Weekend wander

Did the chilli pork again last night, as per our tradition every time i'm here. Unusually, we didn't go for seconds or thirds. I'm getting lardy, and need to cut out the ale & ciggies.

I spent the afternoon at Art Taipei 2006, at the Huashan Cultural Centre, showcasing contemporary art from Taiwan - with some works from China & Australia. It was fresh, funky and original. I was a little annoyed by people taking photographs of the artworks, rather than absorbing and imagining - is to use the memory and heart passe?

Some of the artwork explored the theme of loneliness and isolation, e.g. even when there's a bunch of you in the same boat (like when a rural economy becomes an industrial one) you're all alone, together. What several of the artists have noted is that many people are not feeling homesick as they move around. Not because they are tough - rather it's because they are disconnected, alienated.

Although I didn't take photos, here's a link to one of the galleries that were involved - the Joki Gallery. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a link to the 'City Massage Group' of Taiwan, and their latest work, 'Devouring'.

I also visited the flower market and the jade market. It's monsoon season, so very humid. It was a joy to walk amongst lillies and sunflowers, but a bit of a wrench to look for some jade - not that I really know how to identify the quality stuff (i'm still learning).

Off to the gym (yes, really), then Shihlin Night Market.