Indigo Blue:
Sacred Wisdom of Our Islands and Ocean

Hinanao Gui Taftaf (Early Morning Departure), Oils
by Jerrold Dwayne Castro

Message from the University of Guam President

Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez

President

University of Guam

Guam and Taiwan may seem distant from each other, yet their indigenous CHamoru and Taiwanese Austronesian cultures share a profound connection. Both cultures have evolved over centuries, shaped by their island environments and vibrant histories. This exhibition serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of Austronesian communities, transcending geographical boundaries.

After the establishment of a sister university agreement between the University of Guam and National Taitung University, a close and ongoing relationship has been fostered. Notably, a delegation from the University of Guam made a visit to National Taitung University in January 2023. During their visit, they had the opportunity to explore the Austronesian Cultures Center and expressed a deep interest in the indigenous cultural artifacts showcased within the Center.

The concept of collaborating on an Arts Exhibition was then developed. The University of Guam, in collaboration with the National Taitung University, National Museum of Taiwan Literature, and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Guam, is proud to present the first-ever 2023 Taiwan-Guam Austronesian International Art Exhibition.

The exhibition represents the collaboration between Taiwan and Guam on higher education, government, industrial partnerships, and marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to fostering cultural exchange and understanding among the Austronesian peoples. We aim to create a dialogue between our Chamorro community and the indigenous peoples of Taiwan. This exchange of art, culture, and ideas reinforces the idea that, despite our geographical distances, we are part of the same Austronesian family. Our hope is that it will inspire future generations to explore, appreciate, and cherish the diverse cultures that make up our Austronesian heritage. Through art, we connect, learn, and celebrate our shared heritage.

2023 Taiwan-Guam Austronesian International Arts Exhibition

Indigo Blue: Sacred Wisdom of Our Islands and Ocean

Collaboratively organized by the University of Guam, National Taitung University, National Museum of Taiwan Literature, and joint organizer Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Guam, the 2023 Taiwan-Guam Austronesian International Arts Exhibition, Indigo from the Blue: Sacred Wisdom Of our Islands and Ocean, features fine art, literature, and cultural sections.

This robust intercultural undertaking reveals a dynamic artistic vision, cultural multiplicity, educational thrive, and both historical and contemporary art and craft perspectives. Presenting Guam’s present-day talent, historical books, photographs, traditional weaving, carving, navigational system displays, canoe building, and artifacts, this exhibition embodies a fruitful creative collaboration between the two islands.

Alongside Guam’s complex and rich historical layers, this multifaceted exhibition highlights the flourishing present-day artistic talent in painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and video. Participating artists include Sylvie Alvarez, Sarah Ngo, Ric Castro, Jerrold Castro, Lewis Rifkowitz, Irena Keckes, Yeon Sook Park, Perry Perez, Merc Tenorio, Madison Orland, Hunter Orland, Joseph Carteza, John Dierking, Jennifer Chaffin, Dawn Lee Reyes, and Christina Bae.

Perry Perez’s painting Remember Ko’Ko’ expresses the artist’s connection to the land, in times when the birds were plentiful; Sarah Ngo's (Nine), watercolors portray the importance of the sea and animals to our island; Christina Bae’s short documentary draws attention to environmental issues by thematizing the waste problems on Guam; Dawn Lees Reyes’ paintings are inspired by nature and sea life in Guam waters; Hunter Orland's artwork explores serenity of sea surface and colors of sunlight reflection while pondering existential questions; Irena Keckes’ relief prints reflect rhythmical movement of ocean and undersea world; Jennifer Chaffin’s painting depict ocean’s depth, tranquility, colors, and richness of ocean life; John Dierking’s paintings rejoice the ancient wisdom of oceanic navigation and vastness of Oceania; Joseph Certeza’s artwork is inspired by a chant created by si. Jeremy Cepeda; Lewis Rifkowitz's installation based on the proa /canoe /boat forms researches migration patterns, emphasizing discovery, interconnectedness and unity of all humankind regardless of our differences; Madison Orland’s artwork contemplates land, ocean currents, and nurturing local vegetal produce; Merc Tenorio’s work ruminates healing qualities of natural elements and perpetuality of life cycle processes; Jerrold Castro’s paintings interpret Pacific Islanders journey across the open ocean, echoing acts of survival and stoicism, while navigating towards more contemporary endeavors to preserve the native culture. Ric Castro's painting Regeneration, illustrates views of southern Cetti Bay jungles, transmitting a message of spirituality and everlasting revival.

Indigo from the Blue: Sacred Wisdom Of our Islands and Ocean delivers a powerful role of arts & crafts in cultivating communication and dialogue, deepening understanding and respect for ocean, islands and its diverse cultures, nurturing connections, and sharing fascinating educational and creative stories.

Enormous thank you to the organizers, institutions, and all contributing individuals for their remarkable roles and efforts in realizing this synergistic multicultural exhibition.