2024.11.13-2025.12.7

Article 10 of the Constitution of the Republic of China stipulates that "the people shall have freedom of residence and of change of residence."

Due to the Chinese Civil War, large numbers of individuals from Mainland China came to Taiwan one after another. To mitigate the impact of a mass influx on Taiwanese society, authorities implemented reinforced entry and exit controls for Taiwan in February of 1949. From then on, individuals needed a "legitimate reason" and government approval to enter or leave the island. This strict control was further intensified following the imposition of martial law on May 20, and, after the government being relocated to Taiwan at the end of 1949, it became increasingly institutionalized and systematized. It was within this context that the "Blacklist" emerged as a governmental tool infringing upon fundamental civil rights.

The "Blacklist" restricted citizens' freedom of residence and of movement as a mean of controlling their expression and behavior, particularly targeting overseas Taiwanese. Taiwanese living abroad could find themselves "on the list" if they were accused of making statements critical of the government, participating in opposition political activities, or even reading publications with dissenting views.

This exhibition centers on the Blacklist system, intending to enhance public understanding of its structure and mechanisms. It further aims to illuminate the suppression of civil liberties under authoritarian rule and the persistent efforts of many overseas Taiwanese—who, despite being deprived of their right to return, strove to "break through the blockade" and find ways to return to Taiwan.

Through the efforts of many, Taiwan has finally walked away from the era of the "Blacklist.