Modernism arose during the period from the late 19th century to the early 1900s in response to ideological shifts caused by urbanization and the rapid social changes that came in its wake. Taiwan was also involved in this momentous era when beliefs and values crossed boundaries around the world. American modernism entered Taiwan via military and economic aid during the Cold War, when the world was divided into two camps. Suppressed by martial law, the trends of post-war Taiwanese literature, art, and society were led towards modernization by American modernism.

Co-organized by the Memorial Foundation of 228 and the National Museum of Taiwan Literature, "Literary Education of Modernist Youth-The U.S. Information Service and American Modernism in Taiwan" highlights the social, literary, and artistic climate which nurtured a generation. Through books, magazines, music, paintings, and other artistic mediums, this exhibition explores how modernism shaped the worldview of the Taiwanese intellectuals, while also providing deeper insight into how modernism came to gain unique characteristics in Taiwan. This historical dialogue between the USIS and Taiwan gives a glimpse into how cultural interactions between Taiwan and the international community facilitated the individualization of Taiwanese culture and its values. Through absorbing knowledge, imitation, and innovation, modernism evolved in Taiwan and blossomed into the new independent movement known as Taiwanese modernism.