Prologue

In the 1920s, a group of young people dedicated themselves to protecting Taiwan's rural villages and supporting the livelihoods of impoverished tenant farmers. Among them, Chien Gi (1903–1951)—known as "the revolutionary with a violin" was deeply respected by peasants and admired by intellectuals. However, his actions also aroused suspicion among those in power, resulting in his stigmatization.

In 1925, Chien Gi helped farmers in Kaohsiung establish the " Fongshan Peasants Union," which succeeded the " Fongshan Tenant Farmers Union," the earliest peasant movement organization in Taiwan. Driven by a pure sense of justice and unyielding spirit, Chien Gi, together with a generation of aspiring youth traveled throughout rural areas in Taiwan. Their visits through fields, railway lines, and sugar factories triggered wave after wave of social movements.

This exhibition aims to restore the deserved respect for Chien Gi and the pioneers who participated in the peasant movement. Through reflecting on their achievements, we are able to recollect how these compassionate activists advocated for local communities, bravely resisted oppression, and even during times of change, were willing to sacrifice their freedom and lives to uphold humanitarian ideals and compassion.