Arts & Culture Light Travel in Taipei’s East District – Stroll Through an Open-Air Gallery

Reported by Hong Ling-Ju / Special Feature

Fashion and vibrancy seem to be synonymous with Taipei’s East District, but every summer, this urban enclave transforms into a grand stage for contemporary art, becoming an open-air “gallery without walls.” Along the city’s walking routes, a wide variety of creative forms—including installation art, sculptures, paintings, and tech-based art—are exhibited. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you’re likely to have an artistic encounter along the way. With as many as 30 exhibition venues, this becomes a light arts and culture trip.

▲ The work “Breathing Flower” by South Korean artist Choi Jeong Hwa features oversized lotus flowers that bring surprising delight to everyday life. This installation will be set up in the plaza of Fubon Life Tower. (Photo / Provided by Fubon Art Foundation)

Getting close to art doesn’t necessarily mean stepping into a gallery. This summer’s “Pinkoi Town” takes over Zhongxiao East Road, Ren’ai Road, and Fuxing South Road as its main zones, expanding into Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. From trendy shops and boutique fashion stores to bookstores, cafes, community centers, street trees, and even fire escape alleys, 34 artists from around the world have created a summer carnival across 30 spaces in Taipei’s East District. They’ve added a touch of humor to this area traditionally known as a battleground for top fashion brands. As visitors stroll and pause, they can discover the new face of the East District through an artistic lens.

▲ The signature style of British artist Filthy Luker will appear at agnès b. café L.P.G. Da’an Branch and Da’an Power Substation. (Photo / Provided by Fubon Art Foundation)

For instance, British artist Filthy Luker has wrapped an entire building on Dajhong Road with a deep-sea octopus climbing up the agnès b. café façade. He’s also given a pair of mischievous, watchful eyes to a roadside tree next to the Da’an substation, keeping a summertime vigil over the streets and bringing smiles to passersby. South Korean artist Choi Jeong Hwa, known for crafting large-scale works from brightly colored plastic found objects or inflatables—often inspired by flea markets and street vendors—this time presents an oversized blooming lotus in the heart of Taipei City, delivering surprises with mechanical movements. Liu Guochang, the architect behind Tainan’s “Blue Print” buildings, introduces a section of flying asphalt road in the bustling commercial district and brings “Blue Print” to Taipei for the first time, reimagining spatial aesthetics with a unique architectural perspective.

▲ At the entrance lobby of Taipei’s Cultural and Creative Building office, you can see the work of South Korean artist Kim Myoung Bum, which uses colorful balloons to spark everyone’s imagination. (Photo / Provided by Fubon Art Foundation)

Following the art exhibition trail from Dunhua South Road and eventually returning to Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, why not take a moment to pause and rest here? The Little Mountain Hall restaurant, opened by Liuli Gongfang, offers not only afternoon tea and Italian-style cuisine, but also live performances—ranging from jazz to classical music—every Friday and Saturday evening during mealtimes. With the blend of traditional and modern musical styles accompanying your meal, take a moment to savor the experience, reflecting on the lifestyle aesthetics brought by this light arts and culture journey.

2013 [Pinkoi Town] Taipei East District Contemporary Art Exhibition
Exhibition Period: July 20 – September 29, 2013
Official Website:http://www.fubonart.org.tw/veryfunpark2013/index.html
Exhibition Map:http://www.fubonart.org.tw/veryfunpark2013/map/map.html

Taipei Songshan Little Mountain Hall Restaurant
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:30 – 23:00
Address: No. 133, Guangfu S. Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City
Transportation:
MRT
Take the MRT Blue Line (Ban-Nan Line) to Taipei City Hall Station, Exit 1 (stairs), and walk about 400 meters
Take the MRT Blue Line (Ban-Nan Line) to Taipei City Hall Station, Exit 2 (escalator), and walk about 400 meters
Take the MRT Blue Line (Ban-Nan Line) to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station, Exit 5, and walk about 500 meters
Bus
Buses: 212, 212 (Night), 232 Express, 232 Red, 232 Green, 240, 240 Direct, 270, 299, 919, 1800, 1815, 5500, Zhongxiao New Express (get off at United Daily News Stop)

Show Detailed Map