Jimmy Liao’s Fantastical Public Art Reimagines the Danhai Light Rail Green Mountain Line

By MOOK Travel compiled report

The Tamsui area is an emerging town within New Taipei City, yet tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Jimmy Liao’s artwork resonates perfectly with this character. In “Close Your Eyes for a Little While,” the recurring symbol throughout the story is a hat open to interpretation—it can signify imagination, thoughts, wishes, or even dreams. As the little girl on the light rail closes her eyes, the “hat” glows, and a brand-new, extraordinary world unfolds—a journey full of infinite imagination. Jimmy Liao weaves the beautiful natural scenery of Tamsui—such as Guanyin Mountain, terraced fields, and twilight—into the narrative. Through the imaginative transformation of “closing your eyes and the hat glowing,” what begins as a physical journey from departure to arrival becomes a deeper inward voyage exploring personal growth, human connections, and the relationship between people and their environment.

The Danhai Light Rail public art project marks Jimmy Liao’s first large-scale official public art commission. The proposal process faced numerous challenges, including the compact size of the light rail stations, Tamsui’s rainy and windy winter climate with strong northeast monsoons, and the absence of station staff at most stops—all factors influencing the placement, materials, and execution of the artworks. Boundless, beautiful imagination is the blessing Jimmy Liao leaves for Tamsui.


Each of the 11 stations along the route features unique three-dimensional sculptures that bring flat illustrations to life: the little girl, the story’s protagonist, guides passengers forward in various poses. A series of larger animal sculptures play the role of gentle hosts on the platforms, offering a place to lean, rest, or even a big hug for boarding and alighting passengers. One playful exception is a sculpture of the little girl secretly napping on the grass nearby—an intentional extension off-platform designed to surprise passengers. There is also a miniature installation reflecting Jimmy Liao’s sculptural world, which not only offers a different perspective but also documents the creative journey from concept to realization. To better integrate the artworks with the stations, matching stained glass pieces have been added to enrich visuals and enhance the fantastical atmosphere. The open-ended nature of the narratives encourages passengers to craft their own stories, engaging with the Green Mountain Line’s public art in a spontaneous way and delving deeper into the development and charm of Tamsui and the Danhai New Town.

The Green Mountain Line features Jimmy Liao’s whimsical creations, gentle and fresh style, and warm, bright color palette—all deeply relatable and emotionally resonant. It’s ideal for guiding passengers through a “city/home” spatial and emotional transition. During non-commuting weekend hours, passengers can ride the light rail between stations and experience Jimmy Liao’s picture books in a new way. This also attracts domestic and international readers and tourists. Meanwhile, the Blue Sea Line’s exhibition program incorporates local art, cultural history, and expert insights through workshops, seminars, and neighborhood engagement activities—showcasing the diversity of public art.
 

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