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Classical Chinese Min
PRESENTER
Gu Wenmin
Floral artist
Graduated from the Department of Industrial Design at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology; creates floral art and is passionate about the aesthetics of conflict.
The so-called conflict and destruction are not literal acts of destruction; they also represent an attitude and a spirit, emphasizing breaking free of rigid ways of thinking and seeing things from different perspectives. Destructive floral art is not about physical damage, but about thought: breaking established mental frameworks, reassembling elements, and infusing them with one’s own soul. Through design, it creates a different visual language for floral art and redefines the relationship between people, plants, and space.
Aesthetics of ConflictI use craftsmanship, sculpture, and design techniques to create a conflict aesthetic in the space that belongs to me and the plants!
Fan pageKu flowerhttps://www.facebook.com/kuflowers/
Q & A
Q: How do you start your day?
A: Wake up, have a cup of coffee, and look at the work wall as I think about today's plans.
Q: Where do you usually hang out?
A: Yangmingshan. Spending more time in nature can inspire creativity.
Q: Which restaurant do you go to most often?
A: At Lin Ji Sesame Sauce Noodles in the Nangang Traditional Market, I highly recommend the sesame sauce noodles with the assorted soup.
Q: What do you do for fun after work?
A: Tidying up the studio and changing the environment. My studio is in Nangang—feel free to drop by.
Q: What’s a book you’ve read recently? Did it leave you with any insights or impressions?
A: Modern Design Meets Traditional Craft: Toshiyuki Kita recommends this book, which explores the integration of traditional industries with modern industrial design—using design to transform the place of traditional industries in the modern era and redefine their value. The book describes how, while engaging with traditional techniques, Mr. Kita gained an in-depth understanding of the entire manufacturing process and the local cultural context, then pursued design and discussion. Only then could he create objects imbued with soul. When design breathes life into traditional techniques, crafts and products resonate and gain warmth, allowing users to experience and appreciate the culture and heritage of local traditional industries.
For me, it is very important to develop an understanding and an eye for traditional crafts. This takes time, experience, and the ability to put ideas into action. Seeing the great skill showcased in the book filled me with admiration. It demonstrates how design can transform traditional crafts and reveal new possibilities for them. When a product is meaningful and beautiful, combining design with functionality, its value is elevated to another level.
What interests me most is watching how Mr. Kita takes on and carries out each real-world project. His cross-disciplinary thinking, the blend of Eastern and Western design, the warmth of craft products integrated into everyday life, and his forward-looking perspective on the value of traditional craftsmanship are all inspiring.
Q: What do you find most interesting or appealing about Taiwan?
A: I highly recommend a hidden gem, Nangang’s Four Beasts Mountains. The four peaks are connected, and along the way you can see the mountain forests change with the light and elevation, and feel the power of nature.
Q: What do you look forward to most when staying at a hotel?
A: A distinctive hotel with an atmosphere thoughtfully shaped through its spaces, and a feel that’s connected to everyday life.
Q: What is your impression of the hotels under Taipei Inn?
A: I was impressed by Fu Bei Xin Yi. The fair-faced concrete architecture and the artworks on display complement each other, creating a comfortable atmosphere with a touch of Zen. The staff are friendly and lively.
Related information
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Taiwanese graffiti artist ANO (A-Nuo) considers video games, science, and graffiti indispensable sources of inspiration and integral parts of his life. He first encountered graffiti through skateboarding in junior high school, and since then, his life has been inseparable from graffiti art.
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