Mountains Towering over Rural Village and Paddy fields, from the series "Sacrifice" One from a set of twenty-four album leaves; ink on paper; with signature in clerical script (lishu) reading "Li Junyi 06"

Curator: This is "Mountains Towering over Rural Village and Paddy Fields" by Lee Chun-Yi, created in 2005. Part of the "Sacrifice" series, it resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The gridded texture immediately strikes me; it gives the landscape a sense of fragmentation, almost as if the scene is being deconstructed. Curator: Exactly. It's crucial to consider the socio-political context. The "Sacrifice" series grapples with themes of cultural loss amidst rapid modernization in Taiwan. The grid becomes a metaphor for imposed structure, obscuring and dissecting the natural world. Editor: I see the grid as a symbol of state control over land and resources, especially considering the title "Sacrifice," implying what is lost or given up for progress. Curator: Precisely. The dot above the landscape could symbolize surveillance, echoing themes of power and observation. Editor: The muted tones emphasize the somber mood, contrasting starkly with idealized landscape painting. This is a powerful commentary on the human cost of development. Curator: It urges us to interrogate the narratives of progress and consider the ethical implications of societal choices. Editor: A stark reminder that progress isn't always progress for everyone.