acting as guardians of the quail eggs in that moment, gently waiting to escort those delectable human delights into one’s mouth.
今天，我們來聊聊台灣夜市的經典小吃 「烤鳥蛋」吧。
精緻小巧、花紋好似潑墨山水般鮮活的鵪鶉蛋，在小販魔幻般的巧手下，瞬間，一串串香氣撲鼻的「烤鳥蛋」，已經在排隊的饕客手中。人手一串、眼底眉梢都在笑，多麼迷人的夜市小吃，相信這美好的味蕾，早已深深烙印在台灣人的記憶中。
前些日子，沿著傳統市場漫步，不經意的發現一輛小貨車上，賣著花色斑斕的鵪鶉蛋，一袋只要一百元，令人驚喜不已，我如獲至寶的拎了兩袋回家。
邊讚嘆造物主的神奇禮物，邊輕輕的洗淨薄透的蛋殼，接著拿出電烤盤，刷上初榨橄欖油。不一會兒，小小的蛋黃與蛋白，便滋滋作響...。
伴隨著陣陣蛋香四溢，此時的我，彷彿看見兒時的自己，緊緊牽住母親，雙眼隨著小販熟練的動作，乖巧而安靜的在一旁等待。
因著可愛的鵪鶉蛋，讓我回憶起早已忘懷的童年往事；為了增添生活中的儀式感，決定找出自己珍藏已久的法國 Arcopal 牛奶玻璃印花餐盤，將金黃焦脆的太陽蛋優雅盛裝。
盤上綻放的群青色鳶尾花清雅脫俗，此刻宛如鵪鶉蛋的守護神，溫柔的守候，即將入口的人間美味。