‘Abominable snowmen’ to star at art event in Taipei

Twenty “abominable snowmen” are expected to attend Taipei White Night, an annual art exhibition scheduled for next week at Daan Forest Park (大安森林公園), the Taipei Ministry of Cultural Affairs announced at a conference of press last Wednesday.

This year’s exhibition is themed “The Festival of Nocturnal Animals,” with snowmen as the main exhibit, said Taipei Nuit Blanche artistic director Agi Chen (陳怡潔), adding that the Yongkang Street communities Neighboring Dongmen Shopping Area and Jianguo Holiday Market would extend their opening hours and host artistic performances.

Kitty Hartl, artistic director of the Paris Nuit Blanche events in 2022 and last year, is involved in the event, which would incorporate surrealism, interactivity and athletics to bring participants closer to nature, Chen said.

Photo: Screenshot from Taipei Nuit Blanche website

The performances would highlight themes such as diversity and earth consciousness to help people “get in touch with their inner animals,” she said.

Nuit Blanche has become an important event linking the French mission in Taiwan and the Taipei municipality since it was first held in Taipei in 2016, said Vincent Yanelle, head of the French representation in Taipei.

The event also represents the friendship between Taiwan and France, as well as the two sides’ shared attachment to artistic creation and performance, Yanelle said, adding that the scale of the event has increased since its launch.

A parade organized by Hartl, in which 20 abominable snowmen – along with performers from the artist’s adaptation Yetis Pop – must interact with participants, is an example of bilateral cooperation this year, he said .

Another feature would be “Owl Mask & Totems,” during which people could get owl masks and participate in a masked party, organizers said.

Taipei Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-hua (林奕華) said this year marked the 30th anniversary of Daan Forest Park and its choice as the main venue for the event was “profound”.

The performances would surround participants in artistic celebrations and raise awareness of the importance of the park’s environment, Lin said.

Nuit Blanche is scheduled for Saturday next week from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. the next day.