Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts

Exhibition Introduction

The 2023 Contemporary Art Prize is a competitive exhibition co-organized by the School of Fine Arts and School of Film and New Media of Taipei National University of the Arts along with the Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts to promote the art and research capabilities of students, while encouraging openness, participation, and creativity. This year’s exhibition features a total of 68 participants as candidates. Of these, nine works has selected by teachers and experts from TNUA and beyond after undergoing written examinations and preliminary reviews, and only two candidates will be selected for final review. The announcement and conferring of awards will commence during a joint opening with the Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts on July 21st.

This year’s qualifying artwork demonstrates the novel appearance of modern art and the distinct, lively attitude of self-expression belonging to a new generation of creators. Through creative presentation, this award hopes to establish a benchmark for visual art creation at the Taipei National University of the Art, while continuing to be a platform for advancing dialogue and interaction between young creators in the future, and expanding Taiwan art students’ understanding and vision of contemporary visual art.

The 2023 TNUA Contemporary Art Prize will be on exhibit at the Taipei National University of the Arts Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts from July 21st to October 29th.

Exhibition Introduction

The 2023 Contemporary Art Prize is a competitive exhibition co-organized by the School of Fine Arts and School of Film and New Media of Taipei National University of the Arts along with the Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts to promote the art and research capabilities of students, while encouraging openness, participation, and creativity. This year’s exhibition features a total of 68 participants as candidates. Of these, nine works has selected by teachers and experts from TNUA and beyond after undergoing written examinations and preliminary reviews, and only two candidates will be selected for final review. The announcement and conferring of awards will commence during a joint opening with the Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts on July 21st.

This year’s qualifying artwork demonstrates the novel appearance of modern art and the distinct, lively attitude of self-expression belonging to a new generation of creators. Through creative presentation, this award hopes to establish a benchmark for visual art creation at the Taipei National University of the Art, while continuing to be a platform for advancing dialogue and interaction between young creators in the future, and expanding Taiwan art students’ understanding and vision of contemporary visual art.

The 2023 TNUA Contemporary Art Prize will be on exhibit at the Taipei National University of the Arts Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts from July 21st to October 29th.

About the Works

CHIANG, Shao-Luen
Tangivirtuality
Video Installation
Dependent on the exhibition venue
2023

Sensory experiences serve as our primary methods to acquire information. The knowledge and intuition derived from these experiences constitute the fundamental basis for human thought and cognition. In this artwork, virtual scientific images intertwine with real sensations of touch, inviting viewers to comprehend and interpret visual images through their own bodies. The work endeavors to create cognitive and perceptual conflicts, offering extraordinary perceptual experiences that challenge the preexisting cognition of viewers.

CHIANG, Shao-Luen
Tangivirtuality
Video Installation
Dependent on the exhibition venue
2023

Sensory experiences serve as our primary methods to acquire information. The knowledge and intuition derived from these experiences constitute the fundamental basis for human thought and cognition. In this artwork, virtual scientific images intertwine with real sensations of touch, inviting viewers to comprehend and interpret visual images through their own bodies. The work endeavors to create cognitive and perceptual conflicts, offering extraordinary perceptual experiences that challenge the preexisting cognition of viewers.

CHIH, Yi-Long
1:00am / 4:00am
Invisible Matrix : The Fog is Not Foggy 1:00am / 4:00am
Acrylic on canvas, Thermochromic Ink, Handheld Steamer
2023

I attempt to seek the existence of an "invisible matrix" in everyday life. Located halfway up the mountain, the Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA) is often enveloped in fog at night due to significant shifts in temperature. However, across different moments, the night presents unique scenery. When it becomes foggy, I have observed that tree branches, barely visible in darkness, stand out. However, when the fog clears, they disappear back into the darkness, like an invisible matrix only emerging amidst fog. When engaging with the artwork, viewers may use a steamer to create steam and mist. As the mist lingers on the artwork, they will see the entire process of the invisible matrix, revealing itself before disappearing as the mist fades away.

