A Story That Lives Within US: Ada
“A Story That Lives Within US: Ada” is a group exhibition, curated by Tzu-Ying (Naomi) Chan. The exhibition presents the diverse stories of Taiwanese immigrants in the United States, centers on a fictional symbolic character Ada Lin, whose narrative bridges countless real experiences of leaving Taiwan and beginning a new life abroad. Based on oral histories, the project draws from interviews of multiple Taiwanese American immigrants to construct Ada’s migratory journey, one that echoes the paths of many.
Featuring artists James Hsieh, Hsiao-Chu (Julia) Hsia, Chihyang Hsu, Chiya Huang, John Chia Hsuan Kuo, Hung-Ju Kan, Danny Liu (Amazonas), Munus Shih, Jason Cole Mager, Leigh Wen, Yalan Wen, and Sherry Yang, the show includes installations, paintings, ceramics, performance, and mixed-media works. Drawing from their personal insights and lived experiences, the artists reflect on stages of life that symbolize Ada’s own journey, approaching migration from different angles and moments in time. Together, their works explore themes of identity, cultural adaptation, memory transmission, and the ongoing search for belonging.
This exhibition reflects the resilience, nostalgia, and quiet achievements of Taiwanese immigrants. It also conveys the personal growth and transformations that arise from changes in one’s environment. The exhibition aims to offer immigrants at different stages a closer perspective on familiar experiences, helping them realize they are not alone as many have embarked on similar journeys from different starting points. Every detail of the exhibition may serve as the beginning for countless personal stories. Through art, the exhibition transcends the immigrant experience, amplifies emotions across different periods, and encourages viewers to reflect on their own journeys. Many immigrant experiences are difficult to articulate; through the artworks, visitors can feel, see, and revisit their own stories in different corners of the exhibition.
This is not only a visual art exhibition but also an act of cultural preservation and collective narrative reconstruction. By weaving contemporary art with real-life experiences, the exhibition invites visitors to situate themselves within the flow of migration, reflect on their identity and cultural belonging, and witness the lasting impact of Taiwanese immigrants in American society. The exhibition also aims to serve as a bridge between first- and second-generation immigrants, encouraging them to revisit and understand the paths they have shared, while fostering cross-generational cultural connections and a sense of belonging.
Ada’s story can reflect a broader ethnicity of the immigrant experience. Through “A Story That Lives Within US: Ada”, they hope to foster a deeper understanding and empathy for the emotional journey of immigrants. You all might know an “Ada,” or perhaps you are “Ada” yourselves in life.