By MOOK Scenic Spots Zhang Yawen, compiled and reported
The 2018 Taoyuan Land Art Festival took place from September 14 to 30, with the theme “Reviving the Old Town with New Art – Youthful Waters of Peach Land.” It used art to engage spaces, connect people with their environment, and promote Taoyuan’s distinctive landscapes through a wealth of artworks. The festival collaborated with local communities to build a localized brand identity.
The 2018 Taoyuan Land Art Festival was held from September 14 to 30. (Photo / molly888666)
This year’s Land Art Festival featured three exhibition areas: “Leisurely Strolls in Fugang” in Yangmei and Fugang, “Artistic Journey Along the Old Street River” in Zhongli and along the Old Street River, and “Youthful Waters of Qingtang Garden” in Zhongli and Qingtang Garden. Based on the unique characteristics of each area, multiple artists were invited to create diverse art activities.
Artists from the “Euglena Project” painted the walls of the farmers’ association warehouse near the train station. (Photo / Taoyuan Land Art Festival)
During the 17-day event, both domestic and international artists were invited to participate, resulting in 50 stunning art installations, most of which were co-created by local residents and artists. On holidays, there were also 33 fun-themed events such as “Hundreds of Fish Swimming in Fugang,” “Lia Akka Rice Festival,” and “Seven Delights in Fugang.”
“Hundreds of Fish Swimming in Fugang” and “Seven Delights in Fugang” are among the 33 fun-themed events. (Photo / Taoyuan Land Art Festival)
In addition to the artworks, special guests included the Hinaru Shofuku Dance from Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan’s sister city, and the Calligraphy Club from Takamatsu Nishi High School in Kagawa Prefecture, who participated in two international exchange parades. There were also 14 water theater performances at Qingtang Garden, featuring a 60-meter-wide water screen and high-flying dancers performing flips and leaps. Combined with water screen projections, lighting, sound effects, and visual imagery, they created a dazzling, starlit aquatic music world.
The Hinaru Shofuku Dance from Miyazaki Prefecture performed during the street parade on September 22 (Sat) and 23 (Sun). (Photo / Taoyuan Land Art Festival)
One highlight of this year’s festival, “Shimmering Ripples, Graceful White Silhouettes,” is a large-scale installation standing eight and a half meters tall. Using stainless steel and based on low-poly 3D design, it mimics the elegant form of an egret strolling gracefully and pecking for food. Set against Fugang’s unique pond landscape, the artwork uses the water’s reflective surface to naturally blend into the pastoral scenery.
“Shimmering Ripples, Graceful White Silhouettes” captures the lifelike image of an egret strolling gracefully and pecking for food. (Photo / molly888666)
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