The mega-exhibition CO4: Taiwan Avant-Garde Documenta II: Nexus -- Next to Us! is a vastly ambitious undertaking organized by the National Cultural Association to showcase emerging artists in Taiwan, both locals and resident foreigners.
This is the second time such an exhibition has taken place. The first, two years ago, CO2: Taiwan Avant-Garde Documenta brought together 30 art groups and 47 individual artists exhibiting in four different venues. This time, several themes organized by seven curators showcase a huge number of artists in seven venues scattered about Taipei.
PHOTO: SUSAN KENDZULAK
Generally speaking, ideas and metaphors are sorely lacking here. So expect to be entertained momentarily by the sculptures, paintings, videos and installations on display, but as soon as you get back on the MRT don't expect to think twice about the work. The absence of any profound thoughts raised in the exhibition is probably one of the thoughts you will walk away with.
In spite of this, there are two sites worth seeing. Media artist Yuan Goang-ming (
Also highly recommended is Wang Jun-jieh's (
Mei Dean-E (
State in Progress -- Penetration and Connection was curated by Chang Hui-lan (
Leisure, Celebration, Blessing was curated by Pan Hsiao-hsueh (
At the time of this writing, the rest of the exhibition was being installed at the Hua Shan Cultural and Creative Industry Center, where Sale, Art, Exposition is curated by Li Szu-hsien (
One thing CO4 unintentionally reinforces is the need for a very dynamic curatorial program in Taiwan. To curate an exhibition is not so simple. It entails choosing and juxtaposing strong works to create new ideas and thought-provoking dialogues. The positioning of art works must also be thoroughly considered as it creates a type of conversation, sparking new ideas, something that didn't happen in this case.
Exhibition notes:
Who, what, where: CO4 Exhibition to Jan.16: 1. Petting Creature Liberation, Administration Building of Taipei County (at the new Banciao MRT station), 161 Chungshan Rd, Sec 1, Banciao (
2. State in Progress -- Penetration and Connection, National Cultural Association 15 Chongqing S Rd, Sec 2, Taipei (
4. Lost Words, Hong-Gah Museum (MRT to Qiyen Station) 5F, 260 Daye Rd, Taipei (
5. Media Cramp, Main Trend Gallery (MRT to Yuanshan Station) 209-1 Chengde Rd, Sec 3, Taipei (
6. Sale, Art, Exposition and Fantasy and Object, Silian Building in HuaShan Cultural and Creative Industry Center 1 Bade Rd, Sec 1, Taipei (
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