By MOOK Scenic Spots, compiled and reported
The public art of the Danhai Light Rail centers around Jimmy Liao’s work “Close Your Eyes for a While.” (Image source / New Taipei City Government)
The Tamsui area is an emerging town located in New Taipei City, yet quietly tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Jimmy Liao’s work resonates perfectly with this characteristic. In “Close Your Eyes for a While,” the recurring symbol throughout the story is a hat open to various interpretations — it can represent imagination, thoughts, wishes, or even dreams. As the little girl on the light rail closes her eyes, the “hat” glows, and a brand-new, extraordinary world unfolds, launching a journey full of limitless imagination. With the beautiful natural scenery of Tamsui — such as Guanyin Mountain, terraced fields, and twilight — as the backdrop, and through the imaginative transformation of “closing your eyes and the hat glowing,” what begins as a physical journey from departure to arrival becomes a deeper inner exploration of self-growth, human connection, and the relationship between people and their environment.
Jimmy Liao’s fantasy creations are primarily located along the Green Mountain Line of the Tamsui Light Rail. (Image source / New Taipei City Government)
The Danhai Light Rail public art project is Jimmy Liao’s first major official public art commission. The proposal process was full of challenges: the compact size of the light rail stations, Tamsui’s rainy winters and strong northeast monsoons, and the lack of station staff all influenced how the artworks were designed, positioned, and constructed. Endless beautiful imagination is the blessing Jimmy Liao has left for Tamsui.
Each of the 11 stations features unique three-dimensional sculptures that bring flat images to life: the story’s young protagonist, the little girl, guides passengers on their journey in various poses. The large animal series plays the role of gentle hosts on the platforms, offering a place to lean, rest, or enjoy a big hug. One exception is a little girl sculpture that sneaked off to sleep on the grass nearby — this playful placement is meant to surprise passengers outside the station. There’s also a miniature installation that reflects Jimmy Liao’s sculptural world, serving as another perspective and documenting the creative journey from idea to realization. To integrate the art more seamlessly with the station structures, corresponding stained glass panels have been added to enrich visuals and enhance the fantastical atmosphere. The open-ended narrative encourages passengers to create their own stories, engaging with the art in a spontaneous way, while also exploring the development and charm of Tamsui and the Danhai New Town.
Danhai Light Rail meets Jimmy Liao. (Image source / New Taipei City Government)
The Green Mountain Line is filled with Jimmy Liao’s whimsical creations, gentle and fresh style, and warm, bright color palette. These elements deeply resonate with people and are ideal for guiding passengers through a “city/home” transition and connection. During non-commuting hours on weekends, passengers can ride the light rail from station to station, experiencing Jimmy Liao’s picture books in a new way. This also attracts readers and tourists from around the world. Meanwhile, the Blue Sea Line’s exhibition plan collaborates with Tamsui’s art, cultural, and historical communities, incorporating expert opinions and organizing workshops and seminars to showcase the diversity of public art.