Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts Launches UK Cultural Year, 'Hello, Big Ben!' Exhibition Kicks Off at Children's Art Museum

(Central News Agency reporter Lin Chiao-Lien, Kaohsiung, 17th) The Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts (KMFA) is launching a 'UK Cultural Year' series of events from this year through 2027. The first exhibition, 'Hello, Big Ben!', has opened at the Kaohsiung Children's Art Museum, using children's picture books and interactive experiences to lead children on a journey of British cultural exploration.

In a press release issued today, KMFA noted that in today's digital era, where short videos and fast-moving images dominate, images have become a key medium through which children understand the world—but this also presents challenges to their reading focus. Centered on 'images, imagination, and reading,' the 'Hello, Big Ben!' exhibition combines art and storytelling to cultivate children's observational and critical thinking skills.

The exhibition is divided into three main thematic sections: 'Finding Big Ben,' 'The Beginning of the Story,' and 'Falling into the Rabbit Hole.' Starting from iconic British landmarks and cultural symbols, it guides children through the artists’ imaginative interpretations, helping them navigate between reality and fantasy while gradually developing their ability to read and explore the world.

The exhibition features six Taiwanese artists who have studied in the UK, transforming their overseas experiences into picture book creations. Wu Shao-Hua's 'A Journey Between Pages' blends British elements with fairy tale characters, illustrating imaginative journeys through reading. Li Chin-Lun's 'A Kind, Gentle, and Wealthy Lady and Her One Hundred Dogs' explores emotional connections between humans and animals.

Chang Tzu-Chun's 'Today' focuses on an elderly British woman facing the demolition of her home, weaving emotions tied to time and memory. Wu Hsin-Chih's 'Come Home for a Hug' uses playful interactive design to encourage children to reflect on the diverse meanings of 'home.' Ballboss's 'Leaving Dajia City' re-examines hometown identity and self-perception from an overseas student's perspective. Chi Yu-Ju's 'Whispers of Memory' transforms her UK experiences into poetic, fantastical imagery.

The exhibition also features multiple interactive experience zones, including a 'Fantasy Afternoon Tea' scene inspired by the British children's classic 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.' Additional installations include the 'UK Exploration Puzzle,' 'Landmark Flip Board,' magnetic collage activity 'The Snail's Home,' and a 'Be an Artist' creative zone. A classic literature reading corner is also provided, encouraging parents to read together with their children.

'Hello, Big Ben!' will be on display at the Children's Art Museum's Exhibition Room 202 from now until August 30, 2025. KMFA also announced that in October, it will host the first major solo exhibition in Taiwan by British contemporary art master Michael Craig-Martin, deepening public understanding and dialogue on British art and culture through dual-track programming for both children and adults. (Edited by Huang Ming-Hsi) 1150617