The public art installation “Stone Symbiosis” is located within an alley in Hualien City. It is not only a new artistic creation but also a symbol of the rebirth of an old house.
Courtesy of Editorial Office & Pu Chen
Cultivating Hualien’s Own Vitality and Identity｜Stone Symbiosis
“Stone Symbiosis” centers on the symbiosis of 3D printing and plant life, merging imagery of Hualien’s natural mineral veins with the spirit of old-house revitalization. The holes within the sculpture allow space for plants to grow. As greenery spreads across the artwork and the building, it forms a composite symbiosis where nature, culture, and art coexist. Artist Pu Chen is known for multidimensional observation and site-specific dialogue. He incorporates the forms of “stacked stones” and “pebbles” into the piece, symbolizing Hualien’s diverse cultural landscape, born of its solid stone landscape. In the “We Bloom!” project, Pu Chen further introduced a new IP visual identity - the “stoneflower” - expressing Hualien’s resilience and hope in the aftermath of disaster. Here, art is not merely something to be seen; it takes root in the land and grows into Hualien’s unique identity.
Through the strategic integration of public art into the space, the installation not only highlights the unique character of its surroundings but also, through the work’s rich layers of meaning, deepens public memory of Hualien’s cultural diversity. It’s also an inviting spot for travelers to capture beautiful photos in harmony with the artwork.
A Window That Opens to Hualien’s Landscape｜iP Gallery
Behind the “Stone Symbiosis” installation stands iP Gallery, established in 2010. Its founding intention was to create a space where art and the land could breathe together. For over a decade, it has served as a window - opening the world to creators from Hualien and Taitung, while bringing heartfelt surprises to local children and travelers alike. iP is more than a gallery; it is an ongoing journey. It carries Hualien’s warmth and creative energy onto a broader stage, allowing art to continue growing through its wanderings.
INFO｜Stone Symbiosis
Address: No. 55, Fuxing St., Hualien City
Telephone: 0955-923242
Business hours: Open all day
Lavatory: No
INFO｜iP Gallery
Address: No. 55, Fuxing St., Hualien City
Telephone: 03-8332626
Business hours: 13:30-20:00（Closed on Tuesdays）
Lavatory: No