Taichung Hotel Fire Recalls 'Shui He Ti' Memories; Art Exhibition Planned

A recent fire at the Northwest Hotel, a landmark of Taichung's bustling 1960s nightlife, has reignited nostalgia for the city's past and highlighted the artistic legacy of Wang Shui-he. The hotel's distinctive 'Shui He Ti' signage, designed and created by Wang, serves as a powerful reminder of the vibrant era.

The incident has prompted the Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau to announce a special exhibition titled 'Swing Agogo - Era Crosser Wang Shui-he.' Scheduled from August 29 to October 25 at the Green Art Museum, the exhibition will showcase Wang Shui-he's extensive career, which spanned signage design, sculpture, painting, interior decoration, and modern architecture.

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The 'Shui He Ti' signage at the Northwest Hotel was designed and produced by Wang Shui-he.

The exhibition aims to recreate the energetic atmosphere of the 1960s 'Agogo' era through immersive experiences, including a VR simulation of the 'Nan Ye Dance Hall.' Wang Shui-he, though not formally trained in art, developed a unique design language that left a lasting mark on Taichung. His work can still be seen in various locations, including the signage for 'Miyahara,' the dancer motif on the facade of the Nan Ye Dance Hall, landscape sculptures at the entrance of Taichung Park, packaging for Lao Xue Hua Zhai pastries, and the typography for Chen Ching Hospital.

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Swing Agogo - Era Crosser Wang Shui-he.

Liu Guolong, president of the Taichung City Hotel Association, expressed willingness to assist the family of the hotel's founder, Xiao Songshan, who was a long-time member of the association. Cultural figures in the central district noted that Xiao Songshan also founded the Sen Yu Theater across the street, naming it in memory of his father. His daughter-in-law, Mrs. Xu, studied painting under artist Lin Zhi-zhu, a common practice among entrepreneurial wives of that era.

Lai Yishin, director of the Central Art Museum, highlighted Wang Shui-he's distinctive design vocabulary and the exhibition's focus on the 'Agogo' concept to reflect the spirit of 1960s Taiwan. The exhibition offers a free opportunity for the public to experience this slice of Taichung's cultural history.

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Wang Shui-he developed a unique design vocabulary, even without formal academic training.