Next week many of the country's art scene characters will be leaving for the opening of the Venice Biennale, but there is no need for the remaining art lovers to worry as there are several noteworthy exhibitions to keep them happily engaged.
There was a conjuring-up of the ancient literati spirit last weekend at Taipei Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). The chic and intimate gallery space is currently decked out in traditional Chinese furniture and ink paintings by well-known artists such as Yu Peng (
But what made the exhibition remarkable was the combination of traditional Chinese arts with cutting-edge contemporary art, which included provocative videos by Huang Chih-yang (
There was also an opening performance with Yo Li-yu (游麗玉) playing the somber gu-qin (古琴), with experimental sound artist Lin Chi-wei (林其蔚)altering the sounds with his computer. The exhibition runs to July 16. Taipei MOMA is a nice space to sit and sip tea and muse about aesthetics with like-minded souls, so check it out.
This weekend, two new exhibitions that sound like fun will open. There is a group show entitled Membrane onto Magic, curated by Rita Chang (
The last exhibition focused on issues pertaining to the institution itself, while this time around Chang wants to showcase work where the viewer can take pleasure solely in the surface of the canvases and revel in pure aesthetics. There are no politics or social concerns here, just what is often referred to as eye candy.
Unlike many group exhibitions where works are crowded together like in a department store, this one gives each artist a room of his or her own and includes a dozen artists.
George Ho (侯玉書), known for his translucent folding screens painted with symbolical figures will show a piece that requires special lighting. Howard Chen (陳浚豪), who has been such an integral figure of the Taipei Artist Village, covers vast surfaces such as floors and walls with shiny thumbtacks. Several of the artists will make elaborate installations with reflective surfaces, including mirrors.
The other exhibition opening is at IT Park by seasoned artist Tsong Pu (莊普), who is one of the founders of the gallery. Tsong lived in Spain for many years and absorbed many Dada-like and minimalist influences there. Using the bed as a multi-faceted metaphor, he has installed a series of beds, with pillows perched high on pillars, hinting at astral constellations and providing a figurative platform for dreaming.
Performance notes:
What: Qin, Calligraphy, Paintings and Tea
Where: Taipei MOMA Gallery, 3F, 19, Ln 252, Dunhua S Rd, Sec 1,Taipei (
Contact: (02) 8771 3372 www.taipeimoma.com
When: To July 16, Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 6 pm
What: Membrane Onto Magic
When: Saturday to July 24
Where: MOCA, 39, Changan W Rd, Taipei (
Telephone: (02) 2552 3721
What: A Solo Exhibition by Tsong Pu: The Spectacular Snore
When: Saturday to July 2, 1pm to 10pm
Where: IT Park, 2F/3F, 41, Yitong St, Taipei, Taiwan (
Telephone: (02) 2507 7243
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