Pluralism and Internal Identity in Applied Arts

“The true meaning of pluralism should be to build bridges for dialogue, to step out of one’s narrow perspective, and to expand personal experience. Yet today, it has become an excuse for dividing society and fostering opposition.” — From the book The Illusion of Diversity in America

The Illusion of Diversity in America analyses social issues within the context of American culture and education policy, shedding light on the contemporary challenges faced by multiculturalism—namely, the erosion of value standards and the abandonment of the tradition of pursuing truth. In the process of constructing subjectivity, individuals risk losing their ethical compass, revealing the danger of “position-taking” becoming overly politicised. Such an approach risks anchoring the acceptance of diversity on a foundation of exclusion, thereby diverging from multiculturalism’s original aim: fostering public respect for both difference and commonality.

As time accelerates and disciplinary boundaries continue to blur, examining the root causes of these phenomena becomes increasingly urgent. Boundaries of Acceptance turns to applied arts to deconstruct the interplay between consumer market motivations and the communicative strategies of creators, offering insights into the psychology of society. Drawing from the practical methodologies of artists and designers, the programme responds to these issues by exploring how individual subjectivity is constructed within collective frameworks, ultimately seeking a reconciliation between progressive and conservative ideals.

This lecture, presented by Executive Director Yichiu Chen (curator and proprietor of Pon Ding Bookstore) and Chairperson Hsing-Kai Peng (graphic designer), brings together successful international case studies in applied arts. It examines how applied arts can serve as a bridge between society and artistic expression, reflecting pluralistic values while reconciling the internal identity of the creator. Furthermore, it offers a critical reflection on the historical implications of the divide between design and applied arts. Together, the speakers will explore potential pathways for Taiwanese creators, setting the stage for this series of talks.