jiggypig munching around the world: Day 5/5 Kaohisung back to Hong Kong

9:00am

After enjoying an early breakfast at the Hotel, we did an early check out and then headed to Kaohisung Museum of Fine Arts. The Museum is surrounded by a big park, there are joggers and pedestrians strolling around.

10:00 am

There is a special exhibit about Man Ray. What is art? the most talented craftsmen might not be the greatest artist. They rather work for top luxury brands. A great artist is similar to an influential politician or a philosopher. Their art piece might not be the most skilled art work, but it sends a message to the world, and remains intact many generations after. I learnt about DaDa movement through this exhibition. A bunch of artists joined world ward I voluntarily.They thought they are fighting for justice, righteousness and a better future. In the middle of the war, they realized that they are fighting for none of the above, but for a bunch of power hungry politicians' own selfish desires and agenda. These artists form a group, withdrew from the war, and started the DaDa movement. They are calling for a change. They threw non conventional art exhibits, and place a signed toilet ceramic in an art center and call it art... why not? They are challenging the majority to think outside the box. And Man Ray is deeply influenced by the DaDa movement.

One of the shown collection is call "Galaxy". There are 13 or so photos of milk drips taken by Man Ray when he spilled his milk. Each has a message attached:

Taste and opinion cannot replace intelligence and knowledge

Nothing said will be held against you

The pen is mightier than the sword and ink more indelible than blood

There is no such thing as being shed (ahead) of the times : the times are always behind

Misery makes the weak infamous, the strong sublime

Birth and death are painful not necessarily for the one concerned .It is not death itself but its various causes that are tragic.

Variety is the vice of life

Reality is fabricated out of desire

Do not turn the light for owls

What is art? the greatest artist often send a message. They use art works to draw attention from media and public, they challenge the current system, they provoke alternative solutions, they stimulate people to think otherwise... yet they give you freedom to stay numb to their works and messages.