Taichung MRT's public art has introduced a fresh look this year, turning seven widely recognized hand gestures turned into art installations at different stations. These gestures, like “thumbs up,” “OK,” and “cheer up,” create a sense of warmth and vitality. The installations infuse the journey with positive energy, encouraging travelers as they head to their destinations.
Taichung Mass Rapid Transit noted that through the partnership with local young art teams, Yi Yi Create Co., Ltd. and OPEN Lab, they have created seven hand gesture symbols under the theme "Colorful Taichung, Friendly City." These gestures now serve as artistic icons within the MRT stations, transforming the MRT into more than just a transportation system—it becomes a platform for emotional connection and cultural exchange.
Taichung Mass Rapid Transit highlighted that at Jiushe, Songzhu, and Sihwei Elementary School stations, the “thumbs up” gesture sends a message of encouragement for passengers' growth and efforts in all aspects of life. At Wenxin Chongde, Wenxin Zhongqing, Wenhua Senior High School, and Wenxin Yinghua stations, the “OK” gesture symbolizes good luck and fulfillment, echoing the vibrant local shopping districts and economic vitality. At City HallStation, the “cheer up” gesture with two hands placed at the entrances and exits represents the collaboration between the city government and its citizens to build a better, more livable city for the future.
Moreover, Shui-an Temple, Wunsin Forest Park, Nantun, and Feng-le Park stations, located in areas where cultural landscape and greenery blend, showcase the “finger heart” gesture. This serves as a reminder for passengers to cherish their loved ones and embrace the city with love. At Daqing, Jiuzhangli, Jiude, and Wuri stations, the guiding hand gesture reflects the future potential of these newly developing regions, leading residents to a safer and better life while creating happy memories. Attentive passengers will spot that the starting and ending points of the Taichung MRT Green Line—Beitun Main Station and HSR Taichung Station—both feature the “wave” gesture, symbolizing a warm greeting and farewell to travelers from all over, almost like giving all passengers a reassuring hug.
Zhu Lai-Shun, the general manager of Taichung Mass Rapid Transit, shared that in 2024, the company introduced auditory public art, including gate sounds that mimic bird calls and music played when entering and exiting stations. This year’s new artwork comes from the awareness that, in today’s world where everyone has a smartphone, human connections have become more distant, and cloud-based lifestyles and online interactions are the norm. As a result, the focus of this project is on offering passengers an intuitive visual experience. The goal is to integrate art with the MRT environment, enabling travelers to sense the warmth Taichung MRT imparts during their daily commutes. The company invites both local residents and international visitors to experience Taichung MRT, starting a “Heart Journey” to discover the artistic allure created through the combination of aesthetics and transportation.