Endless Succession Instalação de Arte Pública

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The landmark epitomizes the diversity of local ecology. The permeable design is like an archway that leads visitors into the Forest Recreation Area surrounded by nature.
The shape of the work resembles an upright figure 8 of 'infinity'. Located on the wooden trestle at the entrance of the Neidong National Forest Recreation Area, it is green in color with red and black totems. When one gets closer, there are carves of common species in the area. The extremely realistic animal and plant totems on the column are not only photographed but also sculpted by experienced masters.

Dimensions & Packaging

The height of the work is about 450cm, and the width of the space occupied is about 250cm.
This is the first time for the team to create such a huge landmark. The clay was stacked up to a height of 450cm by climbing a ladder and then carved with realistic butterflies, birds, tree frogs, and other patterns from top to bottom. Then, the clay is cut into sections and kiln-dried, and finally assembled. The entire landmark is handmade.
Mixing the glazes is also an important part of the work, as uneven proportions will affect the color rendering.

Tags

Wulai, Neidong Waterfall, Neidong, Atayal, ceramics, Installation Art, Sightseeing Landmark.

Production Technology

Both the clay and the glaze of this work have been hardened at a high temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Celsius. The minerals and metals contained in the clay have been melted and transformed into stable substances. Its high hardness makes it safe and colorfast when exposed to the sun and wind or in contact with human skin. Unlike ordinary ceramics with a melting point of less than 1,000 degrees, which are susceptible to heavy metals, 'Endless Succession' allows the public to appreciate and touch the relief sculptures from a close distance.

Design Challenge

Pottery requires long hours of handmade work, and humidity control was the first and foremost challenge. To maintain the humidity of the large clay, it must be constantly watered or wrapped in canvas.
Furthermore, to present the curves smoothly, it was necessary for the person leading the work to watch from the bottom and direct the masters executing the work from the top. Therefore, the masters who lead and execute the work need to have a certain tacit understanding and great patience. Each person's interpretation of the aesthetic presentation often required communication and discussion.

Research

Typhoon Soudelor in 2015 damaged many facilities in the Forest Recreation Area. The Forest Recreation Area then replacement of old equipment, and improvement of the landscape. At that time, there was no distinctive entrance to the park. To create and emphasize the distinctive landscape of the Forest Recreation Area, the team integrated the local environment and created a landmark with aesthetics and consistency at its core. The artwork presents imagery of the Xinxian Waterfall and the diversity of the park's species, as well as showcasing the local Atayal culture.

Inspiration

The authorities wanted to create an entrance landmark with natural ecological imagery. Planned to visualize the beauty of the Xinxian Waterfall, presenting the special features of the landscape with the graceful parabola of the waterfall as it cascades down from the top of the mountain. The static and dynamic nature of the waterfall incorporates the common species found in Neidong and is intertwined with Atayal totems, symbolizing the inseparable integration with the environment. The overall shape also implies the meaning of the 'infinity' symbol, which symbolizes the everlasting ecology and richness of culture.

Project Duration

The project finished in August 2018 in Taiwan.

Operation Flow

As the old saying goes, 'It could be admired from a distance but not be tampered with up close and personal.', this is the public's established impression of ceramic art. The work is scratch-resistant, non-toxic, weather-resistant, and colorfast, encouraging the public to interact with it and take photos to experience a different way of presenting 'pottery'. The design team has shown the intimate side of clay to a wider audience. The artwork combines the humanity and ecological elements of Neidong, realizing the depth and beauty of the place and localizing the artwork.

Image Credits

Jin Ying Yei Tao Pottery Ltd