Chinese / Taiwan
Wu yuan de zhu ren
(Wu’s Garden)
Ballboss (Chou, I-hsien)
(text/illus.)
Taibei: Yu shan she, Xing yue shu fang (Yushan Publishing, Star Moon Study) [et al.]), 2023. – 32 p.
ISBN 978-986-294-368-7
Wu Garden | History | Picture book
Reading age: 6+
White Ravens issue: 2024
In a laconic manner, this book recounts the history of the legendary Wu Garden in Tainan. Established in the Dutch colonial period, it changed hands many times, each time being repurposed by the new owners: the Japanese colonial rulers, the government of the Republic of China, the Chinese Nationalist Party Kuomintang, and various enterprising businesspersons. In the process, the garden had to make way for new streets and buildings, so now only the small remnant of a pond remains. It is a matter of interpretation whether those involved were villains, uninvited guests or just greedy individuals. Multi-award-winning artist Ballboss hopes that this story will inspire reflection on questions of reconciliation and justice. In the tension between the unembellished texts, the unique monochrome black watercolours, and his unerring sense for perspective and detail, Ballboss makes it possible for humour and irony to unfold. In his depiction the history of a garden can be read as the history of Taiwan as a colony under various rulers. [LO]