CHIH, Yi-Long
1:00am / 4:00am
Invisible Matrix : The Fog is Not Foggy 1:00am / 4:00am
Acrylic on canvas, Thermochromic Ink, Handheld Steamer
2023

I attempt to seek the existence of an "invisible matrix" in everyday life. Located halfway up the mountain, the Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA) is often enveloped in fog at night due to significant shifts in temperature. However, across different moments, the night presents unique scenery. When it becomes foggy, I have observed that tree branches, barely visible in darkness, stand out. However, when the fog clears, they disappear back into the darkness, like an invisible matrix only emerging amidst fog. When engaging with the artwork, viewers may use a steamer to create steam and mist. As the mist lingers on the artwork, they will see the entire process of the invisible matrix, revealing itself before disappearing as the mist fades away.

LU, Kun-Yu
Looking at Between
Triple-channel video、3D scanning、sensor
Dependent on the exhibition venue
2023

By exploring the sense of estrangement that the author experiences upon returning to their hometown, this work reflects on the relationship between oneself and one’s hometown. Through the gaze shared between the local residents and the author, as well as between the artwork and the viewer, the ambiguous emotions generated by looking and being looked at are analyzed. Perhaps a sense of belonging can be found within this ambiguity.

LU, Kun-Yu
Looking at Between
Triple-channel video、3D scanning、sensor
Dependent on the exhibition venue
2023

By exploring the sense of estrangement that the author experiences upon returning to their hometown, this work reflects on the relationship between oneself and one’s hometown. Through the gaze shared between the local residents and the author, as well as between the artwork and the viewer, the ambiguous emotions generated by looking and being looked at are analyzed. Perhaps a sense of belonging can be found within this ambiguity.

HUNG, Yi-Yu
Personal God
Video、Action
2021-2023

People often ask the gods about matters concerning themselves. But, when do people ever care about the gods? With “poe divination" as the main theme, this project transforms traditional methods of divination into a medium for communication and conversation. Using psychometric tests, it asks the gods their views on worldly matters to better understand their character and disposition. In a deep contemplation of religion, the project also explores the artistic qualities within religion. How much can belief contribute to an independent art creation? Drawing inspiration from the divination of Matsu on political elections, we attempt to clarify the relationship between creator and artwork by conducting a solemn and profound artistic experiment.

HUNG, Yi-Yu
Personal God
Video、Action
2021-2023

People often ask the gods about matters concerning themselves. But, when do people ever care about the gods? With “poe divination" as the main theme, this project transforms traditional methods of divination into a medium for communication and conversation. Using psychometric tests, it asks the gods their views on worldly matters to better understand their character and disposition. In a deep contemplation of religion, the project also explores the artistic qualities within religion. How much can belief contribute to an independent art creation? Drawing inspiration from the divination of Matsu on political elections, we attempt to clarify the relationship between creator and artwork by conducting a solemn and profound artistic experiment.

Chang, Ting-Chen
A Beautiful Day
Double-channel video / Power machinery installation
360x25x100cm, 30’55’’, color, sound / 360x25x100cm
2022

The encounter with any family photo begins with a touch. This work attempts to go back to the exact moments with the people in the images: three unforgettable hugs with my mother as well as a younger version of myself joyfully extending my arms in front of the camera. Among the photos, one particular photo taken during a graduation trip in southern Taiwan captures my attention. My then unmarried mother seated sideways elegantly, forming a contrast with a woman standing upright in the distance. These two unfamiliar images share the same photographic plane, creating an equal yet estranged feeling. Following the clues in the photo and interweaving the exotic atmosphere of that time, I arrive at the Amanda Hotel, situated in South Bay—an establishment named after a Greek goddess in a Moroccan style. “Who is Amanda, the goddess?” I asked. The front desk staff said "It's a business secret." Such an answer is as mysterious and elusive as the unidentified woman in the photo.

