Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station is the busiest station in Taipei. From the many passengers gathered here, some are hustling to transfer to another station; some are busy trying to get to work or home; and some are heading straight to the nearby department stores to shop or meet up with friends. This destination is a microcosm of the big city life, with people coming and going to fulfill their reality and dream. Give a "Like" is an art project specially designed for the Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station, and its purpose is to provide to the passersby a beautiful message through the curatorial concept of “Slow down your steps by eight counts to appreciate these seven artworks, and let your life become more fulfilled and enriched!”
This special exhibition with “public art” elements is sponsored by Cathay United Bank, presented by Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation, and organized by MOCA Taipei. The exhibiting Taiwanese artists include: P714, kowei, Shasha, emmaAparty, Chang Yu-Chia, Huang Feng-jan, and Wen Tang-Weng. With their own unique, uncomplicated, friendly illustration, animation, miniature model, moving light and visual integration work, the many facets of the urban life in Taipei are presented. In addition to bring people closer to see and appreciate the art, the artworks also jointly convey to people the sense of joy and liveliness contained in the city of Taipei! The artists for Give a "Like" have a mutual anticipation, which is for people to extend their experience with art inside this MRT station into further care, thoughts, and visions for a more “likeable” present and future lives in Taipei.
In this cyber era of rapid information, “Facebook” has rapidly become a platform for people to connect and exchange information. On this social network, the act of giving a “Like” is a direct and friendly gesture. This exchange on “Facebook” has become so popular that the act of giving a “Like” has become a colloquial phrase in Taiwan that could be utilized in everyday occurrences, such as giving a “Like” to great music, great occasion, great photo, or great inspiration! This simple act of expressing one’s fondness allows people to meet new friends in the virtual world of Facebook, where people are able to share their lives and also take part in the different tidbits that their internet friends post online.
However, looking at the real setting inside the MRT station, people that we encounter are always busy with their own things, and eye contacts seem to be deliberately avoided. Etiquette has become an excuse for aloofness, and this aloofness has turned into a formula for coexistence amongst people in the city. Give a "Like" hopes to open up the firewall between people and to remind them of the optimism and delight in the concept of “There are no strangers in the world. Only friends we have not met.” As smiles are put on the faces of people in Taipei, let us give a “Like” to this city of happiness.
Slow down your steps by eight counts to appreciate these seven artworks, and let your life become more fulfilled and enriched! We want to give you a station worthy to give a “Like” to, and we hope that each of us will continue to push our own “Like” buttons in our everyday lives.
Artists
kowei、EmmaAparty、P714、陳薇(Wei Chen)、黃風然(Feng Jan Huang)、張育嘉(Yu Chia Chang)
