In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of Taijiang, the Tainan City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau is hosting the A New Era of Taikang installation art exhibition in Annan District. The title symbolizes “heralding a new era for Taijiang, stepping into the next 200 years.” Focusing on Taijiang’s natural ecology, productive industries, daily life, and religious beliefs, the exhibition explores how interconnected yet unique themes shape the rich cultural landscapes and memories of Taijiang, through the layering of artistic works and various landscapes.

 The exhibition is spread across five main locations: Sicao Embankment, the Luermen River Estuary, Taijiang National Park Visitor Center, Tainan City Comprehensive Agricultural Products Wholesale Market, and the Chianan Irrigation Canal Water Sports Training Center. A total of 9 art installations are on display, with 3 located within the Taijiang National Park area. Let's introduce them one by one.

 Taikang Water Dress by Artists Lee Kuei-Chih & LUA RIVERA

 This piece is located in the water area beneath the Taijiang National Park Headquarters and Visitor Center. The land art, composed of natural materials, dresses Taijiang in a new ceremonial gown. Blending the local salt field landscape, it invites the public to join Taijiang as it steps into the next 200 years!

The Taijiang National Park Headquarters and Visitor Center adorned in the water dress (Photo: Hsu Chao-Pang)

The mesmerizing fusion of installation art and natural ecology forms an emerald green dress (Photo: Hsu Chao-Pang)

The sunset glow reflects off the building, mirroring beautifully in the water (Photo: Hsu Chao-Pang)

The evening lights inside the building illuminate the geometric shapes, making the scene even more vibrant (Photo: Hsu Chao-Pang)

My Taikang by Artist Fan Chih-Ming (Talaluki)

Located at the Sicao Embankment, this piece takes the natural ecology, productive activities, daily life, and religious beliefs of Taijiang as its core themes. These interconnected yet unique subjects are layered through art and different landscapes, guiding viewers to witness the rich cultural scenery and stories of memories within Taijiang.

My Taikang reflects on the early years of struggle and hard toil, where the maternal figure served as the gentle yet resilient matriarch for families, clans, and even entire communities. In their innate drive to protect and care for their homes, these women embodied the oil lamp in their hands, radiating warmth and light. Their natural guidance would lead the tired and late-returning souls from the sea and river toward the light, symbolizing a shared, brilliant, and fulfilling destination in life.

Crafted from small pieces of driftwood, the human figures in the artwork display delicate textures, embodying a resilient strength.

Beautiful Metamorphosis by Artist Yu Wen-Fu

Yu Wen-Fu is known for adeptly using “feathers” and “bamboo” as primary materials in his creations, producing a variety of works, including two-dimensional art, spatial installations, and land art. For him, feathers and bamboo are not only artistic materials but also significant elements in his life. In this piece, the artist uses colorful bamboo skewers to depict the vibrant reeds growing in the saline lands, symbolizing the tenacious spirit of Taijiang’s early settlers who braved hardships. Visitors can wander through a labyrinth of layered reeds and eventually reach the bamboo nest at the center—a symbol of Taijiang’s beautiful transformation, rooted in the land, representing the establishment of homes and livelihoods.

A splash of vibrant colors emerges on the vast, endless beach.

The artist uses colorful bamboo skewers to create beautiful imagery of the saline land, contrasting strikingly with the bright blue sky.

Small holes on both sides of the nest offer a glimpse of the larger world outside the settlement.

The nest, standing at the center, symbolizes the transformation and establishment of the people of Taijiang, rooted in the land and building homes and families.

A New Era of Taikang exhibition showcases works by renowned local and international artists, as well as collaborative creations with the public. This allows visitors to experience the artistic atmosphere in various settings and appreciate the cultural and natural beauty of Taijiang. The installation art exhibition runs from July 1, 2023, to October 1, 2023, with free access to outdoor exhibition areas during recommended visiting hours at each location (for more detailed exhibition information and venue addresses, please visit the Taikang Cultural Center's official website: https://tkcc.tnc.gov.tw/). Please also like and follow the official Taijiang National Park Facebook Page to stay updated on the latest event news!