Even now, I still find it hard to fully accept the reality of your departure. People say that a “birthday” is also a “day of suffering” for a mother. As I began counting down to my 28th birthday, I never imagined that regret would accompany it.

After you left, I started organizing your old photos—each image capturing the warmth and love of you holding me in your arms. From the moment I was born, you carefully nurtured every stage of my life. Every year, during my birthday month, you pampered me, taking me on trips, letting me indulge in life’s joys. With you, I could always be a willful child.

The exhibition title, “誕生日おめでとう”, carries a nuance distinct from the Chinese phrase for “Happy Birthday” (生日快樂), which simply describes a joyful occasion. In Japanese, “おめでとう” originates from “めでたい”, meaning “worthy of celebration” or “auspicious”—a sentiment that more closely aligns with the intention of this exhibition.

“Happy Birthday to You.” Originally, this exhibition was meant to celebrate the birthdays of my beloved dog and myself. However, just before the show, I experienced the profound separation of life and death with my mother. Suddenly, all the joy and anticipation turned into an overwhelming sense of longing and remembrance.

As Proverbs 90:12 in the Bible says: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Through this exhibition, I hope not only to commemorate the beautiful moments I shared with you but also to pass on this love and blessing to others. May everyone who visits the exhibition rediscover the significance of each day that is truly worth celebrating.

 Dates:  July 27 (Sat) – August 17 (Sat)
 Opening Reception:  July 27 (Sat), 15:00
 Opening Hours:  15:00 – 20:00 (Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)
 Venue:  FOGARTS (No. 94, Qian St., Shilin District, Taipei)
 Artists:  Liu Hsin Yi (@liuhsinart)