In the contemporary art scene, the trend of curating beyond traditional white cube spaces is gaining global attention. This issue features a column discussion between Lai Hsiang-Ling and curator Lin Hong-John, exploring how unconventional museum spaces can deepen the integration of art with urban culture, stimulating diverse experiences and reflections for the audience.

Drawing from his upbringing in the old city of Taichung, Lin Hong-John emphasizes that curatorial work should be the care for time that organically combines local history, culture, and artworks. He utilizes the "2002 The Good Place: International City Festival in Taichung" to exemplify the ways of rethinking Taichung’s spatial politics and aesthetic concepts through an exhibition. Moving forward to 2024, the exhibition “To the Ordinary People…Walking in Wanhua” further employs urban spaces as a stage for art happenings, encouraging audiences to wander around and explore the city. This approach inspires new experiments and challenges, infusing profound artistic experiences into the urban environment.

Lai Hsiang-Ling delves further into how the physical experience of the audience shapes exhibition design and interactivity. She introduces the concept of the “wanderer,” to expound on the audience’s free roaming in an exhibition. This horizontal way of viewing not only broadens the audience’s scope of perception but also fosters a deeper understanding of urban spaces and social structures.

The two also share notable international examples, such as the Istanbul Biennial and the Münster Sculpture Project, which challenge the constraints of traditional white cube spaces by showcasing artworks in unconventional spaces. These exhibitions engage deeply with local culture and society, demonstrating novel curatorial possibilities and inspirations.