THE PEEL – Peeling away in search of the truth – is one of three pavilions QIU put forward for the Kaohsiung International Container Arts Festival 2021. Each pavilion explores a different take on the Festival’s main theme: Van Buren Supernova – A theme revolving around light, star constellations, new life, and hope.
THE PEEL – Hope, connection, and new life
The walls of an upended container are peeling away in search of the truth, to reveal a glowing light source – a supernova perhaps.
The peeling panels reveal glimpses inside and have perforated patterns that glint like stars when light is shone through them to appear as celestial constellations from a distance. Closer up it becomes apparent these patterns of perforations, incised into the metal panels, are inspired from traditional Taiwanese ornamentation found in indigenous tribal folk art.
Often inspired by observation of nature, the aboriginal motifs speak of a human fascination with and awe of the cosmos that connects with our own experience – a reassessment of what is important in life after a year disrupted by lockdowns and a deadly pandemic and a reminder to our technology – obsessed world of the power of nature and the hope it brings for renewal.
Program – Pavilion
Location – Kaohsiung
Scope – Architectural Design
Status – Honorable Mention
