Jun Yang's Dispute with MoCA Taipei Sparks Debate on Institutional Transparency in Taiwan

A public uproar has emerged from a two-year dispute involving artist Jun Yang and the Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei, highlighting the complexities of institutional politics within Taiwan's art community. The conflict originated in 2019 when curator Barbara Steiner suggested featuring part of Yang's exhibition at MoCA Taipei, which was initially sanctioned by then-director Yuki Pan, who stepped down later that year. Allegations arose that incoming director Li-Chen Loh attempted to cancel the exhibition, prompting Yang to consider legal action. Consequently, the exhibition was reduced from three months to one-and-a-half months. Yang asserts that Loh sabotaged the project and experienced online harassment. On July 31, MoCA Taipei stated they did not interfere with Yang's choices and recognized flaws in the transition between directors, fueling demands for enhanced transparency in public institutions.