Taiwan Islands Four Airports Monument
Integration of Architecture and Artwork of Airports at the Four Remote Islands
The theme of artworks for the four island airports comes from two streams. For Qimei and Wangan, the two islands on the Taiwan Strait side, the theme originated from their names. While for Green Island and Lanyu, it is derived from history and culture. These artworks are integrated with the airports by being located at the center of the front plaza or, in Green Island's case, as the ceiling mural. As transportation terminals, these airports represent entrance halls to local culture, thus the integrated artworks significantly articulate their cultural identity.
Revive , the Public Art of Qimei Island Airport
This monument is inspired by a local legend about Qimei, meaning seven beauties. From the 13th to the 16th century, the pirates led by Japanese invaders who attacked the East China Sea in the Middle Ages, did not let go of the Penghu archipelago. In the late 16th century, to resist the sea ban policy of the Ming Dynasty, a Chinese leader, Wang Zhi, along with Japanese and Portuguese pirates, developed a gang that gradually sprawled from the Korean Peninsula to the southern part of China around the East China Sea to the Qimei Islands. Seven ladies on the island fought against the invaders, defended their homeland, and ultimately sacrificed themselves heroically. Therefore, Qimei Island is named in honor of their courage. This work is set in the center of the plaza in front of the airport entrance.
The form of the monument depicts a tree with seven branches. It is hoped that, absorbing the sunlight of Qimei Island and blossoming into the blue sky, this monument will revive the strong will of the seven heroines. For outlying islands, unlike in big cities, architecture and public art together should represent the unique local cultures and memories.
Pray , the Public Art of Wangan Island Airport
During the era of Zheng Chenggong, who lived in the 17th century, maritime accidents occurred frequently. Therefore, people prayed for voyage safety. This was the derivation of the name Wangan, which means praying for safety. Wangan Island is surrounded by a beautiful sea. A cactus park close to an observatory on the island's hilltop. The monument is a bronze sculpture of a palm, just like the hand gesture when praying. When illuminated, the shadow resembles a human figure, praying to the heavens for the safety and peace of the sea and sky in the East China Sea.
The relationship between architecture and art has long been stereotyped as the former fulfills functionality, and the latter barely as an accessory. However, the two qualities are equally valued here, given that the airport is conceived as a public design that will contribute to the cultural context and enhance its tourism value.
Resilience , the Public Art of Green Island Airport
Located in the center of the Circle Plaza, this artwork expresses two meanings. The first is a request for the souls who suffered in the internment facilities before, and the second is a tribute to the flora that endured the harsh environment there. This monument represents the vitality of people and nature, which is adaptive and resilient. The airport of Green Island consists of a control tower, a terminal building, a police station building, and a fire station building, each of them was constructed in different eras, resulting in an inconsistent facade.
The airport was renovated to improve the aging architecture. A huge circular corridor was designed to shelter travelers and residents without getting wet on rainy days. Despite its heavy history as a prison camp, Green Island is now attracting attention as one of East Asia's leading diving destinations. The public art and architecture of Green Island Airport are conceived in an integrated manner to create a new image of the airport by connecting its past and future.
The Black Current , the Ceiling Public Art of Green Island Airport Terminal Building
The Black Current originates from the east Philippine Trench and flows northward along the eastern coast of Taiwan, passing through the Ryukyu Islands and the eastern coast of Japan before eventually entering the Pacific Ocean. The Black Current, along with the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and the Gulf Stream, is one of the world's largest ocean currents. Its name comes from its high transparency and indigo color, which is darker than other currents. The clockwise-flowing Black Current is a warm current that has provided immeasurable blessings to the ecosystems while creating the clear waters of the western Pacific. Meanwhile, it has brought about various human and cultural exchanges since ancient times. Green Island is close to its source. The ceiling mural depicts marine creatures that come and go in the Black Current in an abstract, bright, and powerful way. This public art will be set up on the ceiling of the renovated terminal.
Glory , the Public Art of Lanyu Airport
Lanyu is located in the eastern sea at the southernmost tip of Taiwan, catching the rising sun on the east side and the glorious sunset on the west side. The island's ancient name, Hongtou (Red Head) Islet, is derived from the human-faced rocks on the northwestern cape of the island, which turn red at dusk. The island is in the Black Current and is famous for its rich ecosystem of flora and fauna, as well as marine life. The island is also widely known for its unique culture of the Tao people, including the red canoe and distinctive housing styles. In the company of fishing fires and torches at night, the traditional culture of Lanyu exudes its unique charm.
The monument was imagined as a moon-shaped boat floating on a grassy field that resembles the sea. The shadow of the boat, cast by the setting sun, takes the form of a large fish, passing under the bottom of the hull. When the sun sets into the sea, the moon boat will catch its brilliance. The public artwork at Lanyu Airport thus serves to connect the facilities with the unique culture of Lanyu.