In 1995, Pixar Animation Studios produced a computer-animated film Toy Story and thus introduced the world to an astonishing three-dimensional virtual world. Pixar’s animators like to see themselves as artists and insist the whole process of 3D animation, from concept to completed work, is a form of artistic creation. As the painted drafts, concepts, sculptures and digital installations in “Pixar: 20 Years of Animation” demonstrate, refined detail and a process of substantial creative effort are what lie behind computer animation creation. The exhibition is currently being shown at Taipei Fine Arts Museum and runs through November 1, 2009 (http://www.tfam.museum:80/03_Exhibitions/Default.aspx)

Seals were used in ancient times in both Eastern and Western cultures as symbols of trust and power. In China, seals were made with special characteristics and iconography, reflecting many dimensions of aesthetic values and viewed as the embodiment of Chinese culture.

Taiwanese seal master Chen Hung-mien graduated from the Department of Sculpture, National Taiwan University of Arts, and studied seal carving and calligraphy with Liang Nai-yu and Li You Chen. More than one hundred of his works will be displayed at the National Museum of History from August 14 to September 27, 2009

(http://www.nmh.gov.tw/en-us/Exhibition/Content.aspx?Para=1|22|511&unkey=54)

The Life Science Library of Academia Sinica, Taipei is hosting a photo exhibition “Seeing Academia Sinica through the eyes of people who work there.” Using cameras as the tool of creation, several amateur photographers took images of people, animals, plants and structures in Academia Sinica to represent the institution outside the scope of its renowned academic reputation. The exhibit runs through end of July, 2009 (http://idv.sinica.edu.tw/yenben/index.htm).

The 11th Taipei Film Festival will be held at Zhongshan Hall and Shin Kong Cineplex Taipei from June 26 to July 12, 2009 (http://www.taipeiff.org.tw). With over 100 films, the works of international celebrated filmmakers and the selections of global new talents will be showcased. The Festival has selected Berlin as the city in focus this year. The German capital happens to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Audiences will have a glance at the modern history of Berlin and contrast contemporary German cinema with former motion pictures. Movies from Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay will also be shown.

The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts in Taichung is showcasing an exhibition titled “FORMOSA．FORMOONSENSE．FORMORESENSUOUS ─ ‘Mad’ in Taiwan” from May 16 to July 26, 2009 (http://www.ntmofa.gov.tw/english/b/b01_1.php?id=b/b01_1.php?m1=1&m2=0&id=323&db=&gp=0&types=). It is the third exhibition of Cyclorama Digital Art Creation Series. Combining digital images and installation art, the artists of the Interbreeding Field built Jello Walls made of plastic barrels and acrylic boxes in front of the bamboo court to invite visitors to witness the evolution of their barrel series. With the installation of the Star-shaped Tower, the Jello Walls, and the Lighting Chair, the artists intended to alter the atmosphere of the exhibition hall, explore and open up a dialogue between the observers and the space they observe.