Written/Compiled & Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network
The highly anticipated Yellow Duck made its appearance at the Taoyuan County Land Art Festival, which kicked off last Saturday (the 26th). On its first day on display, it attracted over 200,000 visitors. Dutch artist Hofman, who grew up in the countryside, also stated that wherever the Yellow Duck goes, it integrates into the local original features and characteristics. The power lines in front of the Yellow Duck in Taoyuan are an example of this integration of the local original scenery, and he really likes this feeling of preserving the original look. He also emphasized that the Duck’s journey around the world is about going with the flow, and there’s no need for the environment to adapt to the Duck.
The surrounding environment of the Yellow Duck in Taoyuan, which has recently sparked widespread discussion, is something the Dutch artist said he quite enjoys—the way the Duck blends into the local charm. (Image source/From the official website of the Taoyuan Land Art Festival)
The Land Art Festival, currently being held in Xinzhuang Township, Taoyuan, until November 10, has garnered much attention thanks to the high popularity of the Yellow Duck. However, the area where the Yellow Duck is playing in the water this time is different from the usual harbor seascape, and the surrounding scenery has drawn criticism from many netizens, especially the power lines crossing the Yellow Duck’s face, which have sparked a lot of negative discussion. Dutch artist Hofman stated during the opening ceremony and yesterday’s symposium that he himself grew up as a country kid in a small village in northern Netherlands, so he really likes Taiwan’s rural scenery. In particular, the unique pond landscape of Taoyuan left a deep impression on him, and he believes the Yellow Duck exhibition in Taoyuan’s countryside is very fitting. Especially compared to displays in major harbors, the Duck playing in the water in Xinzhuang Township, Taoyuan County, appears even more massive, and its yellow color complements the pond landscape and the greenery of the pastoral scenery. Hofman also emphasized that everyone can find the most pleasing angle of the Duck themselves, and adjusting one’s perspective and mindset is a very important life lesson. Therefore, his creations place great importance on how to face the environment and coexist with nature.
Hofman also mentioned that he draws inspiration for his large-scale installation land art works from various animal shapes, using their huge scale to prompt people to reflect on the environment. He actively encourages the participation and interaction of local residents, highlighting the symbolic meaning behind environmental protection and respect.
Regarding environmental protection and respect, many student groups also took part in putting these ideals into practice during this event. Volunteers from institutions such as Qinghua High School, Yuan Ze University, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Xinzhuang Junior High School, Houhu Village, Shilei Village, Xinzhuang Library, and the Cultural Affairs Bureau not only assisted with crowd guidance but also quietly picked up litter discarded by the public, promoting the meaning of environmentalism through their actions. They also hope that netizens who visit the Taoyuan County Land Art Festival to see the Yellow Duck in the near future will help maintain the cleanliness of the event grounds.
The Yellow Duck visits Taoyuan, its adorable figure blending into the distinctive features of the countryside. (Video source/Linked from the official website of the Taoyuan Land Art Festival)
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