The natural beauty of Hualien has long been admired worldwide, especially the Taroko Gorge. Carved over centuries by nature, it resembles a massive sculptural work, leaving visitors in awe of the extraordinary craftsmanship of the natural world.
Since 1995, Hualien has held the International Stone Sculpture Art Festival every two years. Over 17 years, artists from around the world have participated, and by this year—the 9th edition—the festival will feature 117 large-scale outdoor sculptures from 26 countries. These works, crafted with astonishing skill, harmoniously combine natural and cultural elements, standing proudly in Hualien’s valleys, coastlines, and bays, creating a timeless dialogue between art and nature.
For nature enthusiasts, Hualien is a paradise. Pursuing a connection with nature has become a modern trend, and the 2011 festival, themed “Natural Stone Fashion”, offered a diverse program of activities. Visitors were invited not only to experience Hualien’s unique landscapes but also to witness the extraordinary craftsmanship of sculptors harmonizing with nature.
Previous international exhibitions often focused on renowned sculptors (such as the Dalí sculpture exhibition), sculpture materials, or contemporary masters. This edition uniquely focuses on “countries” as a theme, allowing visitors to view contemporary sculpture from a broader perspective. The exhibition features works by five contemporary Israeli artists, three of whom are over seventy years old, representing multiple generations. Each artist presents a distinct style using diverse materials, with themes spanning history, the human body, animals, and everyday life, offering Taiwanese audiences a rich and diverse artistic experience.
Ofna Simbarlista (72): A female sculptor from Israel, she uses aluminum and blue paint to create a series of blue human figures. In the museum’s high-ceilinged space, her piece Gymnast in the Air freezes two gymnasts’ movements, allowing viewers to appreciate them from multiple angles. On the exterior wall, Trumpeter on the Wall shows a figure playing the trumpet while climbing a wall, creating a unique “sculptural theater” that captures a frozen moment in life.
David Kastan (67): Known both as a sculptor and painter, Kastan transforms his colorful paintings into three-dimensional sculptures. For instance, in Conversation in Motion, a man and woman ride a bicycle together—the man turns to speak to the woman while their hair and clothing flow in the wind. From every angle, the sculpture forms a dynamic and scenic composition.
Other featured works include:
Ona Ben Ami: Knitted Steel, using iron to mimic the texture of woven fabric.
Israel Hadani: Uses affordable plywood to create sculptures with religious connotations, resembling architectural blocks.
Eli Ge Aliyeh (47): The youngest participating artist, creating abstract works using wood and fabric.
Hualien County Cultural Affairs Director Wu Jin-Shu noted that, in addition to showcasing international stone sculpture camps, the festival invites renowned sculptors. This year, with support from the Israeli Taipei Office, five representative contemporary Israeli sculptors participated. Three are over seventy, spanning three generations, with distinct styles and materials. Their works explore history, the human body, animals, and everyday life, highlighting the cultural diversity of Israel, often referred to as “the land flowing with milk and honey.”
