Iyo Kacaw grew up in the Makota’ay (harbor) settlement in Hualien. He loved listening to stories told by the elders, learning about the wisdom and culture of the Pangcah (Amis) tribe. Through this means, he cultivated a sense of gratefulness and reverence toward Nature. In recent years, he has noticed the continual destruction of the environment. Through his art, he responds to the current state of Makota’ay and expresses his deep inner feelings for the forests, mountains, ocean, and land.
After creating the Penetrating Power of Life series, Iyo began producing an extensive quantity of work in actively searching for a way to interpret the power of the sea. He stated that his earlier forms of sculpture could not represent the refined power and beauty of waves. Now, in making use of the stackability and shapability of thin strips of wood, he can finally create interpretations of the ocean (which he knows so well) just as he wishes.
Iyo’s recent series, Variations of the Sea, represents his thoughts and feelings that have accumulated after years of observing the ocean. He has said, “I always feel the destruction, the destruction of the ocean and the land. Will we be too late to save them?” Seeing people of this modern era continually damaging the ocean and robbing the coast of its original beauty, he has noticed a change in the tempo of the ocean. He uses the great strength with which waves pound the rocks as a metaphor that foreshadows how the arrogance of humanity will lead to its own eventual demise. The only source of hope is the cycle of regeneration that life itself is capable of.
Iyo shows the conflict between traditional and modern values through his artwork. He shows the pondering and self-orientation regarding tribal consciousness that are taking place among indigenous people now. In recent years, he has actively expressed his concern and criticism on environmental issues, hoping this will motivate others to share the same concerns.
While walking a trail his ancestors once used, he found his true source of power. He said, “That moving sentiment has stayed inside of me. When that happens, you know what you are going to do with your future, and you know it’s time to do something. You understand your place in the world, the position of yourself and the land, and what your mission is.”
