Taichung transforms its neighborhood into an art district as downtown hotels become exhibition spaces

Written / Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel & Life Network

Hotels not only offer travelers a comfortable place to rest but can also become part of beautifying the neighborhood and showcasing artistic culture. From now until November 25, Taichung will host the “Neighborhood vs. Creativity—Create. Art. Central District” event, adopting the concept of a neighborhood art gallery. The event collaborates with six hotels in central Taichung, using “green creativity and art” as the curatorial theme. It invites several renowned artists to use materials such as paper, plants, butterflies, and Taiwan’s traditional “qiaozhi” fabric to create distinctive art landscapes. Additionally, as part of the series of events, the building facade beautification activity has invited Tsou Chun, who has won the American 3x3 International Contemporary Illustration Award and double first prizes at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy, to create a large-scale 26m x 10m painting featuring elements of Central District culture and heritage sites. This artwork will be displayed on a building located at the intersection of Section 1, Taiwan Boulevard, and Freedom Road.

The “Green Creativity and Art” themed installation event invites paper-cutting artist Wu Gengzhen—who has collaborated with LV and CHANEL—to work with Starry Hotel, using paper-cutting as the medium to create a series of works related to travelers and environmental protection. Blue Mich, the floral designer who won first prize at the Taipei Flower Expo competition, collaborates with Futa Orange Hotel to encapsulate over a hundred butterflies of more than ten varieties—the world’s most recognized and precious blue lightning butterflies—in mid-flight, preserving their majestic moment forever within acrylic crystal columns, symbolizing rebirth. A team from the Department of Fine Arts at National Taichung University of Education collaborates with Holiday Inn Express to use the most natural medium—paper—to present a green art and jungle atmosphere. Guo Zhengzhong and the Natural Fermentation Team collaborate with Yee Wen Hotel, using sharp lines and simple color blocks to create a sense of spatial depth in flat patterns. A team from Tunghai University’s Department of Fine Arts partners with Xiyuan Hotel, incorporating Taiwan’s traditional “qiaozhi” fabric to remind people of the hard work, frugality, and value of effort in earlier times. Chaoyang University of Technology collaborates with Cheng Trip Hotel, using plants as the theme to create a naturally soft landscape.

Additionally, the “Old Buildings, New Makeup” building facade beautification project invites internationally renowned illustrator Tsou Chun—who hails from Taichung and won the 2011 American 3x3 International Contemporary Illustration Award as well as double first prizes at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy—to create a large 26m x 10m painting titled “When Clouds Rise.” Inspired by the cultural characteristics of Central District, famous heritage sites, the city’s grid-like streets, and environmental themes, this artwork will be displayed on a building at the intersection of Section 1, Taiwan Boulevard, and Freedom Road, formerly known as the site of Taichung’s most valuable land. The piece reflects the artist’s humanistic care for his hometown. In line with the painting’s theme, there will also be a “Flowing Cloud Light Show” projected onto the century-old Chang Hwa Bank building at night, illuminating the Central District.

During the event period,in addition tosix Green Creativity and Art installation locations in Central District—including Xiyuan Hotel, Cheng Trip Hotel, Starry Hotel, Yee Wen Hotel, Futa Orange Hotel, and Taichung Park Holiday Inn Express—will hold a “Visit Green Creativity and Art” popularity voting campaign. By collecting stamps and voting for your favorite installations, you’ll have the chance to win free hotel dining vouchers, accommodation coupons, and other great gifts from Central District. For event details, please visit the Taichung City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau website at www.culture.taichung.gov.tw.

● Related Reading: Taiwan’s Keukenhof Garden—Xinshe Flower Sea opens on November 17

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