Taipei City marks anniversary with artworks

2014-08-20

Two installation artworks were unveiled Aug. 15 in downtown Taipei’s Ximen area to coincide with the 130th anniversary of the city, according to the local government.

“The pieces represent the image of the city’s demolished West Gate and development of old Taipei, combining historic elements with modern designs,” Taipei City Deputy Mayor Chang Chin-oh said. “They will help locals and visitors develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the city’s past.”

Measuring 7 meters in height, “Impressions of Ximen” is an eye-catching steel structure. The artwork is located at the site of the former West Gate outside exit 4 of Ximen metro station. The gate was one of five in Taipei torn down between 1889 and 1901 during the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945).

“Taipei Fasciations,” situated outside exit 1 of the metro station, is a bronze relief sculpture measuring 3.5 meters by 3.5 meters. The piece portrays a Taipei street scene circa 1895 and is surrounded by four life-size bronze statues of such historic figures as late Taiwan Gov. Liu Ming-chuan.

According to Chang, the artworks are created by designer Lu Hui-ying of YHHY Design Studio and fine arts lecturer Wang Chih-wen of National Taiwan Normal University. “Both pieces allow visitors to experience the hustle and bustle that downtown Ximen was once known for,” he said.

As part of anniversary celebrations, street artists will perform near the installations on the weekends of Aug. 16 and 23. In addition, a special exhibition is being staged by the city government at the Nishi Honganji Temple and the former air force headquarters in Taipei.

Other events, which are set to run until year-end, include cultural and arts performances, as well as history-focused seminars aimed at raising awareness of Taipei’s designation as 2016 World Design Capital.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=220774&ctNode=445)