In Tu's show, the viewer, frustrated that the display area's door is locked, peers into the slight open crack of the doorway. Slowly emerging out of the distant dark shadows is a faint bluish hooded figure walking slowly towards the viewer which then suddenly vanishes.
For a work of art, Tu Wei, like Duchamp, only allows one viewer at a time to peer through the doorway. By not allowing entry into the room, Tu Wei succeeds in filling the space and your imagination with the spirit of a ghost.
Although this show is now over, the arts world gossip that inspired it -- a ghost in the gallery who seems to target some of the more challenging and physically explicit works displayed in the gallery -- may still be wondering about. Tu's work provides a slight element of humor to a mystery that remains unsolved.
Public Art
Another exhibition which uses location as part of its message is the photo installation sponsored by National Geographic is currently on view at the Chungshiao-Fushing and Hsimending MRT stations. Even though it is part of the promotion for the Chinese version of NG, the installation blends commercial display, architectural design and visual aesthetics to create a public art display. The designer, architect Chi Ti-Nan (季鐵男) and his workshop, sought to utilize the urban space by fragmenting the images -- here, images of exotic peoples from around the world -- and installing them on panels that coordinate with the stations' architecture. Chi also observes how the MRT stations' large passageways are ideal arenas for public art and another effective forum to enhance Taipei's visibility and international standing.
National Geographic is famed for its distinct photo style and by displaying these images larger than life in Taipei's public spaces, brings exposure to world cultures directly to the local populace.
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