New Taipei City Art Museum Audio Guide

Standing before you, the work Roots unfolds like an enlarged network of leaf veins, diaphanous yet resilient, suspended in midair. As the angle of sunlight shifts throughout the day, beams pass through its porous structure, casting ever-changing patterns across the ground and surrounding surfaces. These transient shadows evoke the slow, constant passage of time. Upon closer approach, two monumental leaves appear to embrace one another, forming an open sanctuary, beckoning you to step inside, look upward, and experience the connection between the body and nature. Spanish artist Juanjo Novella is known for his longstanding involvement in urban landscape design and art intervention. Revolving around the idea of locale, his practice highlights the dialogue between artwork and architecture, landscape and humanity. He is particularly drawn to the interplay of light and shadow, where shadow, far from being secondary, becomes a language of expression that speaks of warmth and security. Inspired by plant life, Roots encapsulates the symbiotic relationship between living beings and their environment. Rising eight meters high and spanning ten meters wide, the work engages with the museum’s architecture, where open space cradles organic growth and allows room to breathe. As you move through the piece, pause and reflect on the elusive yet profound bond between humanity and nature. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

KUNG Wen-Yi Pottery Making Process 2009 [The script of this episode] As you walk along this corridor, your attention is drawn to the large ceramic vases and jars crafted from red brick and scattered throughout the area. This installation, titled Pottery Making Process, is the work of artist Kung Wen-Yi. Inspired by the traditional structure of snake kilns, Kung initially intended to replicate the kiln’s enclosed form. Due to safety concerns, he modified the design to an open layout that blends more seamlessly with the surroundings. A closer look at the kiln walls and ground reveals intentional marks resembling fire traces, conveying the journey of pottery firing. As you meander through this red brick corridor, the work unfolds alongside the historical evolution of ceramic culture, beginning with raw clay. Each step brings you closer to the enduring spirit of pottery that defines this land. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

WU Chien-Fu Life with Ceramics 2009 [The script of this episode] Larger-than-life ceramic plates are casually strewn across the rolling slopes. They are accompanied by coffee cup sets in intriguing shapes and a giant spoon sculpture designed for seating, together evoking the charm of a fantastic afternoon tea. This group of works, titled Life with Ceramics, is created by artist WU Chien Fu. These pieces feature familiar shapes from everyday life, emphasizing the strong connection between ceramics and daily experiences. They embody the blend of Yingge’s traditional painted ceramics with modern-day living. A closer look at the ceramic patterns reveals a transition from classical blue-and-white porcelain to contemporary designs, all skillfully represented in these works. In our fast-paced, convenience-driven society, ceramics play a vital role in our daily lives, while symbolizing a pursuit of quality and taste. The work encourages us to pause, appreciate the warmth and beauty of ceramics, and bring a touch of elegance and joy into our lives. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

LIN Shuen-Long Pottery 2009 [The script of this episode] The mound, seeming to rise from the earth, is named Pottery, and was crafted by artist LIN Shuen-Long. It draws inspiration from the initial stage of pottery making, known as throwing. In the pottery-making process, clay is placed on a spinning device known as a potter’s wheel. As it rotates, the potter skillfully molds the clay into various shapes. This signifies the beginning of the pottery journey. Blending Yingge’s origins with the elements of land, water, and the enduring efforts of ancestors, the artist illustrates how their labor, perfected in the kiln’s fire, shaped this ceramic center. Through his artistic practice, Lin investigates the potential of various materials and forms of expression, often linked to the land and nature, creating a bond among individuals, communities, and generations. His art embodies a warm, nurturing presence for the world, infused with an enthusiastic curiosity that lends his work a captivating ability to engage viewers and evoke a sense of connection. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Samuel Hsuan-yu, SHIH Potters of the Magic Wand—1804 2022 [The script of this episode] The gigantic pottery tool displayed here is titled Potters of the Magic Wand—1804, created by Shih Hsuan-Yu. The year 1804 marks the 9th year of the Jiaqing Emperor’s reign during the Qing dynasty, a crucial period when the ceramic industry in Yingge began to thrive. The artist scales up this iconic pottery tool, using a simple yet powerful shape to highlight Yingge’s distinctive role as the hub of Taiwanese ceramics. The installation symbolizes the promising future of Yingge’s ceramic industry, poised to make a lasting impression on the global scene. For the artist, tools are not only the core of art making, but also serve as a wand that unlocks boundless creativity. This work highlights meticulously crafted ceramic tiles from Yingge, fostering a deeper connection with local culture, while underscoring the evolution and advancement of Yingge’s ceramic artistry. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

