「臺灣文化與永續發展：第二屆AI視覺創作之明信片設計競賽」
佳作展示
「”Threads of Tradition, Voices of Change” 編織技藝和語言—-現代原民女性追求的力量。」
作品介紹
佳作
Butterfly–阮強安
指導老師：李嘉宜老師
南臺科技大學 應用英語系
作品英文描述
These two postcards center around the themes of Taiwanese indigenous culture and female empowerment, telling the story of Melissa’s journey as she navigates the intersection of tradition and modernity, while embodying both personal struggle and cultural resilience.
The first postcard portrays young Melissa in a humble, poverty-stricken cottage, surrounded by her handcrafted woven items. Her tears reflect the sadness of being bound by her traditional duties, particularly as a girl in a society where cultural heritage is at risk of fading. This visual captures her inner conflict between the desire for education and the responsibilities placed on her by her community, highlighting the challenges women face in balancing personal dreams with family obligations.
The second postcard shows Melissa as a confident 22-year-old woman standing on a stage, advocating for women’s rights and gender equality. Dressed in traditional Atayal attire, she passionately speaks in her native language, inspiring the audience with her leadership. This scene emphasizes Melissa’s role in reviving and promoting indigenous weaving techniques while empowering women in her community. Through her efforts, she has transformed weaving from a personal craft into an industry, taking it to exhibitions and giving women new opportunities.
Overall, the theme of the artwork highlights cultural preservation, gender equality, and female empowerment, underscoring the importance of sustaining indigenous traditions while embracing progress.
創作動機
The motivation behind this creation is to highlight the resilience of indigenous women and the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of modern challenges. Melissa’s journey symbolizes the intersection of tradition and progress, especially in the context of Taiwan’s indigenous communities.
Growing up in a society with strict gender roles, Melissa represents the many young girls who are bound by cultural expectations, where women are traditionally responsible for weaving and maintaining their community’s customs. At the same time, her desire for education and self-empowerment reflects the universal struggle for women’s rights and gender equality.
This creation aims to bring attention to the often-overlooked struggles of indigenous people, particularly women, as they fight to preserve their cultural practices while navigating a rapidly changing world. Through Melissa’s story, I hope to inspire others to recognize the significance of indigenous traditions and the pivotal role women play in their continuation and evolution.
The work also sheds light on how craft can evolve from personal tradition into an industry that offers new opportunities for women in indigenous communities, empowering them economically and socially. In essence, this creative piece reflects the spirit of resilience, empowerment, and the hope for a future where indigenous cultures can thrive while advocating for gender equality.
心得與反思
This project allowed me to explore the intersection of cultural heritage, gender equality, and personal growth. Through Melissa’s story, I reflected on how tradition and modernity often collide, especially for young women in indigenous communities. Melissa’s journey of embracing her cultural roots while fighting for education and empowerment resonated deeply with me. It made me realize the importance of preserving traditions, such as weaving, not only as a cultural artifact but as a means of empowerment for women.
The contrast between the quiet, humble cottage where Melissa lives and the stage where she speaks passionately about her people’s rights illustrates the strength needed to navigate between worlds. It also made me reflect on how the younger generation, like Melissa, is pushing boundaries while carrying their ancestors’ wisdom forward.
This project also sparked thoughts about the broader societal challenges indigenous women face, balancing the responsibilities placed on them and their desire for self-fulfillment. It made me appreciate the ongoing fight for gender equality and the power of female voices in shaping their communities. Ultimately, it reinforced the idea that preserving culture and promoting equality are not mutually exclusive but deeply interconnected.