Lin Hwai-Min
[Lin Hwai-Min’s] true subject is not Taiwan or Asia or myth or history, he says, but "the landscape of the human heart."
--Ramon Magsaysay Award Presentation Ceremonies
Born in Taiwan in 1947, Lin Hwai-Min abandoned a promising career as a writer to establish his own dance company, Cloud Gate, in 1973 at age 26. In addition to worldwide fame, pursuing his love of dance has led to awards, critical acclaim as a “synthesizing dance genius,” and is a highly esteemed choreographer in the dance world. Although some of his works allude to historical events, his themes and approach are constantly evolving. Using the Chinese concept of Qi (energy) was one of the unique inspirations he incorporated when he began stripping his pieces down to the "impulse" of dance—“its raison d'ętre, its spirit, not just its form.” He wanted to show how Qi is absorbed from the ground and travels through the dancer’s body. Calligraphy became another inspiration, which led to Cursive, Cursive II, and Wild Cursive. Audiences of up to 60,000 have jumped up and cheered or burst out in tears at the artistry and emotional connection his work conveys. "I want to seduce a physical reaction from my audience," Lin explains. And he does, using “beauty as a weapon” to inspire thought and evoke emotion.
Beauty … is based above all on an incredible degree of freedom. The kind of freedom you can only attain through discipline. Beauty inspires thoughts. It’s a weapon. The beauty and the silence of [the] Cursive Trilogy demand a lot from the audience – a lot of concentration and patience. In a way, these three pieces are an answer to the chaotic situation of our daily lives.
--Lin Hwai-Min