Walking on the Road of My Hometown
Along the elevated Taiwan Railways tracks near Chaozhou, the natural scenery of Mount Dawu is visible.
Text and images by Chen Chi-Hsiang. Whenever I have time to return to my hometown, I visit artists. I care about Taiwan’s sovereignty and future; as an artist and art critic, I care even more about Taiwan’s culture. Cultural sovereignty has become the core value of our homeland and the vision for its future. I care about culture, but I care even more about the cultural producers treading on this land—artists, painters, sculptors, writers, poets, musicians, filmmakers, or documentarians. It is this group that silently cultivates the land of humanities and art, awakening local consciousness and energy. Art and humanities have become the cornerstone of our spiritual inheritance.
Returning to Taiwan often involves traveling north and south, solely to delve into this land and bow in learning from it. I often joke that every return feels like studying abroad; my love and curiosity for local art and humanities ensure that I learn until I die. Living is happiness, and learning everywhere is even greater happiness. To live happily, especially in my favorite artistic garden, breathing this pure air, is truly delightful, bringing profound physical and mental joy.
This week, I visited artists Zhuang Mingqi and Zhang Xinpi in my hometown (Pingtung). Walking on the road of my hometown brings a sense of steadiness and ease. For the first time, I took the Taiwan Railways to Chaozhou. The Ziqiang Express raced along the newly completed elevated tracks. Crossing the Gaoping Bridge, one quickly arrives at Pingtung, the hometown city. Soon, rolling mountain ranges forming Taiwan’s spine and emerald pastoral landscapes fill the view. After the rain clears, the silhouette of Mount Dawu is most charming. The air carries a strong scent of home, quickly awakening my memories (I studied in Chaozhou). Walking on the road of my hometown, the emotion is indescribable. It is a rare moment in life. Thinking about it, how many times in life can one walk on the road of their hometown? I cherish every path of life.