In the annals of Taiwan's independent art scene, few spaces have commanded as much media attention as Space II. Its exhibitions garnered coverage not just in the arts sections (then often intertwined with entertainment news) but occasionally even graced the social pages, nestled amidst sensational crime reports. A trailblazer in multiple respects—the first cooperative gallery, the first avant-garde collective to exhibit in a public museum, and a catalyst for the emergence of terms like "alternative space" and "women's art" in Taiwan—Space II and its members profoundly shaped the island's contemporary art landscape. Their critical works served as a potent response to the societal transformations following the lifting of martial law. Such was their influence that renowned art critic Huang Hai-Ming, freshly returned from France, recognized Space II as the epicenter of a veritable "art movement"—a vibrant hub where young activists converged to discuss, create, and agitate until contemporary art seemingly triumphed, rendering further revolution unnecessary.
Opening Ceremony of "The Last Night" at TFAM(1994) Image courtesy of AAA
In this talk, researcher Nicole Wang delves into the Space II Archive, now housed within the Asia Art Archive. Through a rich tapestry of exhibition files, correspondence, press clippings, self-published zines, photographs, documentary footage, and other historical artifacts—412 items in total—she traces the trajectory of Space II from 1989 to 1994. Joining her in conversation is Huang Hai-Ming, former director of the Taipei Fine Arts Museum and esteemed curator and critic. Together, they will illuminate how Space II evolved into a documented art movement, leaving an indelible mark on Taiwan's cultural history.
TIME:2024.06.30(SUN) 14:00–16:00
VENUE: CREATORS’ Space R102 Coworking Space (Online Registration)
*The talk will be live-streamed on the C-LAB YouTube Channel (advance registration is required).
SPEAKERS
｜Nicole WANG
Project researcher, Asia Art Archive.
｜HUANG Hai-Ming
Huang Hai-Ming holds a PhD in Aesthetics, Sciences, and Technology of the Arts from Université Paris 8. A keen observer of Taiwan's contemporary art scene since 1990, he has witnessed and contributed to the growth of alternative art spaces across the island. His expertise spans contemporary art criticism, curation, public art jury service, art grant review, and the fostering of community development through socially engaged art practices.
He is a champion of bringing socially engaged contemporary art to both urban and rural public spaces, a mission he has actively pursued since 1997. Between 1998 and 2001, he played a pivotal role in transforming the idle Huashan Winery into a vibrant interdisciplinary art and cultural zone, overseeing its operation and management during its formative years.
Huang served as a professor in the Department of Art and the Department of Cultural and Creative Industries Management at National Taipei University of Education from 1996 to 2015. He was also the founding and second chair of the latter department. During this time, he co-founded the Nanhai Gallery and spearheaded the annual Guling Street Book Fair & Creative Market, a thriving event that continues to this day.
From 2012 to 2014, he served as the director of the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, where he championed interdisciplinary collaboration and explored the potential of contemporary art within real social spaces. Since retiring in 2015, Huang has dedicated his time to observing urban art festivals across Taiwan, with a particular focus on those promoting sustainable development. In 2020, he curated the "Perforated City" exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei. He remains an active observer, researcher, and collaborator in the Taiwanese art scene.
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