ART GYM

ART GYM – Cultural Workout (2021-2024)

The ART GYM project invites visitors to a playful challenge, one that harmoniously intertwines the contemplation of art and culture with the pure delight of physical exercise. The exhibition is arranged similarly to a gymnasium, seamlessly bridging physical and mental activities. The interactive objects aim to create a playful yet thought-provoking experience.

Sports and Art are often considered opposites; while one mobilizes the body, the other cultivates the mind. However, they are both known for their positive impacts, such as immersing the user in a flow state. To remain in this joyful zone, one has to be constantly challenged. The Art Gym's interactive artworks aim to create this challenge, and by following the artist's instructions, one can stimulate both the body and the mind.

The exhibition aims to establish a strong foundation of positive habits, such as staying active or participating in the community, that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, along with the goal of fostering a curious and open-minded attitude. Traditional Chinese letters form the basis of the artworks, leading thoughts with references to traditional celebrations, philosophy, or poetry to accentuate the local culture. However, truly capturing the essence of culture is not only about observation but also about participation and engagement with the community. Art Gym aims to cultivate this process through its 'CULTURAL WORKOUT' program.

藝術健身房－　一起練出文化力 (2021-2024)

藝術健身房巧妙地結合了藝術、文化、以及運動的純粹樂趣，邀請所有朋友一起以輕鬆愉悅的心情挑戰。展間設計類似健身房，讓體能和心靈的運動能無縫接軌，透過與作品的互動，在妙趣橫生的體驗中，亦能激發出令人深思的領悟。

運動和藝術往往被認為南轅北轍，前者活動身體、後者活躍心智；然而，眾所皆知，它們都能帶來正能量，讓人沉浸在有效率、創造力的心流狀態，為了要保持這樣的喜悅感，必須不停地接受挑戰。藝術健身房透過互動式的作品，創造出這樣的挑戰，參觀者可依循藝術家的指示操作，同時激發出身體和心靈的能量。

此次展覽期望能紮實地建立積極的習慣，如：保持活躍或參加社區活動，都能讓人生活得更健康，也能讓人用好奇、心胸開放的態度面對世界。傳統中文字體組成了作品本身，主要靈感來自傳統慶典、哲學思考、詩歌，以強化與在地文化的連結。不過，要真正掌握文化的精隨，並不能只靠觀察，還需要參與、實際和社區互動。藝術健身房希望透過＂一起練出文化力＂計畫，充實整體過程。

ART GYM - FIGHTING!
Hsinchu Art Site of Railway Warehouse, Hsinchu, Taiwan
2021. Oct. 9 – Oct. 24

ART GYM is an artistic training user-friendly for all ages for the new normal, as the worldwide pandemic has changed nearly all habits and daily routines. The artworks are aiming to prepare visitors through a series of interactive works for this new chapter of our lives.

The exhibition is set up like a GYM and invites visitors to do some exercises. Physical training is among the daily activities that fell by the wayside while the virus was a threat, as most sports centers are frequently closed. To bring back some semblance of physical training, the artist created some special workout equipment. His inspiration came from the verbal support and compassion he experienced in daily conversations, showing how supportive the community is in Taiwan. He combines encouraging words with body movements, the kinesthetic; therefore, the interactive sculptures stimulate both body and mind. Using Traditional Chinese characters, with their philosophical meanings, the visitors can find inspiration and invigoration in both culture and sport, as these two can give a feeling of strength, support, and power. 

湯明煦
加油! 藝術健身房
新竹鐵道藝術村

藝術健身房是在新常態之下，一種帶有藝術性質且適合所有年齡層的培訓機制；這一切起因於疫情幾乎改變了大眾的習慣和日常。這一系列作品，企圖透過互動式的藝術裝置，協助參觀者為生活新篇章做好準備。

藝術家把展場設計成健身房一般，邀請參觀者來做些運動。日常的肢體訓練，大都因為病毒威脅，健身房關閉而被迫停擺。為了重拾部分肢體訓練的樣態，藝術家製作了一些特殊的鍛鍊器材。他的靈感來源，取材於日常生活對話中，經常獲得的口語支持和體恤，應證台灣社會的互助。藝術家將鼓勵的話語結合身體動作和動覺(kinesthetic)，進而讓互動裝置同時刺激參觀者的生理和心理。使用繁體字，和字意背後的哲學意涵，讓參觀者可以同時在文化與運動中找到靈感和活力；因為二者都能讓人感受到精神、支持和力量。