Good Rays of Bengang
Wen-Yuan Huang, Wei-Ying Liu, Hung-Cheng Chiu
“Bensha,” known by the Hakka people of Xinwu as the “dragon-patterned ray,” a stingless ray that inhabits the sandy and muddy seabeds near the coast. Feeding on shrimps, crabs, shellfish, and small fish, it is a common and important species along the coast of Taiwan, growing up to 3 meters in length. Legend has it that the name of “Bengang” originated from the time where a large number of Bensha gathered at the harbor of Xinwu. Ever-present and seemingly inexhaustible, they brought abundant harvests to fishermen and were humorously nicknamed “fish waiting to be captured.” The harbor was thus named “Bengang.”
Through the imagery of “Bensha,” the work transforms the local memory infused with humor and gratitude to reflect the enduring symbiosis between Xinwu’s coastal residents and the sea, shaping an art installation about place names, marine ecology, and the relationship between people and the ocean. The public-painted columns of marine creature also symbolize diverse marine life and community participation, allowing local stories to be continually perceived and passed on through the act of co-creation.
- Artwork No.S05
- Dimensions8 x 3 x 3.5 (m)
- NoteCo-creation Partner：Bengang Community Development Association, Bengang Village Office
Wen-Yuan Huang, Wei-Ying Liu, Hung-Cheng Chiu
Wen-Yuan Huang
Born in a rural village in Chiayi, Huang Wen-yuan explores local customs across different countries through wide observation and reading, reflecting on how to present his works with diverse media. His creations have been invited to various exhibitions, art festivals, and lantern festivals. Huang Wen-yuan’s artistic stage lies in the countryside, grassroots life, and the community. His work often involves collaboration with civic groups and local organizations. With a sharp and sensitive mind, he translates and interprets the richness of folk culture through art. The fields are his most carefree creative ground.
Wei-Ying Liu
Wei-Ying Liu, who grew up in Taoyuan, has held many solo and joint exhibitions. She is currently a member of Zone Art (artist and curator).
Combining contemporary art exhibitions, art education (aesthetics cultivation), cultural and creative crafts, and community art activities, she connects with Taoyuan, revitalizing local culture and fostering new cultural forms through cultural engagement. In recent years, through local art action projects, she has linked art, education, and the community, gently unfolding a local cultural renaissance.
Hung-Cheng Chiu
Hung-Cheng Chiu, born in Bade, Taoyuan, graduated with a Master’s degree in Art Education and Creation from National Tsing Hua University (formerly National Hsinchu University of Education). His artistic practice primarily employs ceramics, with a specialization in sculptural ceramic creation. Recently, he has developed ceramic tableware inspired by dining aesthetics under his art and lifestyle brand, “Very Person Art House.”
In addition to his dedication to ceramics, he also works in woodcraft and spatial design. He currently serves as the director of Zone Art and Very Person Art House, actively promoting local culture and art.
- 作品點位新屋笨港南圳出海口