Taipei Lantern Festival visitors still want more — delightful creations like Little Chick to find new homes in extended exhibitions

By MOOK Scenic Spots Home, compiled and reported

Ko Wen-je, Mayor of Taipei City, announces the start of the parade. (Photo provided by Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau) Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau Director Jian Yuyan stated that planning for the extended exhibition of lantern works began quite early. Not only will the artists’ opinions be solicited, but considerations will also be given to how the works fit with and complement their surrounding spaces. Moreover, coordination with the entities responsible for subsequent maintenance and management, as well as related funding, will be necessary. Some works have already been confirmed for extended display — for example, “Our Time” in the Egg Yolk Zone, located at the intersection of Section 1, Zhonghua Road, and Changsha Street, exhibited at the site of the former Nishi Honganji Temple ruins. With its historical connection to the local area, it is now planned to remain on-site.

The main lantern “Little Chick,” also a product of Ximending’s trendy culture, is something Jian Yuyan hopes can find a permanent spot in the West District. However, there are currently issues related to the dismantling of its base and electrical systems that need to be resolved and replanned. After being taken down from its original location, Little Chick will first undergo maintenance. Once a suitable location is found, it will be given a new home in the West District.

This year’s heartwarming Red Egg Zone installation “Home” is truly going back “home.” The Taipei City Government has decided to donate this artwork to its place of origin — the Tugou Rural Art Museum in Houpi District, Tainan City. Originally created by artist Yang Shiyi on the temple square of Tugou Village, the entire “Home” structure was then transported to Taipei on a large flatbed truck for display at the Taipei Lantern Festival. Jian Yuyan said that returning the piece to Tainan City, where it was originally created, represents an exchange of goodwill between cities and forges a connection between the two. We are all “one family,” which perfectly aligns with the spirit of the artwork.