Gaze of Ancestors, Irene Ho

Acrylic, 2023.

Most Taiwanese are unaware of their lineage, having endured prolonged colonization that resulted in assimilations. Despite many being Indigenous-associated, especially those of the Plains Indigenous people living in the lowlands, they often don't identify as such due to assimilation by the Han Chinese. The artwork, symbolizing the "Eye of the Ancestors," confronts racial discrimination within the community, as it sheds a tear, urging a reflection on internalized racism and fostering a narrative aimed at dismantling racial issues, embracing inclusivity, and promoting the spirit of the Austronesian culture.