"Revealing Shadows: Taiwan's Secretive Cold War-Era Power Plant Unveiled as a Cyberpunk Art Space"

In the tranquil village of Beigan on a Taiwanese island, just a short distance from mainland China, an inconspicuous building has silently stood for decades, housing the entrance to a decommissioned Cold War-era thermal power plant hidden within a mountain. For the residents of Beigan, part of the Matsu archipelago, this structure remained a mystery, designated a restricted area by Taiwan's military.

However, in a groundbreaking move, the site was opened to the public in late September as part of the Matsu Biennial, marking the first time in nearly 50 years that the clandestine facility became accessible. Transformed into a futuristic cyberpunk art space, the installation seeks to illuminate Matsu's history as a military outpost on the frontline of a war that never materialized—or at least, one that has yet to come.

Locally known as "Jun Hun" or "Army Soul," the Beigan Power Plant played a pivotal role in the local economy from its commissioning in 1975 until its closure in 2010. Its construction was a response to the persistent threat of bombardment faced by the archipelago from the Chinese People's Liberation Army between the 1950s and 1979. Strategically built deep within Matsu's craggy mountains, the facility not only generated electricity but also served as an air-raid shelter for residents during times of conflict.

With the changing dynamics of cross-strait relations in the early 2000s, the power plant was decommissioned, leaving it as a Cold War relic encapsulating the island's unique history. As visitors explore this once-hidden facility turned art space, they delve into the enigmatic past of Matsu, shedding light on an era when the shadows of war loomed large over these remote islands.

"Reviving History: Beigan Power Plant Transforms into Immersive Art Space at Matsu Biennial"

At the heart of the Matsu Biennial, the rejuvenated Beigan Power Plant emerges as the flagship venue, inviting visitors on a sensory journey through the outlying islands' rich heritage, cultural identity, and military history. Running until November 12, the biennial showcases artworks that explore the unique narratives of these remote islands.

Upon entering the installation, visitors traverse a narrow tunnel illuminated by industrial lamps, casting a warm glow that guides them into the transformed space. The journey leads to a control room with somber red lights defining its boundaries, while orange lights play upon the power generators, accentuating the rusted metal of the machinery. Lighting designers Annie Chu and Liu Ping-yi, in a joint interview with CNN, explained that the carefully arranged lamps and the use of low-temperature colors aim to convey the illusion that the power plant is still operational.

Liu expressed, "The power plant is the heart of Matsu that hasn't stopped beating, and the generators are the essence of the power plant." Amidst ongoing tensions, Matsu and Kinmen were under military rule until 1992, years after martial law lifted in the rest of Taiwan. The installation seeks to transport viewers back in time, recreating the tense atmosphere and scarce resources that defined everyday life in Matsu during those years of military rule.

Complementing the visual experience is a carefully crafted soundtrack by sound artist and composer Wang Yu-jun. The audio experience blends the thunderous rumbling of power generators with the humming of electrical currents and piano music. Wang aims to breathe new life into the deserted power plant, allowing viewers to imagine the vibrancy when the generators were in operation.

The immersive installation also pays homage to the employees who worked in the power plant, some of whom suffered hearing damage due to prolonged exposure to high noise levels. By simulating the deafening sound of the power plant, the installation honors their contribution and offers a poignant glimpse into the industrial history of Matsu.

"Beyond Politics: Matsu's Beigan Power Plant Art Installation Invites Reflection Amidst Cross-Strait Tensions"

Amidst Beijing's longstanding claim over Taiwan, escalating economic, military, and diplomatic pressures, and the persistent deployment of fighter jets near Taiwan's air defense identification zone, the Matsu archipelago remains at the forefront of cross-strait tensions. In a recent display, China sent over 100 warplanes close to Taiwan in a 24-hour period, prompting the island's defense ministry to call for an end to "persistent military harassment."

Despite Matsu's pivotal role in these geopolitical tensions, the artists responsible for the transformation of the Beigan Power Plant into an immersive art space emphasize that their work is untouched by political motivations. The installation, showcased as part of the Matsu Biennial running through November 12, 2023, is a journey into the past, an endeavor aimed at "revisiting" the area's history.

Beijing's assertive stance and the complex political backdrop have not influenced the artists, who stress that their primary goal is to prompt viewers to reflect on Matsu's memories. Annie Chu, one of the creators, conveyed, "We hope viewers will reflect on Matsu’s memories." In the face of external pressures and heightened tensions, the art installation stands as a testament to the power of art to transcend politics, offering a space for contemplation and remembrance amidst the complex history of the Matsu archipelago.

In conclusion, the transformation of Matsu's Beigan Power Plant into an immersive art space, showcased at the Matsu Biennial, transcends the geopolitical tensions that surround the region. Despite Beijing's longstanding claims over Taiwan and the escalating military posturing, the artists behind the installation maintain that their work is a reflection on the area's past rather than a political statement. The exhibition invites viewers to delve into Matsu's memories and heritage, emphasizing the power of art to foster contemplation and remembrance in the face of complex historical narratives. As the Matsu Biennial unfolds until November 12, 2023, this unique artistic endeavor stands as a testament to the enduring capacity of creative expression to offer solace and reflection, even amidst the challenges of cross-strait relations.