FIRST LESSON FROM SCHOOL, 2019
Hardwood, inkjet print | Height 114.3 cm (45 in), diameter 38cm (15 in)
This project presents a documentation of an email conversation between a Taiwanese international student and a school administrator from the US, showcasing the individual struggles faced by being Taiwanese. Despite the student providing a passport document indicating Taiwan as their country of origin and explanation about the “two Chinas”, the administrator insisted that the student should be identified as being from "China." The administrator falsely claimed that Taiwan was not selectable as a country of origin in the system. The administrator insisted on categorizing the student as being from "China," despite the student's opposition, adding further pressure on the individual to defend their identity and nationality amid confusion and insensitivity regarding the Taiwan-China relationship.