Chang, Ting-Chen
A Beautiful Day
Double-channel video / Power machinery installation
360x25x100cm, 30’55’’, color, sound / 360x25x100cm
2022

The encounter with any family photo begins with a touch. This work attempts to go back to the exact moments with the people in the images: three unforgettable hugs with my mother as well as a younger version of myself joyfully extending my arms in front of the camera. Among the photos, one particular photo taken during a graduation trip in southern Taiwan captures my attention. My then unmarried mother seated sideways elegantly, forming a contrast with a woman standing upright in the distance. These two unfamiliar images share the same photographic plane, creating an equal yet estranged feeling. Following the clues in the photo and interweaving the exotic atmosphere of that time, I arrive at the Amanda Hotel, situated in South Bay—an establishment named after a Greek goddess in a Moroccan style. “Who is Amanda, the goddess?” I asked. The front desk staff said "It's a business secret." Such an answer is as mysterious and elusive as the unidentified woman in the photo.

CHEN, Pei-Zu/HONG, Wan-Yu
Gaze
Mixed media
2022

Gaze is a collaborative work by Chen Pei-Zu and Hong Wan-Yu that explores their own existence. With sensations of doubt, the protagonist continuously seeks the truth through dreams. Each layer of a dream represents the protagonist's psychological state as well as the challenges she faces rediscovering herself within her subconscious. The work employs imagery, such as mirrors and eyes, to portray the protagonist's gaze on herself. Multiple objects and characters that are similar yet distinct symbolize the fragmented self-consciousness. In the latter part of the work, the combination of these different objects also represents the protagonist's realization in her subconscious that no single image or consciousness can represent her true self - both are indispensable.

CHEN, Pei-Zu/HONG, Wan-Yu
Gaze
Mixed media
2022

Gaze is a collaborative work by Chen Pei-Zu and Hong Wan-Yu that explores their own existence. With sensations of doubt, the protagonist continuously seeks the truth through dreams. Each layer of a dream represents the protagonist's psychological state as well as the challenges she faces rediscovering herself within her subconscious. The work employs imagery, such as mirrors and eyes, to portray the protagonist's gaze on herself. Multiple objects and characters that are similar yet distinct symbolize the fragmented self-consciousness. In the latter part of the work, the combination of these different objects also represents the protagonist's realization in her subconscious that no single image or consciousness can represent her true self - both are indispensable.

Dorcas Liao
BloodNet
Interactive × Game × MV
2022

Welcome to “Poo Poo Family”!

Posted on the blackboard of “Poo Poo Family," there is a large and strange group photo. Look closer and you’ll see that the group photo is actually a collage composed of many sheets of A4 paper with each containing a hidden QR code. Viewers who scan the codes with their cell phone can see: "Who is sneaking around?”

The long table on the side holds Asian squatting cut-out figures of “Poo Poo Family.” Those are not pixelated images on their butts, but rather QR codes. Viewers are welcome to take a seat, scan the QR codes on each of the figures’ butts, and listen to their inner thoughts and perspectives…
Finally, “Poo Poo Baby" helps to summarize the main point of this story: "When one person does wrong, the entire family feels pain! When one person repents, the whole family feels joy!”

Dorcas Liao
BloodNet
Interactive × Game × MV
2022

Welcome to “Poo Poo Family”!

Posted on the blackboard of “Poo Poo Family," there is a large and strange group photo. Look closer and you’ll see that the group photo is actually a collage composed of many sheets of A4 paper with each containing a hidden QR code. Viewers who scan the codes with their cell phone can see: "Who is sneaking around?”

The long table on the side holds Asian squatting cut-out figures of “Poo Poo Family.” Those are not pixelated images on their butts, but rather QR codes. Viewers are welcome to take a seat, scan the QR codes on each of the figures’ butts, and listen to their inner thoughts and perspectives…
Finally, “Poo Poo Baby" helps to summarize the main point of this story: "When one person does wrong, the entire family feels pain! When one person repents, the whole family feels joy!”

