TFAM Net.Open
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.
The Sound of Sinking
"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 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.
This project includes two parts: a static exhibition and an MR (Mixed Reality) performance.
Please remove your shoes before entering the exhibition and MR performance areas.
MR performances are held every Thursday to Sunday, with two sessions each day at 2:00 PM and 3:30 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, 1:00–4:30 PM). Thank you for your understanding.
The Sound of Sinking – MR Performance Guidelines
About the Experience
* The Sound of Sinking is a multi-user, walkable Mixed Reality (MR) performance.
* Each session runs approximately 50 minutes, including about 20 minutes of headset use.
* Each session accommodates up to 10 participants. To ensure a quality experience, the session will be canceled if fewer than 3 participants (including on-site standbys) are present.
* Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Online registration opens at 10:00 AM on July 21 (Mon).
Register here
Visitor Guidelines
* Free experience, but museum admission ticket is required. For details on ticketing and free entry eligibility, please refer to the TFAM ticketing page.
* Check-in location: Gallery E entrance, Basement Level.
* One person per reservation. Accompanying guests are not allowed. To register multiple participants, please book separately.
* A confirmation email and QR code will be sent upon successful booking. If you do not receive this email, your reservation is not confirmed.
* Check-in opens 15 minutes before the session and closes 5 minutes before it starts.
* Late arrivals will lose their spot, which will be given to on-site standby participants. Missed sessions cannot be rescheduled.
* If you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation online no later than 11:59 PM on the day before your scheduled session, so your spot can be offered to others. Repeated no-shows without cancellation may result in loss of registration privileges.
* We recommend using public transportation, as museum parking is limited.
* TFAM reserves the right to modify participation and registration procedures. Please refer to the website for updates.
On-site Standby Policy
* On-site standby will only be available if registered participants fail to check in 5 minutes before the session starts.
* Standby participants must remain in the designated waiting area. Leaving will be considered forfeiting your spot.
* Each session is limited to a maximum of 10 participants. No additional spots will be made available.
Safety Notice
* Please do not participate if you have any of the following conditions: heart disease, epilepsy, vertigo, pregnancy, or other sensitivities to strong sensory stimulation.
* This performance features immersive audio, including extremely low and high frequencies, which may cause sensations of pressure, dizziness, or other physical discomfort.
* Re-entry is not permitted once you leave the performance space.
* Due to on-site spatial and experiential design constraints, this experience is currently not accessible to individuals using wheelchairs (manual or electric), walkers, or canes. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Headset Guidelines
* First-time VR users will be assisted by on-site staff.
* If you wear glasses, contact lenses are recommended for comfort.
* Disposable eye masks are provided. We suggest avoiding heavy eye makeup to prevent smudging.
* To ensure headset comfort, please avoid high ponytails, buns, or bulky hairstyles.
Sponsored by：
National Culture and Arts Foundation, Act for the Future
Ocean Affairs Council
Academic Collaborators：
Research Center for Underwater Archaeology and Heritage, National Tsing Hua University
Institute of Undersea Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University
EchoingOcean
Control System Host PC Sponsored by：
INTEL、ASRock、TEAMGROUP、T-CREATE、Palit、InWin
Artifacts Lender and Image Licensing：
Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture