Autumn Book Room Introduction
Chiayi Utopia, an artistic salon for young people, is a bookstore that is entirely non-commercial in nature. It was founded by Qiu Sike, the owner of Taichung 107 Gallery, as a platform for young people in Chiayi to exchange ideas and foster artistic discussion. The space combines elements of coffee, music, and books. Under the artist's self-proclaimed "non-utilitarian" transformation, Qiu Book Room, located in a sharp triangular old house, stands amid the traffic on Forestry West Road, resembling a ship that sets sail at sunset, dreaming together while awake. Whether immersing oneself in a sea of books, pondering in silence, or lounging at the bar seeking caffeine or confronting contemporary ideas, Qiu Book Room does not have specific business offerings; once on board, visitors can express themselves freely. Noteworthy is the atypical bookstore space crafted by Xiao Yu, Cai Zhi-Hsien, showcasing dialogues between old and new materials, a mix of rigid lines and graceful curves, the angle of the slanted staircase, the light and shadow streaming through the windows, freely displayed books, with the final focus on the suspended ship machinery on the third floor, located at the peak of the sharp triangle where one can enjoy the stunning sunset while standing at the ship's bow. Book lovers should take time to treasure hunt; these books are the collection of founder Qiu Sike, generously offered for reading. If you encounter him in Qiu Book Room, be sure to sit down and chat; that is the right way to engage with this artistic salon. Image source: Chiayi City Government Tourism News Office | Photography: Marg.
