TAO ART — Attraction in Taipei

Perhaps the best part of Tao Art Space is a chance to meet the artists.  When we first visited (November 2021), we were greeted warmly by Hsu Ling-Hsuan (許菱軒), who was staffing the gallery.  It was a thrill to have her interpretation (in both senses of the word) of the "INFO-LABOR. CO" installation, produced as part of the gallery's Peach Project, driven by new artists.

Ling-Hsuan's English was excellent, and she gave us some insight on the culture and generational forces that spurred the art. We soon realized with a thrill that it was her thoughtful and accessible text featured in the exhibit and printed guide.  We also had a few moments to talk with her fellow artist, Tsai Chih-Nin (蔡之甯), about her excellent design.

A return visit (January 2022) showed similar innovation and variety within "Sub-existence," featuring different artists. This time, the internal, ineffable qualities of the soul were explored. It was not clear if the artists were on hand this time, but Ling-Hsuan happened to be available and met us again. We realized, later, how much out of her way she went for us.

The immersive quality of both installations is what stands out, and is clearly a guiding part of the gallery's mission. The gallery as a whole is a small space, nestled in the corner of the 8th floor of an indifferent, even sterile office building. (The building owner may not yet be aware of the extra foot traffic he might encourage for all the tenants, if even a hint of Tao Art Space's exhibits were teased from behind the lobby's plate glass.) The artists, thankfully, are working with complex ideas that are bigger than their physical confines--yet can be packed in a suitcase and explored upon your return home.

The biggest risk of visiting Tao Art Space is accentuated during these lonely times of Covid-19. One wants to stay in such a space of engagement and yak about sound or design details. It can generate a level of enthusiasm that doesn't always have an outlet--due to time, convenience, or social awkwardness. One sees the results of these artists and one wants to join in. Sometimes the best thing to do, however, is to say thank you, stand back and cheer on. ...

📍2021.9.25 “Seeing Through Lights” by artist Wu Chi-Tsung.

A new kind of hidden art space that combines the concepts of classic and contemporary arts. Strolled through the white-cube space, I unconsciously picked up my camera and captured the messages about the artist’s journey of their exploration at diverse stages.In a nutshell, take your curiosity to the art space and allow the talented artists fashion something to your...

Wow! An amazing, futuristic exhibit in Chinese and English. First we were encouraged to walk through and experience it, and then one of the artists, Hsu Ling-Hsuan, guided us through and explained the work. The ideas are very valid for this day and age, and TAO ART is worth a visit! Thanks for an excellent,...