The Possibilities of Expressing Local Imagery in Airport Public Art: a Case Study of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

• Main Authors: CHAN, WAI-TUNG, 陳瑋彤
• Other Authors: LAI, YING-YING
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2019
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/n2ry4r

碩士 === 國立臺灣藝術大學 === 藝術管理與文化政策研究所 === 107 === Airport is an important transportation hub in contemporary times, a locality where most travelers have to make a brief stop. Service functions, safety, and convenience should be the main concerns, while airport is a "non-place" lacking of historical context and traces of life; without defining its own style, it may not be able to convey a vivid impression to users. International airport, as a gateway to its country or region, make suitable venue for public art with local imagery, it may allow both domestic and foreign tourists to experience or reflect on local culture, and also serve as landmark in altering the spatial texture of its surroundings. The roles of airport are multifaceted, economically, it is a lifeblood of transportation that contributes to globalization; emotionally, it symbolizes cross-border exploration and connections with people; culturally, it is also an indicator of a region’s artistic attainment. Taiwan introduced "percentage for art" in the late 1980s, and hold a leading position in Asian public art development. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TIAC), being the largest public infrastructure in the nation, numerous experienced and internationally renowned artists participated in its public art projects, it is therefore a remarkable example of public art in Taiwan. This thesis is a case study, through literature review and in-depth interviews, to examine the public art projects of the Terminal II construction and Terminal I renovation. The discussion focuses on artworks with Taiwan imagery, to analysis the uses of visual symbols, process of cultural translation involved, marketing strategies and education promotional program etc. Artworks from the projects that may contain Taiwanese imagery will be discussed, analyze from the perspectives of translation of visual symbols, promotion strategies and public participation activities, to find out how the project content reflects the multiculturalism of contemporary Taiwan in the context of globalization. In addition, with reference to artworks and project content of in Singapore, Australia, India and the United States, to explore the multiple possibilities of public art at international airports in expressing local imagery. Research findings show that with the improvement of airport service standards and facilities, together with the revolving concepts of public art, inheritance and innovation of traditional crafts, interactive technological elements, combination with practical functions, and cross-disciplinary exhibition and performance have become global trends for airport public art. Aesthetic quality is the most important aspect of public art, regardless where it locates, meanwhile, art professionals also concern the communication of local imagery in the capital airport. However, even under such high anticipation, the airports functional requirements posed, poor site selection much limitations on both projects, factors such as undesirable display locations, inadequate curatorial coordination ability, and lack of maintenance led to the poor presentations of some works. The key to successful public art is the integration between artworks and spatial arrangements, only when the values of public art are widely recognized by airport management and passengers, can they become a valuable asset representing the nature and humanity in the locality.