"Guatemala and Latin American Artists in Taiwan Exhibition – Our Second Home" will be held from August 2 to August 11, 2024 at the first-floor gallery of the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The exhibition will feature over 60 contemporary artworks, including paintings, photography, video art, dance, and collage. You are cordially invited to come and experience the perspectives of Guatemalan and Latin American artists. This is the fifth edition of the exhibition series “Our Second Home,” and the third one supported by the Guatemalan Embassy in Taiwan.

Chief curator Alejandra Sanchez Mack is directing the event and has selected over 15 artists from Latin America, all of whom call Taiwan their "second home." The exhibition includes Latin American art students who have studied art in Taiwan as well as professional artists who practice their art here. The show will be headlined by two highly recognized artists traveling from Guatemala to Taiwan: María Inés Lacayo and Guillermo Cantón, who through their work vividly depict the spirit of unity between the people of Guatemala and Taiwan.

María Inés Lacayo is a renowned Guatemalan artist celebrated for her culturally rich and diverse body of work, which encompasses paintings, murals, sculptures, and installations. Her art has been exhibited globally, earning recognition from prestigious institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, which has designated some of her pieces as cultural heritage. She has received numerous awards for her creative talent, including the recent "El Galardón al Trabajador" from Bantrab in 2024.

Guillermo Cantón is a Guatemalan artist known for his unique abstract pieces, which reflect his passionate spirit through the interplay of shape and color. His work has touched audiences worldwide, fostering deep introspection and universal connection. Regardless of nationality or cultural background, Cantón's art can be described as fundamentally human. He has presented his work in major cities around the world, including New York, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, and has been recognized for his artistic contributions by prestigious institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala.

Additionally, we have the fortunate opportunity to welcome once again the "Taiwan Latin Smash" band, who will present their in-house curated production videos at the exhibition. They blend Salsa and Taiwanese cultural elements to rearrange the Guatemalan folk song "Luna de Xelajú" (Moon of Xelajú), paying tribute to the original while creating a new musical experience.

We are also pleased to announce that Johnny Chen, a distinguished Taiwanese artist, will return to showcase the piece he developed live on site last year at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, which is now considered a valuable piece of both Guatemalan and Taiwanese cultural heritage. The exhibition will also display additional works from his metal canvas collection, continuing to marvel his local and international audience. Over time, he has become a valuable ambassador for Taiwan within the international community with his unique contemporary practice.

Everyone is invited to attend and appreciate the exhibition.