The Tilapia fish, or more commonly known as the Wu Guo Yu in Taiwan has a humble origin. However, it has a captivating story to tell as in how it was introduced to Taiwan by two Taiwanese soldiers from Singapore in 1946. The advancement in fish farming technology and the unintended yet colourful branding exercise have gradually promoted this fish as the national sea bream of Taiwan. This sharing session is based on the study of Wu Guo Yu, to look at the form of migratory movement through livestock, the process of domesticating a foreign species and its cultural significance in constructing a national narrative.

A Wu Guo Yu sample dish will be served during MNML #19. The artist will like to thank Digital Art Foundation, Taipei for the invitation, OCAC for hosting the residency, and friends from the local art community for their advice and support during his one month stay in Taipei. And special thanks to Ho Yu-kuan, Wu Chuen-lun, Seah Yi-zai, Chen Ching-yao and Chen Yi-chiu.

SPEAKERS

Hoo Fan Chon (b. 1982), based in George Town, he completed his BA photography at the London College of Communication and has exhibited in locally and regionally. He was one of the finalists for Saatchi Gallery’s 2010 New Sensations and Photographer’s gallery ‘Fresh Eyes, Wild Face’ in London. Interested in examining the residues of this process in which attempts to translate or assimilate was made but at times result in an unexpected and incoherent manner, his practice involves investigating the process of cultural translation. He is one of the founders and members of an art and curatorial collective – Run Amok based in George Town, Penang.

Yichiu Chen (b. 1983), based in Taichung and Taipei, Taiwan. She completed her BA in journalism and MA in magazine publishing. She is interested in how contemporary living experiences being converted or transformed in a sometimes unfamiliar situation. She does interviews, editorial works and exhibitions and now is operating a project space called Pon Ding.

No Man’s Land Residency & Nusantara Archive project (The 1st Year): http://www.facebook.com/NusantaraArchive/

Organizer: No Man’s Land; Digital Art Foundation
Associate Organizer: ET@T, Open-Contemporary Art Center
Observation Team: Chen Hsiang-wen, Ho Yu Kuen, Lai Ying-tai (supported by National Culture and Arts Foundation)