Located in the northern part of London, the historic Burgh House Museum was illuminated by the warmth of art and the brilliance of humanity. Built during the Georgian era in the 18th century, this former royal residence stands as a testament to history, once serving as a significant site for the British monarchy. Today, Burgh House serves as a museum and art exhibition space, carrying profound cultural and historical significance.
In its Peggy Jay Gallery, on a day when London saw its first snowfall of 2025, the venue hosted the opening of the 14th edition of the “I Paint, Therefore I Am” World Tour. This exhibition, featuring remarkable works by 36 Asian artists with disabilities, marked the tour’s first stop.
Organised by the Love-Tree Foundation in collaboration with Taiwan’s renowned cultural space Le Promenoir, the exhibition was co-hosted and sponsored by the UK Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, its Junior Chapter, and《The Icons》.
The exhibition seeks to transcend geographical and physical boundaries through the universal language of art, promoting the values of cultural equity. In an exclusive interview with 《The Icons》, curator Tony Yuan shared the moving stories behind the artists’ creations and his vision for the exhibition, offering attendees an in-depth understanding of the profound message
The Curator’s Vision: Building Bridges Through Life Stories
“Many people ask me why I organise these art exhibitions,” Tony Yuan said, his tone gentle yet resolute. A graduate of the Taipei National University of the Arts, Yuan pursued artistic creation during his student years. However, an unexpected opportunity led him to encounter the works of artists with disabilities. These pieces, distinct from the academic works he had seen, conveyed resilience and a longing for the world through their colours and brushstrokes.
“For some of these artists, a single painting may be the result of years of effort, or even the only piece they create in their lifetime. This process of writing with life deeply moved me,” Yuan recalled, reflecting on his original motivation for curating. The works he encountered conveyed the unyielding strength of life and a yearning for connection.
“I hope that through these pieces, more people can see that disability is not an endpoint, but rather a new starting point for growth,” he added.
Giving a Voice to Silent Stories
Since its inception, the “I Paint, Therefore I Am” World Tour has spanned 14 years, traveling across the UK, the United States, Italy, Japan, and various countries and regions in Southeast Asia, receiving enthusiastic responses at every stop. Tony Yuan shared, “Our goal is not just to host exhibitions but to create dialogue through them, enabling more people to understand the value of ‘cultural equity.’ These artworks are not merely visual pleasures but profound inner monologues from the artists.”
Yuan emphasised that audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds interpret these works through their own perspectives. However, regardless of location, they all resonate with the sincerity and emotion conveyed. “The power of art transcends language and borders. Many creators cannot express themselves through words, but their paintings allow them to converse with the world. This is the core value we aim to share.”
The participating artists’ works are diverse yet unified by themes of courage and hope. For instance, a young artist from Taiwan uses playful strokes to depict dreams of peace and happiness, while a Japanese artist employs stark colour contrasts to express her silent protest against the struggles of illness. “Behind each piece lies a moving life story,” Yuan explained. He also mentioned an artist who lost mobility due to illness in childhood. Using a specially designed brush and relying solely on the strength of his lips, he creates incredible works of art. “Many who see his creations are deeply touched by the resilience of life,” Yuan added.
Uniting the Overseas Community to Maximise the Power of Charity
The exhibition also invited Evelyn Lee, President of the UK Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, as a guest speaker. In her remarks, she stated, “This is not just a showcase of art but also an exchange of culture and spirit. We hope to raise awareness of Taiwan’s efforts and achievements in promoting ‘cultural equity.’”
In addition, Shane Day, Secretary-General of the UK Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce and President of its Junior Chapter, hosted the opening concert of the exhibition. He noted, “Both the Chamber and the Junior Chapter aim to use events like this to connect more people, turning charity and culture into vital bridges that unite us.”
The National Cheng Kung University UK Alumni Association also co-organised the exhibition. Its President, Sandra Cho, highlighted that music and art are powerful ways to bring light into the lives of disadvantaged groups. She added, “Even overseas, such events can unite the overseas community, combining our strengths to provide greater support for the artists.”
Building Bridges for “Cultural Equity” Through the Lens of SDG
The successful hosting of this exhibition in the UK was made possible through the support of numerous sponsors and co-organisers, including the British media outlet 《The Icons》.
Harry Hsu, CEO of 《The Icons》 and Vice President of the UK Taiwanese Junior Chamber, remarked, “Our core philosophy aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting diversity and inclusion. These values are highly relevant to the central theme of this charity exhibition: ‘cultural equity.’” He further explained, “《The Icons》 supports this exhibition not only because these outstanding works of art deserve recognition, but also because they convey an essential message: every life deserves to be seen, and every story deserves to be heard.”
Hsu believes that art is a powerful force for social progress. He emphasised that 《The Icons》’ mission extends beyond amplifying the positive impact of leaders across nations and industries. It also involves leveraging media and collaborative efforts to provide greater exposure and support to artists and creators worldwide.
Limitations Are Never the End
The Burgh House debut of the “I Paint, Therefore I Am” World Tour in the UK added a vivid stroke to this cultural journey. Officially unveiled at an opening reception on 21 January 2025 at London’s Burgh House, the event attracted leaders from various sectors, marking a lively start to the exhibition.
The evening’s performances were a highlight of the event series. Professor Shih-Hsin Huang (soprano) and Professor Yi-Yi Pan (pianist) delivered a moving rendition of classic opera pieces, while UK-based pianist Yu-Chieh Lin captivated the audience with a brilliant solo performance, earning thunderous applause. Additionally, the organisers and participating artists personally guided guests through the exhibits, sharing the stories behind the creations and showcasing the depth and allure of the art.
Running from 22 January to 3 February, the exhibition spans two weeks. Speaking at the event, curator Tony Yuan reflected emotionally during an interview:
“This exhibition shows us that limitations are never the end—they are another kind of beginning. The power of art allows every small voice to be heard and every marginalised life to be seen. Looking ahead, this journey, filled with dreams and courage, will extend to more places, inspiring even more people.”
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