By Cora Wang
Photography by Jenny Zeng
Since opening year-round to the public in 2021, Governors Island has quickly become one of New York City’s most attractive destinations. Just minutes from Manhattan, the Island offers spectacular waterfront views, expansive green spaces, and a collection of historic landmarks. Visitors can take scenic walks, relax at a luxury wellness spa, or sign up for a glamping retreat under the stars.
On the island’s northeastern edge sits Nolan Park, a four-acre historic district full of restored Colonial Revival residences that once housed U.S. Army officers and their families. Today, the neighborhood is a thriving creative hub, alive with artist residencies, exhibitions, workshops, and community events throughout the warmer months.
This season, the Taiwanese American Arts Council presents Island Reverence: Art, Ecology, and Community, a multidisciplinary exhibition on view through November at House 17. Featuring more than 30 artists from Taiwan, New York, and beyond, it explores the ties between island life, environmental stewardship, and the importance of fostering community. Visitors can meet participating artists and gain insight into their creative processes.
Among the featured works is an oil painting by Taiwanese artist Chia-Che Tsou, selected as the exhibition’s marquee piece. It was inspired by Taiwan’s Ba Jia Jiang, revered temple guardians who lead ceremonial processions and are believed to offer protection and blessings. The painting showcases intricate facial makeup, elaborate costumes, and ornate architectural details through richly layered compositions and colors. It is a tribute to Taiwan’s enduring cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.
From One Island to Another
“The idea of an island, for artists and their creative practice, brings out a unique range of emotions and perspectives,” chief curator Mei-Hua Li said. Though separated by oceans, Taiwan and Governors Island share a bond: Both are shaped by the waters that surround them, giving rise to distinct histories and landscapes.
This is Tsou’s first artist-in-residence experience. His inaugural work on Governors Island draws on memories of Kinmen, a Taiwanese island long influenced by its military history. Tsou created a visual connection between the two islands, which share a similar past.
Tsou was also inspired by the vitality of New York City. “I see my paintings as a visual diary of my life,” he said. The Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, and the island’s seasonal flora all found their way into his canvases. His pieces will remain on view through August.
Governors Island offers the artists tangible materials for their work. Taiwanese artist Chih-Hui Chuang, whose sculptures have been exhibited internationally, incorporates reclaimed wood and salvaged metal gathered from around the island. One of his signature wooden installations now stands on the lawn beside the arts center, where visitors can view it through October.
Stepping into House 17, visitors are welcomed by a vibrant mix of artistic expression, from oil paintings and sculptures to mixed-media and video installations. Rather than grouping works by medium, the curator weaves them throughout the gallery, inviting visitors to explore the unique character of each piece as well as their shared themes.
Emerging Talents
“Most of the artists we have partnered with are individuals whose creative journeys I have followed for many years,” Li said. “An artist’s work is shaped by many factors. Beyond personality, it’s deeply influenced by cultural settings, family background, and personal experiences.”
For Li, the exhibition not only showcases the artists’ achievements but also celebrates their growth. She has witnessed their artistic journeys unfold from tentative exploration to breakthrough, refinement, and maturity.
House 17 welcomes artists at all stages of their careers, including Taiwanese artist Chung-Ying Hou, an associate professor at National Taiwan Normal University, best known for his depictions of the human hand across painting, wood carving, and mixed media.
Video artist Yi-Chi Lin, also from Taiwan, works with moving images to discuss themes of family memory, oral history, migration, and the lasting impact of colonialism. Korean artist Eun-young Choi creates intricate installations from hand-cut vinyl and Mylar film. Spreading across windows and walls, her work features organic forms that resemble fantastical, vine-like creatures that infuse the gallery with a sense of vitality and wonder.
Just a short ferry ride from Manhattan’s South Ferry terminal, Governors Island is less than 10 minutes away. Visitors are encouraged to explore the island’s rich history and scenic landscapes before heading to Nolan Park for the exhibition. Blending art, history, and place, the trip allows you to see the world through a new lens.