LEE Tsai-Chien The Seed 2022 [The script of this episode] The Seed is inspired by Lee Tsai-Chien’s everyday cooking experiences. While slicing a radish, he discovered the organic contours of curved blocks. They revealed an unexpected beauty that was not intentionally designed. The inherent form sparked his imagination, leading to the creation of The Seed. What prompted the artist to choose white as the primary color for this work? When you stand in front of The Seed, do you experience a sense of clarity and calm? For Lee, white represents purity and essence, similar to a plant seed, with its outer shell removed, exposing its most basic form. However, white is not just a single color; it features a nuanced gradient with different degrees of warmth and coolness. After many trials and refinements, the artist opted for the layered white hue you see here. Having resided in the Jinshan District of New Taipei City for years, Lee uses The Seed to convey his care and affection for this area, its ecology, and culture. He instills his understanding of life, experiences, and sculptural aesthetics in this piece, adopting a straightforward yet natural form to symbolize the origin of life. At the same time, the work embodies blessings and well-wishes for the museum and the local community. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

LEE Tsai-Chien Confrontation and Harmony 2008 [The script of this episode] *Confrontation and Harmony *consists of two triangular pillars of equal surface area. They are symmetrically arranged, but oriented in opposite directions, making them appear to be in conflict while echoing one another. Inspired by the Platonic icosahedron, Lee Tsai-Chien arranges equilateral triangles to express order and regularity. Upon closer inspection, the pillars, although presenting different angles, are structurally identical—similar to two individuals reaching out with their right hands, either engaging in a competitive clash or a reconciliatory handshake, symbolizing the balance between competition and tolerance in interpersonal relationships. The piece, crafted from stainless steel with a matte finish, reflects light as sunlight angles shift. It even mirrors the surrounding environment and greenery, giving the geometric structure a sense of elegance and dynamic movement within its rigid geometric form. Lee Tsai-Chien is well-versed in both Eastern and Western aesthetics. His work spans traditional calligraphy and painting, as well as modern sculpture, where he develops his signature mathematical aesthetics through rational abstraction and geometric arrangement, seeking a balance between order and structure. Exploring this concept through contrast and balance, Confrontation and Harmony encourages viewers to reflect on their connection to the world: Is it one of confrontation or harmony? -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tsong Pu Lying Down 2024 [The script of this episode] *Lying Down *draws inspiration from the gesture of using one’s arm as a pillow. It celebrates the charm of an uncomplicated life by combining minimalist design with raw industrial materials. Its simple form encourages philosophical reflection on our appreciation for simplicity in today’s world and the essence of minimalism. Confucius once praised his disciple Yan Hui, saying, “How virtuous is Hui! With a modest meal and a gourdful of water, he resides in a simple alley. While others may be burdened by such hardship, he still finds joy in these humble conditions.” Though leading a meager life, Yan Hui was content and happy, reclining comfortably, enjoying sleep with his arm as the pillow. This is precisely the message of the work—embracing tranquility in everyday moments and finding freedom in its most unadulterated form. The piece is crafted from recycled scrap metal that is melted and reshaped. Following the Lu Ban Ruler—a traditional measurement system for attracting good luck—the metal is cut and arranged to resemble Yan Hui in peaceful repose. It symbolizes the effortless life he embodied, and incorporates feng shui principles, focusing on the energy flow within a space. As this work exemplifies peaceful coexistence between humanity and nature, it conveys a wish for a healthy and smooth passage through life. Try sitting on the work and absorbing its serene, calming vibe. Perhaps you’ll discover a little tranquility and freedom. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Chang Poki Scenes in Flux 2024 [The script of this episode] This work, Scenes in Flux, by Chang Poki, adopts a technique called the strange attractor algorithm, commonly employed to simulate crowd movements. In this context, it illustrates the ebb and flow of people, as well as the enduring movement of time. We live in a constantly evolving world filled with chaos and uncertainty. Yet, we always look for patterns within these changes, trying to identify elements that remain unchanged. Scenes in Flux captures this idea through the digital representation of a river, highlighting the coexistence between ongoing transformation and stability. Contradictory and harmonious, it is reminiscent of our lives, as we seek balance amidst perpetual motion. Take a moment and perceive the dynamics of movement and change, and notice how it makes you feel. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Chou, Tai-Chun The Path of Island 2023 [The script of this episode] To cultivate a unique artistic atmosphere within the museum, we have invited artists Chu Teh-I and Chou Tai-Chun to create works for the interior and exterior of the Creative Cluster’s restrooms by incorporating the rich history and culture of Yingge. By merging the ancient map scroll style with contemporary digital mapping, they evoke the geographical imagination of Yingge. The result is a surreal blend of the past and present, brought to life through bold, flowing color collages that transform the space. Highly skilled in public art production, the Hong Mao Gang Cultural and Creative Co., Ltd. is also a contributor to this work. Led by renowned artist Li Yi-Hsun, the team transforms the vibrant imagery and brushwork through sophisticated mosaic techniques into lively, three-dimensional forms, enhancing the vigor and depth of the original design. Chu Teh-I’s abstract palette and careful composition come alive through mosaics and tiles, transforming the walls into a striking interpretation of Color Forms. The mosaic piece brings movement to the corridor, reflecting the flow of people, and creates a space that is at once rational and emotive. In contrast, Chou Tai-Chun’s The Path of Island resembles an ancient map scroll gradually unfurling, blending digital map navigation with Yingge’s rich historical memory and geographical imagination. The mosaic work delineates the changing landscape, encouraging the viewer to reflect on the past and grasp the changes over time. Together, these works provide not only a dynamic visual celebration, but also an artistic experience connecting the past and present, immersing us in the cultural allure of the ceramic town Yingge through the interplay of colors and lines. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

