mapalak (Paiwan language) means damaged, broken. When hunters enter their hunting grounds, in order to guide or recall their path, they break branches to leave marks along the way. This act of breaking undoes the original state of being, yet opens new possibilities at the same time. tnbarah (Truku language) means a place that reflects the first rays of sun at dawn, a vibrant space of life and rebirth. Together, the sunlit clearing and the trail made by broken twigs speak to a new inspiration, a new quest.
The fifth Pulima Arts Festival in 2020-2021 proposes that our actions no longer follow fixed definitions of “tradition”, nor fixed definitions of curation. The Festival takes a decentralized approach, delegating power and responsibilities to six young curators from different indigenous communities. In the past year, 6 curators conducted field studies in different communities. From July 2020 to March 2021, curatorial projects have gradually been completed in the indigenous communities. The Body of Forking Paths (July-Sept 2020), curated by Miru Xiumuyi, sparks new understandings of place by bringing contemporary dance to the unfamiliar forests in Mekarang Village, Hsinchu. In lamaljeng・Beyond Sensation (October 2020), Terudj TJUCENGLAV returns to his hometown in Pingtung to co-create a work with local young people, grounded in everyday life and traditions in the village. Akac Orat's Real Men Series: Action Intuition (October 2020) links the extensive meanings of body postures with the many positions and conditions of Indigenous life. Dondon Hounwn takes Dowmung Village as a base in Mtukuy, using residency, exhibition, and performance to explore multiple historical sites where war and culture integrated. Talum Isbabanal’s documentary film and performance Truku of Tomorrow: Dgaiyaq Uking is Vanishing (Feburary 2021) focuses on the mining operation in Bsngan Village, drawing public attention to how modern economy destroys the land's regenerative powers. In Dungku Asang (March 2021) Labay Eyong gathers together weavers in a mining area in Ihownang Village, Hualien, to set in action a raid on the mines. Each of these six curatorial projects takes on the role of gatekeeper, working to restore land and peoples’ hearts through the power of art.
mapalak tnbarah – Fusion in Pulima Art Festival
Curator｜Dondon．Hounwn × Lovenose
Venue｜ Taiwan Contemporary Culture Art Space II
Date｜2021.07.17 (Sat.) -2021.08.29（Sun.）
Projects｜
The Body of Forking Paths / Miru Xiumuyi
lamaljeng・Beyond Sensation / Terudj TJUCENGLAV
Real Men Series: Action Intuition / Akac Orat
Mtukuy / Dondon．Hounwn
Truku of Tomorrow: Dgaiyaq Uking is Vanishing / Talum Isbabanal
Dungku Asang / Labay Eyong
Special thanks to Gong Jow-Jiun & Nakaw Putun
Reserve your visit here.
Rules of Registration for Exhibition:
1. Exhibitions are open at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. Each batch is allowed to visit for at most 90 minutes. The exhibitions will be closed flexibly according to the condition of the fourth batch each day. Visitors are advised to make a reservation online in advance. On-site reservation for exhibitions is available when there are vacancies in the visiting batches.
2. Visitors are required to register at West i-CENTER and follow the indicated exhibition route.
3. The maximum number of visitors every time does not exceed 100, and the limitations on the capacity of the venue will be set based on the volume of the space.
4. A half-hour between the batches will be devoted to cleaning and disinfection of the venue.
5. During the epidemic prevention period, all the earphones of the exhibition are temporarily not available for use. It is available for self-own 3.5mm headphones or earphones to connect on-site equipment.
*Due to the impact of the COVID-19, please check updated news on the official website Pulimalink.