Osaka: Taiwanese artist Jun T. Lai has been invited to showcase her large-scale installation sculpture, "Flower of Hope," at Expo 2025 Osaka, making her Taiwan's sole representative in the event's public art program. Lai, one of 20 international artists featured in the public art program, told CNA on Sunday that her 4-by-2.9-meter lotus-inspired stainless steel sculpture seeks to reflect a respect for cultural diversity, aligning with the theme of the expo.
According to Focus Taiwan, the sculpture seeks to convey Taiwan's image as "a blossoming flower in the Pacific Ocean" to the world. Flower of Hope, previously exhibited at London's "Sculpture in the City" event, is now installed at the East Entrance of Yumeshima, the man-made island where the expo is held. It will remain on display throughout the expo, which opened Sunday and runs until Oct. 13.
Lai will engage visitors through a character inspired by Alice from "Alice in Wonderland," distributing flower masks and inviting participants to dance. This interactive performance, scheduled for mid-May, aims to highlight female empowerment and transformation.