The Sounds of Happiness 炮仔聲

This sculpture celebrates the playful creativity of children growing up in rural Taiwan from the 1930s to 1950s. In a time when entertainment wasn’t store-bought, imagination did all the work.

The lion head is crafted from a rice sieve, old light bulbs, a bamboo broom, and strips of cloth. The body is stitched together from reused campaign banners, and the tail is simply a mop. Two older boys carry the lion with pride and energy. A smaller child leads the way with a bucket on his head, holding a fan and a candied hawthorn stick. Another beats a homemade bamboo instrument, while one more readies firecrackers for the celebration.

Without spending a single dollar, these children have created a grand parade full of life and sound. The piece captures the joy and vitality of growing up under the sun, deeply connected to the land. The title, "Phàu-á-siaⁿ," reflects this spirit. In local Taiwanese tradition, firecrackers are set off during festivals, weddings, and celebrations to bring good fortune and happiness—exactly what this scene embodies.

Dimensions: 28.7 × 9.4 × 14.2 in (73 × 24 × 36 cm)
Weight: 41.9 lbs (19 kg)
Material: Bronze