28/11/2002
Great Theatre of the World
Biennial, Taipei
Taken as a metaphor for contemporary art, the notion of theater addresses sculpture, installation and storytelling as the domains in which creativity and innovation are more active in contemporary art.
The Taipei Fine Arts Museum is holding a series of tie-in events for the 2002 Taipei Biennial: Great Theatre of the World. One of these events is the Biennial Forum, for which well-known organizers, artists and scholars from both Taiwan and abroad are invited for participation and in-depth discussion. At the same time, local experts are participating in the Biennial’s Gallery Talk, Lectures and Scheduled Guided Tours, giving them the opportunity to better explain the exhibition to the public, as well as enjoy it with them. The public in turn will be able to discover a new side, and new meaning, to the exhibition. In addition, separate youth and children’s Art Experience Corner show the next generation ‘what the Biennial is.’ With its informative study sheets and audio tours, the Art Experience Corner grant the opportunity for self-learning and a better understanding of the new face of the Taipei Biennial.
The opening events for the exhibition: Great Theatre of the World on November 29th and 30th; people from every corner of the world are invited.
GREAT THEATRE OF THE WORLD 2002 Taipei Biennial
Curated by Bartomeu Mari and Chia Chi Jason Wang
Great Theatre of the World, the title of the 2002 Taipei Biennial, is inspired by the title of a famous play by Pedro Calderon de la Barca (1600-1681). It is a sacramental play that depicts the fate of mankind through a play within a play. Taken as a metaphor for contemporary art, the notion of theater addresses sculpture, installation and storytelling as the domains in which creativity and innovation are more active in contemporary art.
The exhibition will address issues related to perception and understanding through the notion of an ancient, classical form of communication that finds itself disappearing. Indeed, theater has evolved, mutated and been absorbed by much more powerful media such as television and cinema. Great Theatre of the World considers the museum as a stage and the exhibition as a play to insist on the crucial importance of the live experiencing of things, of art, of reality. Contrary to the spectacular side of many exhibitions of contemporary art, the 2002 Taipei Biennial will focus on the intense experience of art using the senses of the eye and the ear.
Rather than adapting art to the available space (site specific art), the Great Theater of the World means to promote the concept that space is put at the service of art, and will present works by Taiwanese and international artists from different backgrounds and generations. The 2002 Taipei Biennial will look into the results of new forms of multi-disciplinary practices, in both traditional and new media.
Since discussions with many artists are still in process, for choices of works and projects, the list of participants that we deliver today is only partial. The final list of participants will be communicated in October 2002.
Taipei Fine Arts Museum http://www.tfam.gov.tw/
INFORMATION
Address
181, Chung-Shan N. Road, Sec. 3, Taipei 104, Taiwan
Museum Hours
Tuesday-Sunday 09:30 to 17:30. Open on national holidays. Closed Mondays and the day following national holidays.
Telephone
02-2595-7656
Fax
02-2594-4104
Email
info@tfam.gov.tw
Admission Prices
Adult admission: $30 NT
Concessions: $15 NT
Tour Services
For current exhibitions, TFAM plans special educational tours, student tours, and regularly-scheduled guided tours. School tours are also available by appointment.
For school, group, and foreign-language tours, please apply in person or by telephone to arrange tour times.
Recorded tours are available in the first-floor Information Center, and may be borrowed with valid personal ID.
Handicap Access
TFAM's main entrance on Chung Shan N. Rd is equipped with a handicap ramp, and wheelchairs are available at the first-floor Information Center. The building is also equipped with elevators for the handicapped, and each floor is equipped with a handicapped rest room.
1A, 1B
Visitor service areas, including the Information Center, Admissions, and Souvenir Sales, are located in the museum's bright and spacious lobby.
The first-floor Galleries 1A and 1B, with walls 6 meters high and a 3-story courtyard, provide flexible space for major national and international exhibitions.
2A, 2B
The museum's permanent collection is displayed in Galleries 2A and 2B on the second floor. Here, displays of art work, which rotate every six months, highlight various topics and themes in the history of modern art.
3A, 3B, 3C
On the third floor, Galleries 3A, 3B, and 3C display thematic exhibitions. The double-cross floor plan provides extensive gallery space, and the windows offer excellent views of the museum's natural setting.
D, E, F, G
Located in the museum's basement, Galleries D, E, F, and G are available by application to young artists, and also host major art competitions and group exhibitions.
Coordinating the museum's educational activities, basement area G comprises an Arts Library, Auditorium, Art Education Center, Bookstore, and Food and Beverage Court. The area enhances visitor's experiences by offering a place for them to read, attend lectures, take classes, and to eat and drink.
Art Education Center
At present, the Art Education Center offers a curriculum of art courses for students of all ages, including creative activities for young children, and art education for everyone from elementary-school students to senior citizens. For adults, the Art Education Center features a curriculum of courses on art appreciation, and on techniques of Western and Chinese art.
Auditorium
Located in basement area G, the central auditorium accommodates an audience of more than 200 visitors.
The Auditorium programs a regular schedule of film showings, which introduce important artists and movements in the international art world. Films present introductions to Chinese and Western art history, contemporary art, artist biographies, and museums around the world.
Every week, from Wednesday to Sunday, films are programmed in conjunction with current major exhibitions. For show times, check TFAM's monthly Newsletter.
Moreover, visitors are also invited to participate in lectures and seminars, which are offered in conjunction with current exhibitions or museum events.
Library
Library hours: 09:30 to 17:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on national holidays and when the museum is closed to visitors.
The library's collection of more than 24,000 volumes of art books, catalogues, and other visual materials can be browsed at no charge. Research services and copy services are available for a fee.
The library comprises three areas: periodicals, reference, and special collections. Audio-visual services and internet access are also available.
Bookstore
The bookstore sells art books from Taiwan and abroad, art magazines, children's books, art albums, posters, cards, and much more.
Image: Xavier VEILHAN, Le Film du Japon, 2002. Video
CONTACT
Hui-ji Hu
0225957656 ext. 106