Is courage a form of maternal energy?
Is farewell the language of reincarnation?
Is storytelling a technique for preserving eternal memory?

ON THE ROAD features the work of Taiwanese illustrator and comic artist Zhou Jian-xin. Through three of his picture books, we explore the answers to these questions. The exhibition showcases the artist’s stylistic range. Each art style reflects a nostalgic and hopeful way of looking at life, which both adults and children can enjoy.

The acclaimed artist often teams up with writer Yang Fu-min to create picture books. The two of them share a connection—both are from Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan. This exhibition features two of their collaborations, in which they examine family relations, growing up, and the warmth of a mother’s love. All these stories are rooted in their deep fondness for the city of their childhood.

Great-Grandma’s Daily Calendar
– Text by Yang Fu-min, Illustration by Zhou Jian-xin
– Special Thanks to Linking Publishing @linking.thinking

Mom and Her Motorcycle
– Text by Yang Fu-min, Illustration by Zhou Jian-xin

The Little Squirrel and the Banyan Tree
– Text & Illustration by Zhou Jian-xin

Words from Writer Yang Fu-Min

Jian-xin often says that whenever we attend an artist talk together, he can simply sit and smile while letting me do all the talking. When we create picture books together, I am the one waiting to open the file, clapping and cheering him on. Every time, I am moved by the sincerity and delicacy of his illustrations and his storytelling style.

Why is that? After several discussions with Jian-xin, I realized he easily “gets” my sense of humor—he appreciates my silly ramblings as a younger brother. Though we are collaborating on picture books, our everyday language exchanges have created an unspoken, unique understanding. I think this is quite significant.

Perhaps it is also because we are both from the old Tainan counties: he from Xiaying, I from Danei. Born in different generations, yet our memories of where we come from intersect—perhaps we once passed by each other in Madou, Longtian, or Tainan.

I have always admired Jian-xin’s art and talent. From Mom and Her Motorcycle to Great Grandma’s Daily Calendar, each collaboration begins with me delivering the manuscript, and our next meeting is often at the printing press. This is my way of giving him 100% respect and full trust in his professionalism. (I still remember the last time I visited the print shop for Great Grandma’s Daily Calendar, watching the giant press—like a roasting oven—bring the illustrations to life. I truly felt as if the cute Great-Grandma in the illustration was about to climb out.)

I wish Jian-xin’s exhibition every success. Thank you for letting the stories of Tainan’s matriarchs shine. We still have more stories to tell together!