《I’m a Mouse!》

 

Materials: Brass, mixed media

 

This creation is inspired by the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac, starting with the image of the “red-bellied tree squirrel,” a common sight in Taiwan. These squirrels often store food in tree hollows or soil but frequently forget where they’ve hidden it—indirectly helping plants to sprout and grow. This behavior reflects the continuous cycle of life along the Calligraphy Greenway.

Yet, in the pursuit of natural sustainability, peaceful coexistence between people is just as vital. Rats and squirrels—one seen as dirty and disliked, the other as cute and charming—highlight how easily we apply labels. Through this contrast, we explore the social issue of labeling. The rat, often chased away by people, tries to gain affection by disguising itself as a squirrel, hiding its true identity. Its clumsy disguise and eating habits aren’t meant to deceive, but to express a hope for acceptance despite differences. It’s easy to label someone—but understanding them takes real effort.

One day, may we all have the courage to drop our disguises and proudly say,
“I’m a mouse!”