This art work was painted in the wake of the 228 incident, after the loss of multiple friends and family. These were upstanding, scholarly youths with promising futures, who were filled with naïve ideologies, that discussed openly of Taiwan’s future and were arrested. They lost their lives for the ideas they dare voiced.

The young lady represents the people of Taiwan, cowed into silence by the lessons learnt from the horrors of 228, waving goodbye to the boat. This boat is filled with the martyrs of 228, their souls traveled towards paradise. The setting sun bathing the sky and sea, blessing the souls to a free world, where they can continue their discussions for what is best for Taiwan’s future.

Whenever I look at this and reflect on my emotions at the time, my eyes cannot help but water.