Department of Cultural Affairs

By Gloria Cho
Staff Writer

As spring breezes breathe life into every living thing on earth, a series of art events are planned during the Spring Festival beginning February 9, as a way to enrich the spiritual life of Taipei citizens.  

As the Year of the Snake is approaching, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum (TFAM) will present its yearly print and at the same time initiate a lottery event in which visitors have a chance to win a free poster of the yearly zodiac sign painted by artist Cheng Shan-hsi, from February 5 to 8.

This event marks the twelfth edition since the practice was initiated.  A full print selection of the twelve zodiac signs will be on display in the lobby of TFAM beginning February 5.

Those who have a particular interest in prints can visit the National History Museum for a special exhibition of the annual print of Zhuxian Town, which is billed as the origin of woodblock printing in China.

Bopiliao Historical Block, which is decorated with lanterns and other traditional images for the Spring Festival, will hold paper-cutting DIY activities, artists' Spring Festival sessions, and a virtual creation exhibition, providing citizens a chance to interact closely with local artists. A street parade will also be held to celebrate the Lantern Festival, which falls on February 24 this year.

An escape from the festive celebration atmosphere is available in the Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei. Two exhibitions: "The Innovationists: The Spectacular Journey of New Media Art" and "Telofossils－Gregory Chatonsky Solo Exhibition" will be held February 2 to 8 and February 13-14. 

Huashan Creative Park is staging a retrospective of Pulitzer-winning photographs spanning the period from 1942 to 2012. Visitors will be introduced to the story behind every picture and the mindset of the photographer at the moment the shot was made.  "Candy Wonderland," on the other hand, is designed for family fun. The exhibition covers candy making techniques and stories as well as the history and culture of the candy industry around the world.

For more information please visit http://express.culture.gov.tw, or ask for the Cultural Express, which is available for free at MRT stations and other art museums.