LIU, Wan-Yu
Artificial Black Hole
glass, Presensitized Plate, projection
244× 200 cm, 52× 39 cm, 200× 400 cm
2022

Even as the concept of certainty on materiality is shattered by modern physics, wave-particle duality had already been proven by scientists even before we were born. That is, when dividing the smallest particle of a substance to its limits, it is impossible to clearly define its identity between wave and particle.
If particles are considered material existence and light waves as spiritual existence - a certain function for a certain thing - then we can no longer determine with certainty whether a substance is spiritual or material when it is divided down to its smallest form.
Inspired by the astrophotography of black holes, we contemplate the identity properties of images and objects, intentionally manipulating the medium of images to create subtle deviations resulting from different material properties when interacting with light and shadow. By sticking closely to the "illusion associated with natural phenomena" and responding to the concepts of "artificiality" and "falsehood," the work draws inspiration from natural scenery and blends artificial light with the "visual illusions" generated by digital machines. This artwork is then imbued with poetic elements, transcending from the technology and infusing with an artistic perspective.

LIU, Wan-Yu
Artificial Black Hole
glass, Presensitized Plate, projection
244× 200 cm, 52× 39 cm, 200× 400 cm
2022

Even as the concept of certainty on materiality is shattered by modern physics, wave-particle duality had already been proven by scientists even before we were born. That is, when dividing the smallest particle of a substance to its limits, it is impossible to clearly define its identity between wave and particle.
If particles are considered material existence and light waves as spiritual existence - a certain function for a certain thing - then we can no longer determine with certainty whether a substance is spiritual or material when it is divided down to its smallest form.
Inspired by the astrophotography of black holes, we contemplate the identity properties of images and objects, intentionally manipulating the medium of images to create subtle deviations resulting from different material properties when interacting with light and shadow. By sticking closely to the "illusion associated with natural phenomena" and responding to the concepts of "artificiality" and "falsehood," the work draws inspiration from natural scenery and blends artificial light with the "visual illusions" generated by digital machines. This artwork is then imbued with poetic elements, transcending from the technology and infusing with an artistic perspective.

TING, Chang-En/TSAI, Cheng- Hao
In the Dimly Lit Place
Light bulb, Photoresistor, Acrylic, Wood, Video installation
540*240*60cm
2023

In daily life, the applications of sensors are innumerable, with photoresistors being widely used for sensing light. When a light-sensitive sensor forms a circuit with a light fixture, the "no light allows electricity, light emission resists electricity" interaction creates a subtle paradox of mutual opposition and even resistance.

The artwork focuses on the interlocking and restraining relationships produced by "light, sensing, and circuitry," and explores how components and individuals, systems, and structures form dialectical relationships when automatic sensing becomes the norm. Extending to the traces of daily life and life experiences, the work attempts to locate the nodes of contradictions and paradoxes within cognition, constructing a physical confrontation and writing a resonance of perception and experience.
As the light pours down, either gently or intensely, the pace of perception is always belatedly aware – realizing, in the end, that it is already at the dimly lit place.

TING, Chang-En/TSAI, Cheng- Hao
In the Dimly Lit Place
Light bulb, Photoresistor, Acrylic, Wood, Video installation
540*240*60cm
2023

In daily life, the applications of sensors are innumerable, with photoresistors being widely used for sensing light. When a light-sensitive sensor forms a circuit with a light fixture, the "no light allows electricity, light emission resists electricity" interaction creates a subtle paradox of mutual opposition and even resistance.

The artwork focuses on the interlocking and restraining relationships produced by "light, sensing, and circuitry," and explores how components and individuals, systems, and structures form dialectical relationships when automatic sensing becomes the norm. Extending to the traces of daily life and life experiences, the work attempts to locate the nodes of contradictions and paradoxes within cognition, constructing a physical confrontation and writing a resonance of perception and experience.
As the light pours down, either gently or intensely, the pace of perception is always belatedly aware – realizing, in the end, that it is already at the dimly lit place.