The 29th edition of Art Taipei, the largest ever according to the art fair’s organizer, opened Thursday in the country’s capital.

The art fair, which will last through Oct. 24, brings together 138 exhibitors, 89 from Taiwan and 38 from eight countries and regions around the world, the Taiwan Art Gallery Association (TAGA) said.

It is the largest Art Taipei ever held in terms of the number of participating exhibitors and artworks being shown, according to TAGA.

Two of the highlights among more than 1,000 artworks showcased at this year’s event include the yellow sculpture “Pumpkin” and the celluloid installation “Kusamatrix” by world-renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
In addition, a section dedicated to Taiwan’s Indigenous art will display oil paintings by Paiwan artist Aruwai Matilin (馬郁芳) and photographic works by Pinuyumayan artist Gao Min-shiou (高敏修).

The art fair will also feature 11 salons, six panel discussions and three forums in which artists, art gallery representatives, curators and art experts will be invited to share their experiences working in the industry, TAGA said.

At the opening ceremony, TAGA Chairperson Oliver Chang (張逸羣) said trying to organize an art fair while COVID-19 still poses a threat was far from easy, but he hopes visitors to the five-day event have a wonderful experience.

Chang also encouraged Taiwan’s galleries to look beyond the island and strive to show works by Taiwanese artists abroad.
Minister of Culture Lee Yung-te (李永得) said Art Taipei has showcased the creativity and diversity of Taiwan’s artists for many years.

He also expressed hope that the volume of transactions at this year’s art fair will set new records.

According to TAGA, transactions at Art Taipei 2021 reached NT$860 million (US$26.8 million).

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel