With more than four decades of history and over 1,300 vendors, Huannan Market supplies nearly one-third of the fresh produce for the Taipei region. In 2016, the market embarked on a major transformation into a modernized facility. Alongside the architectural renewal, the public art program—developed through Proposals A, B, and C—aims to present the evolving possibilities of public art through film, creative campaign, and art works.
Proposal C features three artworks unified under the theme “The Flavour Dragon,” an artistic narrative inspired by the market’s everyday life, its rich ingredients, and its blend of cultures. The project brings together AI-driven processes, community participation, and local craftsmanship, creating a dialogue between tradition and the contemporary city. Through these works, the market becomes not only a place of trade but also a space of shared experience and cultural resonance.
Each of the three works reveals its distinct character:
1. 《紫氣東來》 (The Flavor Dragon)
A flowing, dragon-like form woven with imagery of local produce symbolizes the market’s vitality and its continuous circulation of culture and community energy.
2. 《環南風味》 (Flavours of Huannan)
This piece draws from porcelain aesthetics and plating-inspired composition, blending Eastern and Western visual traditions. It reflects the stories and culinary heritage of the market, extending into surrounding spatial pathways to guide visitors through an encounter between art and the rhythms of daily market life.
3. 《城市印象》 (Impressions of the City)
Rendered in a digital ink–inspired style, the work depicts Taiwan’s agricultural abundance alongside recognizable urban landmarks, highlighting the close relationship between Huannan Market and the islandwide supply network.
Together, these artworks reimagine the market as a cultural crossroads and a living canvas for everyday aesthetics.
Project Title: Huannan Market Reconstruction Project – Public Art Installation (Phase II), Proposal C
Project Agency: Taipei City Market Administration Office
Executing Agency: Taipei City Department of Cultural Affairs
Artist: Arno Coenen
Curatorial Team: Blue Dragon Art Company
Special Thanks:
Jiang Chun-Shu, Chang Mei-Yun, Chen Yuan-Shan, Taipei Municipal Dali High School – Junior High Division, Tsai Wen-Ke, Kung Wen-Yi (listed in stroke order of surnames)
