"Pool Rooftop" Accused of Plagiarizing Masterpiece; Kaohsiung Pier-2: Indefinitely Closed

▲ The hidden public art piece "Pool Rooftop" at Kaohsiung’s Pier-2 Art Center sparks plagiarism controversy. (Photo / Taken fromKaohsiung Pier-2 Art Center’s official Facebook page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The newly exhibited hidden public art piece "Pool Rooftop" at Kaohsiung’s Pier-2 Art Center has been accused of plagiarism, receiving widespread criticism. In response to the ongoing negative feedback, the Pier-2 Art Center issued a statement on the afternoon of the 19th:the Pool Rooftop will be closed indefinitely.

Pier-2 transformed two hidden spaces within the C8 and C9 Dayi warehouses into the concealed public art installations "Pool Rooftop." By using optical illusion techniques to create the sensation of walking beneath the water’s surface, the installations became popular photo spots for visitors. However, the artwork bore striking similarities to "The Swimming Pool" by Argentine artist Leandro Erlich, housed at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan—sparking a wave of criticism. Visual Arts Association consultant Hu Chao-sheng even denounced it as "the government leading illegal activity."

▲ "The Swimming Pool" by Argentine artist Leandro Erlich, currently on display at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa. (Photo / Reporter Yu Tzu-ju)

In response to the plagiarism allegations, the Pier-2 Art Center released a statement on the afternoon of the 19th. The original intent of the public art installation was to combine shipping containers, greenery, swings, and two pools into a rooftop space offering ocean views and interactive experiences. However, the resulting controversy led to the decision to close the Pool Rooftop indefinitely in order to fully investigate the matter. Future plans may also include a complete redesign of the installation.

The full statement from the Kaohsiung Pier-2 Art Center is as follows:

For the past 15 years, Pier-2 has grown through the companionship and participation of countless domestic and international artists and designers. Upholding originality and respecting individuals are fundamental responsibilities and core values of an art district.

Thanks to the love and support of numerous artists for the Pier-2 space, today’s Pier-2 Art Center boasts nearly a hundred diverse art installations, contributing to its unique and highly popular riverside vibe in southern Kaohsiung.

With the development of Asia New Bay Area and the expansion of Greater Pier-2, the Dayi warehouse area has been gradually completed over the past year. As one of the later-built warehouse complexes, the Dayi warehouses are closest to the waterfront and will soon have a light rail line running through them. During the renovation process, rooftop spaces were created to serve as observation decks and even performance platforms.

Among these, the C8 and C9 warehouses integrate shipping containers, which were cut to form two rooftop skybridges. The addition of greenery aims to soften the industrial aesthetic.Additionally, pools were installed on both rooftops to echo the waterfront—one featuring a green mirror reflecting Kaohsiung’s rare blue skies and white clouds, while the other draws inspiration from artist Leandro Erlich’s signature use of pools, water, and glass to create optical illusions that allow interaction between those inside and outside the pool.Together, the shipping containers, greenery, swings, and two pools form the Pool Rooftop, designed to offer ocean views and interactive experiences.

We sincerely apologize for the controversy and any inconvenience caused to our many long-time supporters and members of the art community. While this issue was not intentional on the part of the Pier-2 Art Center,the Kaohsiung City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau believes the Pier-2 Art Center should uphold high standards regarding originality. Any concerns must be clarified, problems faced, and mistakes corrected. Therefore, the Pool Rooftop will be closed indefinitely for a full investigation, with potential plans for a complete redesign in the future.count.

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