12. Departing from Taiwan (要離開台灣) by Artist Susan Hsiu-fang Liu (陳秀芳) / 2013

DepartFromTaiwan-e

Departing from Taiwan 要離開台灣

By 陳秀芳 Susan Hsiu-fang Liu, oil on canvas 36” x 48”

This painting depicts college graduates departing from Taiwan to America for graduate study in the 60’s or 70’s. Some students got married right before their departure, which is shown right by the chapel.

The front gate of National Taiwan University and the chapel of Tunghai University to represent universities in Taiwan.

Students in their graduation gowns and a young man in the military uniform are included to show the students before they were ready to go to America. The students were required to have interviews at the US embassy prior to the departure. These students would travel either by propeller airplanes from the 松山airport, or by cargo ships. Besides carrying a lot of luggage, they would also bring 大同電鍋 with them.

The Statue of Liberty is used to represent the destination: America.