The "Filters & Green Paths" Co-Creation Art Exhibition is now on display on the 1st floor of NCKU College of Medicine
To further embody the concept of holistic healthcare, the NCKU International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration’s "Bubble Boy and Rare Skin Disease Team" has partnered with social enterprise“Agoood”to transform the artistic creations of bubble boy disease patients into commercial applications. This collaboration includes a physical art exhibition and online charity auction. The first "Blow Away the Pain" Art Exhibition, launched in 2021, showcased the artistic talents of bubble boy disease patients and was widely acclaimed. This year, the exhibition returns, generating significant anticipation. The opening ceremony, held at noon on December 24, was attended by a large audience, including contributing patient artists, Dean Yan-Shen Shan of NCKU College of Medicine, Director Ming-Jer Tang of the Wound Repair and Regeneration Center, CEO Wen-Hung Yeh of Agoood, Director Ke-Fen Yen of Taiwan Foundation for Rare Disorders Southern Office, and Dr. Yu-Yun Li, who published the first research paper on bubble boy disease over 30 years ago.
The NCKU International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration’s "Bubble Boy and Rare Skin Disease Team" has long been dedicated to clinical research and holistic care for rare skin diseases. This year (2024), the team received the prestigious National Healthcare Quality Award – Gold Award for Outstanding Medical Services, a testament to their exceptional work.
Under the strong support of Dean Yan-Shen Shan of NCKU College of Medicine, the team has extended its efforts beyond clinical care by integrating social resources to establish Asia's first comprehensive care base for bubble boy disease patients (EB House). The EB House, which began trial operations in November 2024, is set to officially open in March 2025. It will serve as a convergence point for medical and humanitarian care, offering services such as expressive art therapy, patient rest areas, counseling sessions, health education, and social outreach programs, providing enhanced holistic care for patients and their families.
The artworks in "Filters & Green Paths" were created through a collaboration between bubble boy disease patients, who wrote despite difficulties using their hands, and artists and designers. These co-creations resulted in pieces rich in both aesthetic beauty and symbolic meaning. "Filters" symbolize different perspectives on life’s challenges, while "Green Paths" represent new opportunities created by marginalized individuals through their talents. One patient artist shared, "Holding a pen and writing is very difficult for me, but knowing that people appreciate my work makes me very happy despite the challenges." They expressed gratitude for the recognition, adding, "We need a sense of accomplishment and a purpose in life. Through this event, I hope that one day I can support my family and become a pillar of strength for them."
The "Filters & Green Paths" exhibition features a total of 36 co-creation artworks, including 20 physical pieces, all available for online charity auction. Proceeds from the auction will directly benefit the patient artists and support: (Online Catalog)
1. The establishment of Asia's first EB House by the NCKU International Research Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration.
2. The Taiwan Bubble Boy Disease Association, providing nutritional supplements and wound care supplies for patients.
Assistant Professor Yi-Chun Lee of the NCKU International Research Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration stated: "When we (NCKU) promise patients a future of improved medical care, we also commit to walking with them every day until that future becomes a reality."He highlighted how initiatives like the art exhibition and the Rare Disease Handwriting Crowdfunding Project allow patients to showcase their talents while reinforcing the center’s mission of supporting patients in their fight against illness, helping them“live with dignity and purpose.”These efforts exemplify collaboration among universities, enterprises, patients, and society.
The Rare Disease Handwriting Crowdfunding Project aims to help patients fill the void in their lives through creative expression and generate an additional source of income. Spearheaded by Ruo-Jun Xu, one of the 2024 Ten Outstanding Young Women, the initiative involves five handwriting creators— Pei-Ching Liu, Shu-Hui Li, Yu-Qi Zhang, Zong-Lin Wu, and others. The project’s first release, the "Cooseii Bubble Rounded Font," is currently in crowdfunding. Proceeds will fund Agoood’s disadvantaged creators program, establishing a sustainable platform to provide a secondary income for underprivileged groups through art and design.
In addition to bubble boy disease patients, the creators of this exhibition include individuals with Down syndrome and economically disadvantaged groups from Southeast Asia. Through these works, viewers can witness the unique talents of rare disease patients and, with the creative enhancements from designers, gain a fresh perspective on the world. This collaboration fosters a vision of diversity, inclusion, and sustainable development.
"Filters & Green Paths" Co-Creation Art Exhibition Details
- Location: 1F, Teaching Building, NCKU College of Medicine (near Lecture Hall 3)
- Dates: December 23, 2024 (Monday) – February 21, 2025 (Friday)
- Address: No. 1, University Road, Tainan City, Cheng-Hsing Campus (NCKU College of Medicine)
The "Filters & Green Paths" Co-Creation Art Exhibition is being held on the 1st floor of the Teaching Building at the College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University. The exhibition runs from now until February 21, 2025.
A highlight of the exhibition is the "Rare Disease Handwriting" Co-Creation Artwork, a collaborative piece created by bubble boy disease patients overcoming their struggles, alongside artists and designers.
Dean Yan-Shen Shan of NCKU College of Medicine has been a strong supporter of the establishment of Asia’s first comprehensive care center for epidermolysis bullosa (EB), the "Bubble Boy and Rare Skin Disease Team" (EB House) at NCKU. On December 24, Dean Shan personally attended the opening ceremony of the art exhibition.
This art exhibition features 20 physical artworks on display, with a total of 36 co-creation pieces available for online charity auction. The event also aims to raise awareness and garner support for the "Rare Disease Handwriting Crowdfunding Project."
The NCKU International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration’s "Bubble Boy and Rare Skin Disease Team" has long been dedicated to clinical research and holistic care for rare skin diseases. In 2024, the team was honored with the National Healthcare Quality Award – Gold Award for Outstanding Medical Services.