Featuring two brand-new works unveiled to the world for the first time, along with five pieces created in collaboration with the people of Taiwan

Miyajima’s new work "Mutual Ten Worlds," responding to Buddhist cosmology and Ando’s triangular space

The Asia University Museum of Modern Art opened Taiwan’s first solo exhibition of renowned Japanese contemporary artist Tatsuo Miyajima. Known for “writing modern philosophy of time through numbers and light,” Miyajima presents 13 works in this exhibition, including two globally premiered new creations and five co‑created with people in Taiwan. Centered on the concept of “Everything Is Connected,” the exhibition invites visitors to contemplate interdependence, coexistence, and the connections between all living beings through light, numbers, and time. The exhibition runs until May 10, 2026.

Asia University Founder Dr. Chang-Hai Tsai noted that the museum, designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Tadao Ando, opened in 2013 as his first architectural project in Taiwan. After a decade of planning, the new China Medical University Art Museum, designed by another Pritzker laureate Frank Gehry, began construction this year and is expected to open in 2028. This exhibition marks the debut curatorial project of Director Li Yuling, who now oversees both museums, and opens the museum’s new "Contemporary Masters Series."

Dr. Tsai emphasized that Miyajima’s artworks explore the philosophy of life and continuity. The exhibition creates dialogues between artworks, architecture, and viewers—allowing visitors to reflect deeply on human connection, existence, and shared destiny.

AU Founder Dr. Chang-Hai Tsai (left 2) and President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai (left 1) experiencing the work’s breathing rhythm

Asia University President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai highlighted that Miyajima’s three core artistic principles—Keep Changing, Connect with Everything, Continue Forever—align closely with AU’s educational values. He noted that these principles echo the founder’s philosophy that "the only thing that never changes at Asia University is continuous change." Adaptability and persistence, he said, define long-lasting success.

Artist Tatsuo Miyajima stressed the crucial role of university museums in education. He emphasized that art nurtures humanity, emotion, dynamism, and diversity—qualities especially important in a world filled with conflict. He stated, “The opposite of war is not peace—it is art,” underscoring the transformative power of creativity.

AU President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai (left) with artist Tatsuo Miyajima in front of "Painting of Change."

Miyajima, a major figure in global contemporary art, has exhibited at the Venice Biennale, Tate Modern, and other world-class museums. His works—collected by museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, and Hong Kong’s M+—use LED numbers as their core medium. The recurring digits 1–9 and the absence of 0 symbolize life’s continuous cycle. His creations embody three principles: Keep Changing, Connect with Everything, Continue Forever.

Since 1990, Miyajima has promoted participatory art projects involving communities and children under the concept "Art in You." He believes artworks truly come alive only through interaction with people. In this exhibition, five works were co‑created with AU students, elders and children in Wufeng, indigenous language teachers, and museum staff—embodying his belief that "art exists among people."

The exhibition features five major highlights:

1. "Changing Landscape / Changing Museum": Created with 126 Asia University students and museum staff. Randomly generated numbers projected onto the glass corridor on the third floor interact with sunlight to form traces of time, echoing Tadao Ando’s triangular architecture.

2. "Mutual Ten Worlds": A new creation inspired by Buddhist cosmology, using 216 LED lights arranged in response to the museum’s triangular spatial design.

3. "Painting of Change – 000": The first and largest work in the “Painting of Change” series. Visitors roll dice, triggering changes in digital numbers on the wall—symbolizing the impermanence of life and the present moment.

4. "Counter Language Network": A new work displaying numerals in 49 world languages, combined with diverse colors and dynamic sequences.

5. "Counter Voice Network – Taiwan": Part of Miyajima’s long‑term global project, this Taiwan edition features countdown recordings collected from people across the island, including 15 indigenous languages, showcasing Taiwan’s rich cultural diversity.

AU Founder Dr. Chang-Hai Tsai (left 5), artist Tatsuo Miyajima (left 3), AU President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai (left 2), and Director Li Yuling (right 4)

AU Founder Dr. Chang-Hai Tsai (right 4), artist Tatsuo Miyajima (center), AU President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai (left 3), and Director Li Yuling (right 2)

AU Founder Dr. Chang-Hai Tsai (right 2), artist Tatsuo Miyajima (right 5), AU President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai (right 6), and others at "Changing Landscape / Changing Museum."