Handmade paper originated from Puli Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. The Goang Xing Paper Mill (previously the Goang Xing Paper Processing Factory), founded by Huang Yao-tung in 1965 and located also in Puli Township, inherits the spirit and skills of its founder and continues to demonstrate them in the digital age. Huang Huan-chang, who succeeded his father Huang Yao-tung, endeavored in innovating papermaking processes, giving handmade paper brand new looks. The Goang Xing Paper Mill exhibition is held to tell the stories behind the research and development of innovative handmade paper. Additionally, multimedia artist Xie Shu-hui has been invited to draw on the different varieties of paper created by the Goang Xing Paper Mill to illustrate the mystery and richness of handmade paper, allowing modern people to feel its warmth.

​

“Fiber seed,” the theme of this exhibition, signifies original intention (i.e., seed), paper culture, fiber craft, and inheriting the past. Calligraphy artist Wu Chi-j was invited to write the words “fiber seed” to mark the beginning of the exhibition. Subsequently, the exhibition preaches the diversified “layers” of fiber paper, where visitors will feel as if they have shrunk in size and entered the world of paper as they pass through the entrance corridor. On the right side of the exhibition are papermaking history and processes for visitors to explore the essence of paper art, and on the left side of the corridor are nine classic Goang Xing Paper Mill paper including the dragon paper and mulberry paper produced in 2002 and 2020, respectively. The different paper is tailor-made to preserve artists’ remarkable brushwork.

​

In the paper fiber area, visitors can see the paper “gene pool.” The pool displays the 44 elements (e.g., peanut shells, minced garlic, water bamboo shoots, guava leaves, and oregano) used to fabricate various types of handmade paper containing different fibers. Huang Huan-chang has worked in the handmade paper industry his entire life and shows the courage to innovate and transform. In the main exhibition area, 18 classic paper (e.g., Cape jasmine dyed Mulberry paper, Tibetan lama scripture paper, new Goang Xing paper (an imitation to Tang dynasty paper), and Gampi cloud-dragon paper are selected from the gene pool for visitors to observe and touch up close.

​

The Goang Xing Paper Mill has worked tirelessly to safeguard the paper culture industry, and has collaborated with people from various domains to familiarize them with the handmade paper industry. In recent years, the paper mill has been studying different technologies that can make handmade paper better satisfy user needs and has achieved nine innovative results. Examples include using sweet potato leaf wrapping paper, firecracker paper, incense ash paper, and pineapple fiber paper to give birth to unique artsy handmade paper. In the last exhibition area, visitors will see 30 carefully selected Goang Xing Paper Mill paper such as white ginger lily paper, rice hull paper, and corn paper; and plant stamps are left on tables for visitors to create their own memories. Visitors are encouraged to visit the exhibition area, feel the beauty of paper, and respect the extraordinary skills of papermaking masters who have dedicated their lives to papermaking. In this fast-changing digital age, such a spirit is truly honorable.

​

We believe that many visitors have visited the Goang Xing Paper Mill and been touched by its traditional craftsmanship. Do not miss out on the Fiber Seed special exhibition and come witness how the previously prospering handmade paper industry has been transformed using novel methods. Come and listen to our paper story!