Taoyuan Land Art Festival Kicks Off with a Warm-Up: U2 Black Cat Squadron Makes a Stylish Appearance

▲The 2014 Taoyuan Land Art Festival warm-up event has begun, with the giant mascot “Black Cat Squadron” making an early appearance. (Photo / Courtesy of the Taoyuan County Government Cultural Affairs Bureau website)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The “2014 Taoyuan Land Art Festival” is set to grandly open at the Naval Taoyuan Base from September 4 to 14. The Taoyuan Cultural Affairs Bureau has kicked off a three-day warm-up event from August 25 to 27. Given that the Dayuan Air Force Base was once home to the Black Cat Squadron, the Taoyuan County Government invited art students from Yangming High School, Zhenxing High School, and Quanqiao High School to create Black Cat Squadron murals in the lobby of the Cultural Affairs Bureau. With their skilled hands, the students brought the Black Cat Squadron to life in vibrant colors.

The Black Cat-themed “Land Art Squadron” will be displayed in front of Hangar No. 6 during the exhibition period. Each figure stands approximately 80 centimeters tall, with a total of 80 figures. The Black Cats wear serious expressions and stand at ease, but their smooth lines and cartoonish faces make them incredibly endearing, creating a striking visual when lined up in formation.

The design of the large “Land Art Squadron” mascots in the shape of Black Cats originates from the unique historical background of the Taoyuan Naval Base. The Taoyuan Base has been in use since the Japanese colonial era and was once the most important air force base in northern Taiwan under Japanese rule. It also served as a base for reconnaissance aircraft squadrons. The site features distinctive terrain, including a 3.6-kilometer runway, hangars, and aircraft shelters, all rich in historical, cultural, and environmental value.

In Taoyuan’s military history, the Fifth Wing and the Black Cat Squadron are the most renowned. To honor the historical legacy and remnants of the Black Cat Squadron’s presence, the Cultural Affairs Bureau specially created“U2 Black Cat Figurines”, which are planned to be displayed in formation on the flight runway, inviting the public to witness the proud and spirited presence of the Black Cat Squadron.

▲The Taoyuan County Government invited art students from Yangming High School, Zhenxing High School, and Quanqiao High School to create Black Cat Squadron murals in the lobby of the Cultural Affairs Bureau. (Photo / Courtesy of the Taoyuan County Government Cultural Affairs Bureau website)