Shining in Wisdom and Glory: A Public Art Masterpiece

Exploring Kuo Hsiang Kuo's Award-Winning Design

Public art has the power to transform spaces, inspire communities, and provoke thought. Kuo Hsiang Kuo's "Shining in Wisdom and Glory" is an exemplary representation of this transformative power. This public art installation, which graces the lobby of the Taichung City Government Police Department in Taiwan, is a testament to the role of the police in maintaining public order and security.

The design draws its inspiration from the shapes and colors of the Taiwan police badge, symbolizing the vigilance and justice of the police force. The panoramic image, a bird's eye view of an infinitely expanding city, embodies the speed and vigor of the police. The round mirror at the center, reflecting the surrounding scenery, serves as a metaphor for the police's keen observation skills and their mission to guard the city.

"Shining in Wisdom and Glory" is a mixed media mosaic art piece, crafted from acid-resistant stainless steel, ceramics, glass, and LED lights. Each material, with its unique texture and reflective properties, contributes to the artwork's dynamic visual appeal. The stainless steel cabochon, in particular, mirrors the surrounding scenery, symbolizing the ever-watchful eye of the police. Illuminated by LED lights, the artwork exudes a captivating charm, day or night.

The artwork, measuring 1150 cm x 320 cm x 150 cm, was created using a combination of hand-cut and inlaid ceramic pieces, specially fired glass, and three-dimensional stainless steel round mirrors. The hidden LED lights add a soulful dimension to the work, integrating every corner of the hall into the line of sight. The suspended birds extend the scene from the 2D wall into the 3D space, creating a sense of continuity and depth.

The project, which began in April 2020 and was completed in December 2020, faced the creative challenge of using abstract visual symbols to interpret the image of a fair and just police officer actively fighting crime and stabilizing society. However, Kuo Hsiang Kuo's innovative design approach successfully overcame this challenge, creating a bright and hopeful atmosphere that resonates with the public.

"Shining in Wisdom and Glory" has been recognized for its outstanding design and innovation, winning the Silver A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is a testament to Kuo Hsiang Kuo's remarkable expertise, creative prowess, and commitment to excellence in design.