Taitung County is welcoming the return of an art festival designed to get art lovers moving. Artists have placed large-scale works at scenic spots along a stretch of rural highway, encouraging exploration, reflection, and this year especially: relaxation.
Taitung County is an oasis of calm in a chaotic world. It’s filled with soothing natural beauty, offering inspiration to artists from around the world.
Last year, the county hosted the East Rift Valley Land Art Festival. Artists set up large-scale works along County Highway 197 for those passing through to admire.
This year, the festival is back, with some favorites from last year and a few new pieces joining them along the route.
Among the new works is a giant fisherman made of driftwood. This pensive figure sits at the edge of a pond, inviting viewers to sit down with him and ponder life. Amis artist Talaluki says the part that took the longest to get just right was the giant’s thoughtful expression.
Another new piece is a sculpture made of traffic mirrors by British artist Martyn Barratt. He hopes the work will do more than just reflect its surroundings. He wants viewers to reflect on themselves, too.
Then, there is a curtain of clay tiles by artist Yeh Hai-ti. She used Amis pottery-firing techniques to create 700 clay tiles. Then she strung them up with ramie thread. The result is a striking sight that also produces a soothing tinkling sound in the breeze.