Tsai & Yoshikawa present ‘Drop of Light – Flow’, part of ‘A New Era of Taikang’ 開江紀 art exhibition – a series of installations across the Annan District of Tainan (formerly known as Taikan台江), Taiwan, to celebrate the area’s 200th anniversary and to explore the relationship between the Taikang people and their environment.

This commission considers the relationship between water and humanity. Located in the historic, vibrant space of Tainan City’s Wholesale Agricultural Market, the artwork takes the beautiful Taikang River 台江 as its theme and - through abstract forms - transforms the river water into organic shapes that resemble leaves and feathers. The sculptures float high above the busy market, reflecting the complex interplay between the community and the river in the shaping of the district.

‘Drop of Light – Flow’ consists of a series of modules, suspended from the hall ceiling. The pieces display vibrant gradations of pearlescent colours that reflect the shimmering surface of water. As they twist and twirl above the traders, occasionally merging and separating, they create harmonious variations in form that resemble the flow of a river through the market.

Drop of Light – Flow 2023 Aluminium, pearlescent gradient paint 245 x 34 x 34 cm (each); 260 x 510 x 430 cm (overall)

Duration: 01 July – 01 October 2023

Location: Tainan City Wholesale Agricultural Market, No. 102, Sec. 2, Yi'an Rd., Annan Dist., Tainan, Taiwan

Commissioned by: The Cultural Affairs Bureau, Tainan City Government

Curator: Kuo-Chun Chiu, Mild Art

Photos: Mild Art