Two Taipei exhibitions explore art collectives and intimate creation in post-lockdown context

Two exhibitions in Taipei address themes of artistic networks and support systems as society emerges from pandemic lockdowns. 'Subterranean – Taiwanese Art Collectives 1980–2000' at The Cube Project Space documents Taiwanese art collectives from the late 20th century through a documentary and archival approach, avoiding definitive conclusions to instead reexamine histories. The exhibition is structured in three chronological sections: the late 1980s, coinciding with the end of martial law in Taiwan; the 1990s, featuring groups like Ta-Da-Na Experimental Group, Bamboo Curtain Studio, Nomad Museum, Nation Oxygen, and Abnormal Temple; and the period 2000–2005, viewed in a globalized context. An additional section examines Taipei spaces Sickly Sweet Café and Xi-Rang for nurturing avant-garde practices. Concurrently, 'creN/Ature' at TKG+ Project Space, curated by Wu Muching, presents a five-artist group show focusing on the act of creation and its purpose in the world. The artists include Lai Chih-Sheng, Niu Jun Qiang, Dino, Chung Chung-Yu, and Shan Chung-Chieh, selected for their personal connections to the curator to foster an intimate atmosphere. Wu describes the show as not being transparent at first glance, framing this as a positive quality. 'Subterranean' runs through 9 October, while 'creN/Ature' continues until 18 September.