Taipei Bus Stop Art Installation Rusted Before Use, Sparks Outrage

A public art installation intended to serve as a bus stop in Taipei's Wenshan District has drawn significant criticism for its premature deterioration. The artwork, named 'Cong Sheng Fu Yu' and located near Muzha Park, has reportedly begun to rust even before its official unveiling.

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Is Li Sichuan's 'mushroom project' left in Taipei City one more expensive and outrageous than the last?

The installation, which cost NT$4.13 million (approximately $126,000 USD), features a roof with withered plants and rain shields that have severely rusted. Reports indicate that during heavy rain, the shields drip rust water, leaving noticeable yellow-brown stains on the ground below. This premature decay has led to public dismay and ridicule.

Taipei City Councilor Chien Shu-pei has publicly questioned the project's value and execution. She criticized the expenditure, sarcastically referring to it as another example of expensive and questionable "mushroom projects" left behind by former official Li Sichuan. Residents have echoed this sentiment, mockingly referring to the bus stop as a "rusty mushroom" or a "red rusty pillar."

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Look at the spores, they are already a grayish-brown mature state, ready to multiply in large numbers.

Adding to the criticism, some residents pointed out that there are actually two such installations, both exhibiting severe rust. The irony of a structure meant to provide shelter from the elements becoming a source of rust stains has not been lost on the public. The situation highlights concerns about the management of public funds and the quality of public art projects in the city.

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Rusting is very much like city governance.