Reimagining the Children's Encyclopedia

What was the first book that introduced you to the world? What sparked your curiosity about everything around you?
In December 1984, Echo Children’s Encyclopedia was officially published. Thischildren’s book series, presented with a sci-fi touch, took young readers on a journey to explore and understand the world. The “Xiaobaike” character, hailing from outerspace with extraordinary powers, came to Earth in search of curious children, sharing knowledge and embarking on adventures that took them to the skies and the depths of the Earth, unraveling the mysteries of the world.
Today, we can search for knowledge faster than ever before. With the rise of mobiledevices, we can access information much faster than in previous generations. We no longer rely on encyclopedias because almost everything can be found on theinternet. But have you ever wondered if knowledge might appear differently when seen from another time or perspective?
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Echo Children’s Encyclopedia, TaoyuanChildren’s Art Center presents an exhibition titled “Reimagining the Children’s Encyclopedia.” The exhibition treats the encyclopedia as a time capsule, bringing past knowledge into conversation with the present. Eight groups of artists and teams have been invited to revisit the knowledge once brought by “Xiaobaike” and engage with it through their works. The exhibition unfolds along two exploration paths: “Huh! This is… Tales of a Hundred Wonders” and “Up to the Sky, Down to the Earth—My Home!” Through contemporary art, each artist reflects on or questions ideas of “place,” “the world,” and “the future,” offering new perspectives on knowledge through their unique experiences and diverse artistic forms.