A miniature version of vintage Taiwanese street scenes has brought droves of people to a new multimedia art exhibition in Taipei.
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00A few quiet moments, captured in miniature.
00:06This 1-to-12 scale model of Taiwan's streets has become the centerpiece of a new exhibition
00:12showcasing the work of multimedia artist and filmmaker Jiang Liren.
00:30The work, called Battle City Finale, took 14 years to complete and explores what Jiang
00:42calls survival in the city, as reflected in his comic books and his action-packed animated
00:48films shot using more than 100 papier-mâché characters.
00:53The work not only allows him to tell stories, but also to hang on to memories in a fast-moving
00:58world.
01:15And Jiang's sense of nostalgia is striking a chord with viewers.
01:29The attention to detail and vintage vibe has seen the exhibition explode on social media,
01:41and that's put strain on the small Museum of National Taipei University of Education.
01:47Foot traffic for Jiang's exhibition is five to ten times higher than the museum's usual,
01:52and to cope, it's had to increase staffing and implement an online reservation system.
01:57Despite its popularity, housing Jiang's work is a challenge.
02:01He had to relocate six times while completing it, and every move or exhibition causes damage
02:07to the model city.
02:27But those in the art world are determined to preserve Jiang's work.
02:33As an artist, everyone can see how special this work is.
02:42In every aspect, it has a place in the history of Taiwan's contemporary art.
02:55The museum says it's reaching out to several venues interested in permanently housing Jiang's
03:00work.
03:02They're optimistic, but the search continues.
03:05Whether on the screen or in person, this little city leaves a big impression.
03:10It's now up to those who find value in these kinds of unique artworks to make sure it stands
03:15the test of time.
03:17Kama Xu and Chris Gorin for Taiwan Plus.