By MOOK Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 

A new land art attraction called “Gather” has emerged in Kaohsiung, handcrafted by artist Wang Zhiwen using 5,000 bamboo poles and 250,000 oyster shells. Since its lighting-up debut at the end of October, this stunning artwork has become a highly popular new spot in Kaohsiung. Nowadays, visitors can be seen strolling here for leisure, while children play and chase around, bringing comfort to the wounds left by the Kaohsiung gas explosion incident.

The artwork “Gather” is located at the site of the 2014 August 1st gas explosion. At that time, the children’s park was almost completely destroyed by the blast. Now, a year later, restoration efforts have succeeded. Local legislator Chao Tien-lin, in collaboration with local social service groups, organized the “Let’s Be Together Arts Festival” and invited artist Wang Zhiwen to create an international-level bamboo weaving artwork titled “Gather.” The elements of the piece—bamboo symbolizing resilience and oyster shells symbolizing rebirth—represent Kaohsiung’s post-disaster resilience and renewal.

The land art piece “Gather” is conceptualized as an ocean castle, consisting of a main structure and a corridor section, all woven primarily from local bamboo strips. The oyster shells, born from the ocean, are hung like wind chimes to decorate the structure, aligning with Kaohsiung’s image as a maritime city. By day, sunlight filters through to create playful shadows; by night, when illuminated, it resembles a whimsical castle full of imagination.
 
[Info]
Gather, Bamboo and Oyster Shell Land Art
Exhibition Period: On display since October 30, 2015 (planned for 2 years)
Location: Qianzheng 31st Phase Park (Intersection of Yixin 1st Road and Guanghua 3rd Road)

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