Taichung’s “Forest of Dreams” Offers an Escape from Urban Bustle – Step into an Artist’s Fantastical Realm

Travel Center / General Report

2017 Chi Mei Cultural and Creative Village LAB Artist-in-Residence ProgramNow in its fifth year, this year’s Green Circle exhibition features a music-box-like structure standing tall in the Taichung Eslite Mall. Six artists have transformed their individual expertise into diverse mediums, using visual and auditory presentations to immerse the public in their fantastical worlds.

The exterior design of the Forest of Dreams installation adopts a forest-themed visual structure, but the creative elements feature dreamy animals, sea creatures, and galactic planets woven throughout the woods. Observing the intricate lines of the artwork also conveys illustrator Hsieh Hsin-ying’s dedication and dream-driven perseverance. The artists have also added subtle touches to their works—four small tree holes on the forest’s facade, each interpreted by one of four artists—Lin Hui-chi, Chang Tzu-ching, Chao Hsiang-wei, and Lai Shih-chao—to depict unique micro-worlds within.

The audiovisual projection on the interior floor is an artistic collaboration by Lai Shih-chao, who edited music and imagery, along with the two-dimensional paintings by Chang Tzu-ching and Lin Hui-chi, plus photography by Chao Hsiang-wei. Through the distinct styles of different artists, the monochromatic interior space is infused with varied moods and colors.

Through this 15-minute audiovisual installation, visitors entering the space can encounter the atmospheres of various artists’ works unexpectedly, engaging with art in unplanned moments and completing this collaborative project uniting five artist groups.

A Quintet of Art – First Movement: The Forest of Dreams Art Installation
Dates: July 22, 2017 (Sat) – September 4, 2017 (Mon)
Hours: Monday to Friday 11:00–22:00; Saturday and Sunday 10:30–22:00
Venue: Pool Area, B2 Floor, Chi Mei Eslite Greenway Mall (B2, No. 68 Gōngyì Rd., West District, Taichung City)
Artists: Chao Hsiang-wei, Chang Tzu-ching, Lin Hui-chi, Hsieh Hsin-ying, Lai Shih-chao, San Chen (Chen Sian)