“The Sound of Sinking” is artist Chia-Wei Hsu’s interdisciplinary work that brings together underwater archaeology, underwater acoustics, and virtual reality. The work is anchored by shipwrecks in the waters surrounding Penghu—the warship “Guangbing/Kohei” from the First Sino-Japanese War and the vessels “Yamafuji Maru” and “Mansei Maru” from World War II. Developed in partnership with the Research Center for Underwater Archaeology and Heritage at National Tsing Hua University, the project captures the archaeological team’s fieldwork at the “Yamafuji Maru” site. Using sonar and underwater recording technologies alongside performers who dive to play specially designed sound instruments, the work orchestrates an acoustic dialogue with these submerged vessels.
The project consists of two parts: a static exhibition mode and an MR (Mixed Reality) performance. During performance hours (Thursday to Sunday, 1:00–4:30 PM), the exhibition area will be temporarily closed to the public. We appreciate your understanding.
Date | 2025.07.26 – 09.28
Location | Gallery E, Taipei Fine Art Museum (No.181, Sec. 3, Zhongshan N. Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City 104227, Taiwan,R.O.C. )
Thursday to Sunday, with two sessions daily at 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Each session is limited to 10 participants and requires advance registration.
Starting September, MR performances will be held every Thursday to Sunday, with three sessions each day at 1:00 PM, 2:20 PM, and 3:40 PM. Each session is limited to 10 participants. Advance registration is required.
Please note: the exhibition will be closed to the public during performance hours (Thursday to Sunday, 12:00–4:30 PM). Thank you for your understanding.
The exhibition places participants within a networked, multi-user mixed reality environment featuring interwoven visual and sonic performances. These include improvisational renderings of Penghu maritime ballads (thó-hái-kua), environmental soundscapes captured at wreck sites, sonar transmissions reimagined from Qing dynasty naval music, live mixing on the ocean surface, underwater instrumental performances, and digital recreations of wartime military music. The experience transitions between multi-channel video installation, live sound performance, and sculptural presentation, charting a conceptual journey from south to north that unfolds across both physical and virtual realms.
- The Sound of Sinking is a multi-user, walkable mixed reality (MR) performance. Each session lasts approximately 50 minutes, including around 20 minutes of headset use. Up to 10 participants per session.
- To ensure a quality experience, sessions will be canceled if fewer than 3 participants (including waitlisted) are present.
- Recommended for ages 12 and up.
- Photography is allowed during the performance, but flash is prohibited.
- Please remove your shoes before entering the exhibition and MR performance areas.
- Please read the Notes, ＂Registration & Check-in, Waitlist Policy, Safety Notice and Headset Guidelines＂ carefully before registering.
Launched by the Taipei Fine Arts Museum in 2024, TFAM Net.Open explores the convergence of digital technology and art. The initiative expands exhibitions and performances from physical venues into virtual spaces, creating a project-based platform that bridges spatial and technological divides. By encouraging diverse creative approaches and technical collaboration, the program connects with broader audiences while expanding opportunities for artistic practice.
Through this initiative, the museum and artists work together to explore innovative approaches in knowledge generation, practice models, technology development, and application systems.
