Rising in Fire: The Rebellious Spirit of Taiwanese Art in Europe! The Epic Story of the Hantoo Group
The legendary collective of Taiwanese contemporary art, the Hantoo Art Group, is making its first-ever European appearance since its founding in 1998! At the heart of London, Bluerider ART London gallery is hosting a historic exhibition titled “Rising in Fire: Hantoo Art Group — The Making of Taiwan’s Art History” until December 31, 2025.
This exhibition is not merely paintings hung on walls; it is a manifesto that records through art the pains of Taiwan’s transition from authoritarian rule to democracy and globalization.
Like Wild Geese: Struggle, Resistance, and Brotherhood
The exhibition’s title “Rising in Fire” symbolizes the group’s struggle, resistance, and rebirth over more than a quarter of a century. Hantoo members compare themselves to wild geese flying in formation; for twenty-seven years, they have watched over each other in the face of difficulties, etching their artistic brotherhood into Taiwan’s art history.
Born amid societal upheavals, the group survived with humor, irony, compassion, and defiance even in times when art held no economic promise. Refusing to simply copy Western aesthetics, they created a language that is both sharp and poetic, reflecting Taiwan’s own pluralistic and resilient spirit.
Standout Voices from the Exhibition
The exhibition spans two venues, including Bluerider ART London and the Taipei Representative Office in the United Kingdom, bringing together more than 60 works by 13 artists. Here are some of the standout voices in this polyphonic chorus:
Yang Mao-Lin: Transforms Taiwan’s flora and fauna into political totems.
Wu Tien-Chang: Takes the stage with flamboyant and exaggerated “Taike aesthetics” that critique reality.
Lien Chien-Hsing: Brings the magical realism of dreamlike forests to the canvas.
Tu Wei-Cheng: Creates archaeological forgeries and myths through the fictional “Punan Civilization.”
Chang Ling: Presents a satirical prophecy of geopolitical concerns.
Chen Ching-Yao: Mocks the system with self-portraits critiquing the creation of political idols.
These 13 artists paint an expressionist, ironic, and deeply emotional portrait of Taiwan. Each work is a call back to Taiwanese soil. History is still in flight, and their fire is still burning!
