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Taiwan Hakka Museum launches two special exhibitions on Hakka history
- Source:客家文化發展中心
- Publication Date:2025/04/14
- Last updated:2025/05/17
- Count Views:153
Organized by Taiwan Hakka Museum, two special exhibitions—“Hakka Gaze on the Route: Echoes Resonate between Mountains and Valleys” and “Photo Grafting Petrichor: Archival Photography Re-exhibited”—are taking place in Miaoli County.
Held on Apr. 14, the opening ceremony was attended by Director-General Ho Chin-liang (何金樑) of Taiwan Hakka Culture Development Center (THCDC), Director-General Chen Wen-juei (陳文瑞) of Highway Bureau, President Chen Ban-jen (陳邦畛) of Hakka Public Communication Foundation, officials from Hakka Affairs Council, curators of the exhibitions, and other distinguished guests.
THCDC Director-General Ho said the two exhibitions showcase Hakka culture in local settlements. The “Hakka Gaze on the Route” exhibition presents the history of highway construction, telling the story of Hakka migration from western and southern Taiwan to the east of the island. Ho added that the exhibition displays THCDC’s digital collections, as well as the Highway Bureau’s historical images, archives, and relics, aiming to evoke collective memories of the transformation of transportation in Hakka villages over recent decades.
Highway Bureau Director-General Chen stated that the Bureau has closely collaborated with THCDC since 2023. He adding that through the exhibition’s focus on highway history and Hakka culture, many inspiring stories of the Bureau’s former staff members were revealed. Moving to eastern Taiwan from Hakka villages in the west, these dedicated individuals contributed significantly to the construction of the highway.
Creating a nostalgic and warm atmosphere, the “Hakka Gaze on the Route” exhibition transports visitors to the past through images, artifacts, and Hakka stories. Collected from Hakka settlements in Hualien and Taitung counties, oral histories on Hakka migration and the development of Provincial Highway 9 are also the highlight in the exhibition. Speaking in the Hakka language, interviewees shared their life stories about how the Hakka community settled in eastern Taiwan.
Centered on THCDC’s digital collection, the exhibition “Photo Grafting Petrichor,” curated by Chen Chang-jen (陳昌仁), displays 100 vintage photos by 16 photographers, capturing local scenery and customs in Hakka villages. Among the featured photographers, Chen Yun-jin (陳雲錦), Li Han-long (黎漢龍), and Tu Hsiu-lan (涂秀蘭) attended the exhibition opening and shared their thoughts on their works. In partnership with the team led by Professor Chang Chen-chi (張陳基) of National United University (國立聯合大學), the exhibition incorporates interactive images using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, enabling viewers to engage in Hakka dialogue with the AI. In addition, through image synthesis technology, visitors can appear in historical Hakka photos taken by the featured photographers.
Apart from the two exhibitions, a series of cultural events is planned. To celebrate the Hakka Tung Blossom Festival in April, a road running activity and a rite of passage will take place on Apr. 19. Other events include lectures on Hakka artifacts, hands-on activities, board game experiences, a picnic party, and a book launch to promoting traditional Hakka music.
