Taipei, Taiwan

I was taken by my aunt who had heard from someone else (who had probably heard from someone else) about this man, who after he retired started building his own model village halfway up a steep hiking trail. First an impressively long miniature Great Wall of China appears, then all along the path what seems to be an endless clusters of little worlds. There were well known world landmarks, recognisable Taiwan locations, Taipei places only familiar to the locals, little fish shaped seats…Carved out of existing rock, moulded from clay, improvised with toys, statues and whatever took his imagination.

Despite all the work, there is no advertisement of his name, no entrance fee, no patrons or donations requested. There had been no publicity or fancy private opening. He made these little works of art out of dedication and purely for the joy of it, and for anyone to enjoy as long as they are lucky enough to hike by them.

That day I definitely came across the creations of a true artist.