Special Exhibition of Gold Form Iron Welding Art Stuns Shuikujiu Craft Scene

By Li Xinyi

Scrap metal and childlike wonder? These two seemingly contradictory elements come together in surprisingly delightful ways under the hands of Amis artist Lin Jinlong. From now until October 16, the “Moving My Heart – 2011 Lin Jinlong Iron Welding Exhibition” is on display at the New Taipei City Gold Museum, where you can see how Lin uses discarded, chilly materials to weld heartwarming, playful artworks.

Lin Chinzhi, director of the New Taipei City Gold Museum, explained that to offer a diverse platform for artists from the Shuikujiu region, the museum organizes 2–3 special exhibitions each year featuring local talent. This exhibition invites Lin Jinlong, an iron welding artist who has lived in Shuiku Cave for over 40 years, to present more than 50 pieces created from repurposed materials. Through creativity and welding, he reshapes scraps into imaginative works such as guitarists, ballet dancers, loyal dogs, and bands — all bound to bring smiles.

Born in Hualien as a member of the Amis tribe, Lin Jinlong grew up in Shuiku Cave. He has long enjoyed collecting various discarded metal pieces and reassembling them through welding into playful yet well-formed artworks. Lin insists on not grinding or cutting his welded pieces, preserving their most original forms. He says each artwork represents a moment of beauty and emotion in his life, and hopes viewers can also find joy and happiness in his creations.