Soulangh Children's Museum of Arts 'When we are smiling together'
Here is a maze of self-portraits created by children from all over the world!
Welcome to a Global Celebration of YOU!
Have you ever wondered what makes you special? What makes you... you?
Over 2,900 children from around the world asked themselves the same question. They looked in the mirror and thought about who they are, what they love, and what makes them unique. Then they created self-portraits using oil pastels on fabric - not to look exactly like a photograph, but to show how they feel about themselves.
A World Connected by Smiles
The portraits you see around you were created by children from Taiwan, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, Estonia, the USA, Canada, Cambodia and Malaysia. Each portrait traveled thousands of miles to be here. In Taiwan, the artist and the women of the Swing reeds / Spring Sprouts for Social Service carefully stitched them together into these colorful walls, connecting children who may never meet but share the same dreams, feelings, and humanity.
Explore the Maze
As you walk through this maze of faces, look closely at each portrait.
You will see different colours and styles, happy expressions and thoughtful ones, bold lines and gentle details. Every portrait tells a story, and together they create something beautiful - just like people all over the world.
This maze is more than just an exhibition. It’s a journey of discovery. As you navigate through the artwork, think about what makes each portrait special.
What do you have in common with these children?
What makes you unique?
If you created your own self-portrait, what would it look like?
The children who made these portraits were encouraged to draw what they feel, not just what they see in the mirror. Famous artists like Picasso, Basquiat, and Yayoi Kusama created self-portraits the same way: expressing their inner feelings through colour, line, and shape.
There is no right or wrong way to show who you are!
Key contributors:
- Cassie Lin- lead curator, textile works, workshop facilitator (Taiwan)
- Linda Toigo- curator, visual designer, workshop facilitator (UK)
- ChingChin Cheng- project consultant, workshop facilitator (Estonia)
- Reiko Nambu- workshop facilitator (Japan)
- Swing reeds / Spring Sprouts for Social Service- textile production support (Taiwan)
Collaborating artists / workshop location:
- Rae Chou / Taiwan
- Evelyn Tuul / Estonia
- Francesca Tenchini / Italy
- Michela Martello / USA
- Sawako Imahara / Japan
- Eriko Abe / Malaysia
- Reimi Aikawa / Cambodia
- Barusamikoyasu / Cambodia
With the support of children, teachers, families, and communities around the world.
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Exhibition ◍ When we are smiling together
Place ◍ A9 Exploration Zone
Period ◍ 2025/12/10-2026/12/13
Time ◍ 09-17, Wed.-Sun.
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