CHU Teh-I Color Forms 2023 CHOU Tai-Chun The Path of Island 2023 [The script of this episode] To cultivate a unique artistic atmosphere within the museum, we have invited artists Chu Teh-I and Chou Tai-Chun to create works for the interior and exterior of the Creative Cluster’s restrooms by incorporating the rich history and culture of Yingge. By merging the ancient map scroll style with contemporary digital mapping, they evoke the geographical imagination of Yingge. The result is a surreal blend of the past and present, brought to life through bold, flowing color collages that transform the space. Highly skilled in public art production, the Hong Mao Gang Cultural and Creative Co., Ltd. is also a contributor to this work. Led by renowned artist Li Yi-Hsun, the team transforms the vibrant imagery and brushwork through sophisticated mosaic techniques into lively, three-dimensional forms, enhancing the vigor and depth of the original design. Chu Teh-I’s abstract palette and careful composition come alive through mosaics and tiles, transforming the walls into a striking interpretation of Color Forms. The mosaic piece brings movement to the corridor, reflecting the flow of people, and creates a space that is at once rational and emotive. In contrast, Chou Tai-Chun’s The Path of Island resembles an ancient map scroll gradually unfurling, blending digital map navigation with Yingge’s rich historical memory and geographical imagination. The mosaic work delineates the changing landscape, encouraging the viewer to reflect on the past and grasp the changes over time. Together, these works provide not only a dynamic visual celebration, but also an artistic experience connecting the past and present, immersing us in the cultural allure of the ceramic town Yingge through the interplay of colors and lines. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Lend an Ear to the Land Atelier Hui-Kan, Yenting Hsu, Yu Chiao Yang 2022 [The script of this episode] This piece, titled Lend an Ear to the Land, is a collaboration between Atelier Hui-Kan, Yenting Hsu, and Yu Chiao Yang. They use sound as the primary medium to guide the viewer in exploring local stories through sonic encounters. The artists combine field research with storytelling to translate these tales into a series of audio pieces, inviting the audience to experience the pulse of the land through listening. The recordings feature the river’s natural sounds, craft sounds from Yingge’s traditional industries, oral histories from local elders, and tribal folk songs. Navigating the park’s seven designated spots, you are invited to rediscover the Sanying region’s cultural identity through shifting soundscapes. In this unique auditory journey, the artists use sound to transcend visual boundaries, allowing you to engage with the stories of this land through audio, and gain a new perspective of the New Taipei City Art Museum and its surroundings. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

