NAME: Transforming the intangible into tangible through the act of “naming”

“Does Taiwan have comics?” is a question we are still familiar with today. Despite over 60 years of development in Taiwanese comics, the industry has faced fluctuating fortunes due to factors like censorship and the substantial import of Japanese manga. Recently, however, Taiwanese comics have entered their third golden age. Contemporary creators are increasingly focusing on their local roots, drawing inspiration from daily life and history, giving birth to diverse themes.

Moreover, with globalization and technological advancements, creators increasingly embrace international experiences, resulting in a more varied range of artistic styles and themes. It’s fair to assert that Taiwanese comics are experiencing a period of growth and resurgence but are also facing more daunting challenges. The dominance of Japanese anime and manga in the market, along with Korean webtoons catering to mobile platforms, are capturing the attention of young audiences. Consequently, we still hear questions like, “Does Taiwan have comics?” and “What defines Taiwanese comics?” As an island nation with a complex and multifaceted identity, Taiwan is actively redefining the essence of Taiwanese comics.

NAME: Shaping expectations through the act of naming

In response to the establishment of the National Taiwan Museum of Comics, a long-term strategic curatorial approach is adopted, continuing the comic-style lodging concept of the museum with the introduction of the “HOSTEL NAME” curatorial framework. This initiative aims to establish a firm foundation for Taiwanese comics via consistent and thoughtful curation. Culture is not built overnight, and the same goes for comic culture. Through exhibitions, there’s a chance to appreciate the diverse, captivating, and intricate facets of Taiwanese comics and contribute to the gradual sculpting of its distinct identity over time.

NAME（ネーム）: Breathing life into comics through storyboarding

NAME (ネーム), means “storyboard” in Japanese, viewing comics as a vehicle for conveying content. Comics are different from illustrations because they narrate stories through a series of images. Extending this essence, “HOSTEL NAME” is created as a lodging dedicated to comic enthusiasts, its spaces filled with new imaginations. The attempt is to seamlessly integrate Taiwanese comics with the existing Japanese-style architectural vocabulary, transforming the original scale of comics into three-dimensional experiences.