In East Asia, butterflies are a symbol of blessings. The artist takes this metaphorical symbol on in hopes that all major cities in the world will have a “butterfly/blessing filled” well-wishing project to endow blessings on the city and nation. “Butterfly / Blessing Filled Taiwan” is one such well-wishing project born out of this concept.
Inhabitants on this beautiful island are simple, resilient, and down-to-earth, and they are always able to see the light at the end of a dark tunnel. Still, Taiwan has been in a difficult time for so long that there is an inexplicable heaviness heaved upon us. We hope to come out of the current economic and political hardship, hence the butterfly imagery as it is homophonic to the Chinese word for “accumulated blessings.” It serves as a gesture to evoke blessings onto this land. With ultimate sincerity as seen in spiritual practices, the totem element representing Taiwan’s native butterflies are taken as a gesture of blessing, showering good wishes onto Taiwan hoping that it will gracefully break free and take flight, much like a butterfly breaking free from a cocoon. With such sincere well-wishing intent, the pen strokes are moved in such a way that layers and layers of blessings are accumulated. Kind people should be blessed and be freed of difficult environments in order to change and shift mode of thinking. For many of us that live and work hard on this island, we are quietly exerting a force praying for safety and hope. It is in my heart of hearts to hope for each of us on this land can be free like butterflies and take flight. While expressing my sincere intention, I apply the uncanny homophonic word of butterfly / blessing-filled to wish this beautiful island all the best. God bless Taiwan! All blessings to Taiwan.
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