Taiwanese video artist Yuan Goang-Ming has brought his exhibition "Everyday War" to San Francisco's Asian Art Museum, where it will be on view through August 4. The show, which explores the anxiety of daily life under the constant threat of invasion by China, was originally presented at Taiwan's pavilion during the 60th Venice Biennale in 2024. It was curated for the Biennale by Abby Chen, the contemporary curator at the Asian Art Museum, who then arranged for the exhibition to travel to San Francisco. The exhibition features video installations such as "Dwelling," "Everyday War," "Everyday Maneuver," and "Prophecy," all of which capture a sense of dread and unease in domestic and public spaces.
This exhibition matters because it brings a nuanced Taiwanese perspective to a major U.S. museum at a time when geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China are high. Yuan Goang-Ming, considered the father of video art in Taiwan, uses his work to articulate the pervasive anxiety of living in a region where conflict feels imminent yet uncertain. The collaboration between Yuan and Chen highlights the importance of curatorial relationships that understand Taiwan's unique position in global politics and the art world. The show has been praised for its emotional impact, with audiences reporting feelings of catharsis and hope despite the heavy subject matter, demonstrating art's power to address collective trauma and foster resilience.