Reported by Syu Jia-Tai in Jinning

The Gallery of Light at Kinmen’s Wind Lion Plaza was opened yesterday with artist Paloma Chang’s “Natural Wonderland” exhibition, which features 16 unique blue and white porcelain pieces that reflect on the relationship between nature, environment and life. The exhibition runs until April 22. Mr. Chiu Fu-Sheng, Chairman of the Taiwan Land Development Group, praised Paloma Chang’s works for combining both traditional elements and innovation, which demonstrates her youth and boldness. Chairman Chiu claimed the “Natural Wonderland” exhibition has opened a new page for the Gallery.

Initiated by an idea from Chairman Chiu Fu-Sheng and designed by international architecture master Kengo Kuma, the Gallery of Light at the Wind Lion Plaza in Kinmen celebrated its grand opening yesterday morning. Its first exhibition features the Taitung artist Paloma Chang’s 16 blue and white porcelain pieces. Chairman Chiu Fu-Sheng of the Taiwan Land Development Group, Chief Secretary Lin De-Gong of the Kinmen County Government, Director-General of Cultural Affairs Bureau Lyu Kun-He, Director Lin Fang-Syuan of the Nationalist Party (KMT) Kinmen County Chapter, Mayor Shih Jhao-Min of Jincheng Township, and Paloma Chang’s husband A-Sun Wu attended the opening ceremony.
Paloma Chang whose real name was Jhang Fong-Jhu was selected to participate in the “Le Salon” exhibition organized by the Paris Grand Palais in 2010. In 2013, she was invited to participate in the “Le Salon Comparaisons” exhibition. This year, she won the recognition of Fondation Taylor in France with the award Le Prix Du Taylor.

Paloma Chang said that when she heard Chairman Chiu Fu-Sheng describing the Gallery of Light using light as walls, he inspired her imagination. She has been creating arts for more than 20 years but having the opportunity to hold an exhibition in a space designed by world-class Japanese architect Kengo Kuma was like a “coming-of-age ceremony”. To her, it was like a new beginning. She was moved to tears and needed to wipe her eyes repeatedly with a handkerchief.

The Gallery of Light is located on the third floor of the North Tower of Wind Lion Plaza. It’s about 300 pings (991.5 m2) in total and was completed three years ago. The gallery is named after “light” because its indoor space uses transparent nylon ropes intertwined into layers of dynamic screen; rays of light are then projected to form walls of light. It breaks through the traditional box-like white walls, creating partitioned multi-functional areas such as exhibition space, conference space, reception counter, light food area, and bar area. Mr. Chiu aims to turn it into a new landmark of Asian arts and culture.

The Taiwan Land Development Group stated that in the future, the Gallery of Light will exhibit high-end antiques, jewelry, utensils and other high-end works of art. It will also provide flexible options for various events such as public exhibitions, auctions, and private VIP functions.