NTCAM Ecology [The script of this episode] Welcome to the New Taipei City Art Museum Park! The New Taipei City Art Museum (NTCAM) sits at the meeting point of the Yingge and Dahan rivers, nestled in the fertile Sanying Reclaimed Land, known for its rich ecology. Enveloped by greenery, this area is the habitat of a wide array of birds, butterflies, and plants, forming a distinctive ecosystem. Here, you will have a chance to spot some fascinating species. In the Sanying Spatial Art District, you can find the charming Black Bulbul, adorned with shiny black feathers and a bright red beak and feet. These social birds enjoy hanging out in groups and are known for their unique chatter that sounds like xiao-qi-gui, xiao-qi-gui, which means penny-pincher. Let’s not forget the Oriental magpie, or Pica serica. They usually show up alone or in small groups, and are famous for their chests and bellies, which are covered with white feathers as the rest of their bodies are in striking black. Easy to spot with their contrasting colors, they are often seen as a delightful symbol of good fortune. Apart from the birds, this area is also a wonderful paradise for butterflies, in particular, the enchanting Purple Crow—a special species you might catch a glimpse of while strolling by the river. When the sunlight dances off its wings, they shimmer in shades of soft purple and bright blue, creating a magical glow. A rare butterfly in Taiwan, the Purple Crow embarks on a long migration during the winter, making your encounter with it all the more precious. The riverbed in the park is home to a variety of native plants that attract insects and birds. One notable find is the Yellow Water Lily. This unique aquatic plant can only be found in Taiwan, and plays a vital role in providing a habitat for many species. You can also see the Chinaberry tree in the park. In autumn and winter, they bear golden fruits, and come spring, they are covered with fragrant purple flowers, which are a favorite among Taiwan barbets and light-vented bulbuls. Now, let’s take a moment, and listen to the lovely birds singing and watch the butterflies dancing in the air, as we take in the harmony of nature and art! -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

NTCAM Architecture and Space [The script of this episode] The New Taipei City Art Museum (NTCAM) sits by the Dahan River, surrounded by verdant mountains, much like an island embraced by nature. Architect Kris Yao envisions a design that blends seamlessly with the natural environment, accentuating the building’s coexistence and dialogue with the land. The NTCAM is nestled between Sanxia and Yingge. Both places are known for their rich history and cultural heritage. Sanxia is famous for its blue dyeing craft, while Yingge serves as Taiwan’s ceramic center. With its contemporary artistic perspective, the museum fosters a dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and future innovation. Acting as a “museum for the people,” it embraces local voices while adjusting to the changing times. The elegant architectural design incorporates geometric shapes. The exterior walls feature a thoughtfully planned double-layer structure. While the inner layer consists of aluminum panels and glass, allowing light to fill the area, the outer layer is constructed with metal pipes of varying sizes, creating a sense of lightness. Some of these pipes are intentionally perforated to allow a gentle breeze to flow through, producing a soft sound as if the building is breathing. On the ground floor, the Creative Cluster preserves the atmosphere of the historic streets of Sanxia and Yingge. Featuring a redbrick floor and cypress-textured exposed concrete walls, the space exudes a sense of history and warmth with the walls’ hand-carved patterns. This area is a rest stop and a hub where art meets daily life, offering workshops, talks, and DIY activities to bring art into everyday living. Inside the museum, the exhibition spaces are spacious and open, featuring a column-free layout that provides expansive views. The versatile design accommodates diverse exhibition needs, including experimental, intermedia, and interdisciplinary practices. The building’s extended, interconnected spaces facilitate a variety of programs, allowing visitors to experience art as they navigate the museum. The Wonder Base on Basement Level 1 focuses on aesthetic education for all ages. It offers experience-oriented and interactive activities, transforming the museum into a center for participation and exchange. The NTCAM is more than an exhibition space—it’s a vibrant platform where art meets life, tradition meets modernity, and local culture goes global. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in art, culture, or simply exploring a unique environment. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn