Heartland

This artwork is part of the creative project for the Land Festival, completed in May of this year. It holds a special place in my heart as one of my favorite pieces. The thematic direction of the Land Festival is to invite artists to create artworks that seamlessly integrate with the local natural environment.

The chosen canvas for this mural is situated in the heart of the fields, adjacent to the region's largest rice milling factory. Local farmers gather their harvests and deliver them to this prominent landmark, the indispensable production hub in Guanshan.

Behind the rice mill lies Taiwan's primary and longest mountain range: the Central Mountain Range. It serves as a barrier, weakening or even offsetting the impact of typhoons approaching from the southeast Pacific.

In crafting this piece, my aspiration was to symbolize the convergence and gathering of energy in this locale. Therefore, I chose to summon the image of the Formosan sambar deer, the largest herbivore in Taiwan. It appears in the form of a fawn, not having antlers yet, symbolizing purity and simplicity.

Because I believe that the most powerful moments in a person's life stem from the most fundamental and purest thoughts:

The decision to assist a stranger.
The decision to be kind to those you care about.
The decision to be a benevolent person.
The decision to act without seeking reward.
The decision to protect the people and things you love.
The decision that these small acts are significant to you.
There's no specific reason; you just want to do them.

Thus, in this vast expanse of fields, as tranquil as Tanjiro's heart, I believe that each person harbors a hidden sanctuary within, containing something incredibly important. This symbolizes the deepest secrets within a person's heart.

The trials and tribulations of life often overshadow such treasures, and as human beings, we need reminders.

I hope that when you encounter this artwork, and you see this young deer, it serves as a reminder that you too possess such a beautiful quality. Therefore, this piece is titled "Heartland."