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In August 2014, the "LOVE" art installation became Kaohsiung's newest tourist landmark. With its charming waterfront that has been recently enhanced, the Love River is one of Kaohsiung's romantic highlights and an integral part of its urban landscape. Along its banks are a music theater, movie museum and historical exhibitions, which can be enjoyed within walking distance of each other. The "LOVE" art installation has been stands next to the Ambassador Hotel's Love Boat ferry station and has become a popular spot to take photos.
There are always lineups of tourists waiting to take their picture in front of it. Artist Chiu Shu-chong is very happy that it has become so popular. The installation's companion piece "Kaohsiung Love River", is also lit up and located across the river in front of the courthouse. Visitors who take the Love Boat tour at night will enjoy its colorful reflection shimmering on the river. These art installations have added much to the city's vibrant skyline.
When designing the instillations, Mr. Chiu discussed the details in great length with the City Government's Maintenance Office. He described his contemporary vision of how he could best present the beloved river and in the end the word "LOVE" prevailed. The word love transcends language and culture and is symbolic of a city that endeavors to reach out to visitors from around the world. It is also carries the river's namesake and embodies it original meaning.
The "LOVE" installation won the crowd over with its simplicity. The colors themselves were also arranged with much consideration. Mr. Chiu decided strong, saturated colors were soothing to the eye. With inspiration drawn from Andy Warhol, he picked yellow, pink and blue. In Mr. Chiu's work, yellow symbolizes supremacy and the Love River's unique status in Kaohsiung. The letter O was installed as a pink heart, embodying the softness of love. The letter V was created in an energetic green, which is a classic tone of Matisse's Fauvism.
The installation stands 4.5 meters (14.8 feet) in height and is the perfect size for taking photos. When posing beside the art piece, it is easy to get the whole installation in its entirety and the people in the photo will not look like tiny dots. The installation is made from stainless steel and coated in "race car" grade paint, therefore withstanding many people touching it. |
