Chang Li-jen Returns to Kaohsiung: 'RE: Battle City' Opens at Neiwei Arts Center

(Central News Agency, Kaohsiung, June 5) The Neiwei Arts Center in Kaohsiung has partnered with Taipower Public Art for the first time to present the exhibition 'RE: Battle City.' The exhibition invites artist Chang Li-jen, winner of the 2009 Kaohsiung Award, to return to Kaohsiung to showcase his representative works. The exhibition runs until October 26.

The Neiwei Arts Center held a press conference today. The exhibition not only recreates 'Battle City: The End,' which set a visitor record at the National Taipei University of Education Museum of Art last year, but also debuts the first part of the 'Battle City' series, 'The Light of Taiwan (Second Round),' leading the audience into the artist's multi-layered worldview built over 14 years.

Yen Ming-hung, Director of the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, stated that Chang Li-jen won the Kaohsiung Award in 2009 for his short animation series 'Classic Small Movies 1-4,' which adapted Western masterpieces. The works humorously and satirically present the perspectives of the subculture generation.

Yen said that after winning the award, Chang began creating the 'Battle City' series in 2010, completing the animated films and manga over 14 years. From scriptwriting, filming, and dubbing to set and paper puppet creation, the artist handled everything himself, showcasing a highly personal creative style.

Yen noted that the exhibition of 'Battle City: The End' at the NTUE Museum of Art last year set a visitor record. He said it is significant that the works have returned to Kaohsiung in the form of 'RE: Battle City' and thanked Taiwan Power Company for supporting public art and artistic creation.

Chang Li-jen stated that the creative process of 'Battle City' was a quest for the essence of art. He noted that the Neiwei Arts Center is located at the intersection of the city's old and new areas, similar to the gradually changing cityscape in his memories depicted in the works. This exhibition re-examines and refines past works, focusing on the worldview constructed by 'Battle City,' creating multiple contrasts with the real world between retrospection and renewal.

Chen Chun-ta, Section Chief of Taipower's Construction Department, said that while Taipower is responsible for stable power supply, it also hopes to make artistic energy continuously visible. Taipower Public Art completed the acquisition of 'Battle City' before it became widely popular, demonstrating its long-term commitment to supporting art development. He expressed hope for the exhibition's successful promotion in Kaohsiung.

The organizers stated that the exhibition is free to visit. Visitors can make online reservations for fast entry or queue on-site. On the opening day tomorrow, guided tours by the artist and curator will be arranged, inviting the public to explore Chang Li-jen's artistic world. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150605