TSUYUKI Haruna

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TSUYUKI Haruna

Participating Project	Exchange Residency Program (Japan-based Creators sent abroad)
Activity Based	Japan
City / Place stayed	Taipei / Treasure Hill Artist Village
Period	2024.10 - 2024.12

Purpose of the residency

She will research and create works centered on the theme of "Evacuation from Okinawa to Taiwan during World War II." She plans to view the written records left by evacuees and their hosts as "containers of people's and land's history and memory," and to produce artworks by reproducing texts and words from books, diaries, archival photographs, and inscriptions using techniques such as rubbings and tracings. By immersing herself in Taiwan's culture, history, and complex linguistic environment, she aims to experience how texts convey memories and emotions across time and explore their universal power and interpretation in contemporary society.

Plan during the residency

• Visit the National Archives of Taiwan to investigate The Survey of Evacuees from Okinawa Prefecture and examine primary sources related to the evacuees.
• Visit JuFang Museum to study the preservation and exhibition of the residences where evacuees from World War II lived.
  
• Conduct fieldwork at locations that retain traces of the Japanese colonial period. Focus on inscriptions and epitaphs to trace text-based remnants. 
• Participate in classes by Professor Tsai Chih-Fen from the Department of Fine Arts at Taipei Normal University. Deepen exchange and discussions with artists and students through presentations.
• Visit galleries and art spaces in Taiwan to experience the current art scene.

Activities during the residency

Building on the fact that my grandmother was evacuated from Okinawa to Taiwan during World War II, I undertook fieldwork centered on exploring architectural structures and monuments from the Japanese colonial period. This research involved interviewing individuals who had lived through that era. With the assistance of curators and researchers, I visited museums and archives, conducted on-site surveys of animal spirit monuments (chikukonhi), and analyzed documents related to evacuees. Furthermore, I engaged with the regional residents and artists by visiting educational institutions and art spaces, which allowed me to deepen my understanding of the local culture and art scene.

Outcome of the residency

Through my experiences in Taiwan, I came to deeply appreciate the importance of not only land, objects, and history, but also the significance of "connecting with the people who are living here now." I frequently encountered the challenges inherent in researching topics related to war. Issues such as historical context, political perspectives, international relations, and conflicts between nations and regions—elements that could not be overlooked—often arose, profoundly impacting my emotions while continually emerging as significant obstacles. As a result, there were times when my thinking became stagnant, when progress seemed impossible, or when I found myself overwhelmed and paralyzed by overanalysis. While patience and a careful, measured approach are crucial, I realized that even more vital is the commitment to "never stop thinking and keep working." Residency-based creation and exhibition opportunities pushed me into these situations, motivating me to confront challenges directly. Building on the difficulties I faced during this residency, I intend to continue my research in Taiwan and other parts of Asia. Additionally, I aim to present works that reflect these experiences, striving to incorporate a more nuanced and multifaceted perspective in my future projects.

Creator Information