Transitional Justice

The dark side of history still haunts us.
In the middle of the image, the building represents Taiwan’s Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, which was built for former president Chiang Kai-Shek. His authoritarianism caused the 228 Massacre in 1947 and initiated four decades of martial law known as the White Terror. However, there have been no official punishments for those responsible, and symbols of authoritarianism can still be seen around Taiwan.

The hands and feet refer to one of the recorded killing methods in the 228 Massacre, which involved tying people’s hands and feet with iron wires and stones, and pushing them into the sea to sink.

However, there are some positive changes gradually happening.
The plants represent some of Taiwan’s social movements, such as the Wild Lily Movement (1990), the Wild Strawberries Movement (2008), and the Sunflower Movement (2014). The bird in the sky symbolizes the ongoing Blue Bird Movement (2024).

The rainbow symbolizes same-sex marriage rights in Taiwan and also serves as a bridge for dead souls to meet ancient spirits in several Taiwanese indigenous folklore traditions. Moreover, a rainbow appears when sunlight interacts with water droplets in the atmosphere. It illustrates the metaphor that the bloodshed of those who came before us has made our society a better place. The four people represent those who have fought for Taiwanese freedom and human rights, both past and present.