New Taipei City Art Museum Audio Guide

NTCAM Outdoor Art Features｜Juanjo Novella｜L. Roots

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 [https://www.soundon.fm/]

NTCAM Outdoor Art Features｜KUNG Wen-Yi｜K. Pottery Making Process

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 [https://www.soundon.fm/]

NTCAM Outdoor Art Features｜WU Chien-Fu｜J. Life with Ceramics

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 [https://www.soundon.fm/]

NTCAM Outdoor Art Features｜LIN Shuen-Long｜I. Pottery

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 [https://www.soundon.fm/]

NTCAM Outdoor Art Features｜Samuel Hsuan-yu, SHIH｜H. Potters of the Magic Wand —1804

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 [https://www.soundon.fm/]