KAOHSIUNG (Taiwan News) – The first edition of the ArtIN International Art Fair opens on Thursday (June 5), at Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal.
A collaborative effort between Taiwan's Chan Yee Group and Summie Liang (梁詠心), founder of Hong Kong's Ubu Deco Gallery and a recipient of last year’s Greater Bay Area Outstanding Female Entrepreneur Award, the fair showcases nearly 500 works from 60 artists.
The event aims to inject new energy into south Taiwan's art scene and is slated to move to Seoul next year.
The fair is divided into four exhibition zones, offering a diverse experience across contemporary art, installation art, and interdisciplinary creations. Organizers have also planned several VIP events.
Among the most eye-catching sights are a large-scale outdoor gummy bear installation and the debut of a dynamic version of the famed "Along the River During the Qingming Festival.”
Liang, serving as the fair's director and curator, highlighted the challenges young artists face in gaining exposure. This led her to establish a gallery focused on discovering and supporting promising emerging talents.
Liang said that south Taiwan, while rich in vitality and artistic energy, has lacked large-scale international art events. ArtIN was conceived to fill this void.
"We hope that through ArtIN, we can break down geographical limitations and allow the influence of art to emanate from Kaohsiung to the rest of the world," Liang said.
Explaining the name "ArtIN," Liang noted its fourfold meaning, starting with “in”: International, Interesting, Investment-worthy, and Innovative.
Participating galleries include Star Gallery from Taipei, Ubu Deco from Hong Kong, Khalife Gallery from Seoul, and Parallel+ from Manila, Philippines. Featured artists include Taiwan's Tai Ming-te (戴明德) and Chinese artist Mr. Red.
The ArtIN International Art Fair will run until June 8.
ArtIN International Art Fair. (Taiwan News, Lyla Liu video)
