The "2023 Daqiu Dark Sky Night - Swirling Stars,"(2023大坵暗空之夜-星漩) jointly organized by National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) and Beigan Township in Lienchiang County, came to a successful close on August 21. The three-day stargazing music festival received an enthusiastic response with every session fully booked. A total of 360 visitors and local residents embarked on the island to experience this event, and students from NTOU's Matsu campus returned during their summer vacation to participate in this grand occasion. In addition to the brilliant starry skies and world-class performances, another eye-catching highlight was the installation art piece "Sun and Moon Light House"(日月光屋) created by NTOU's Art Center under the guidance of Director Prof. Hsieh Chung-Heng (謝忠恆). These art installations placed on the front lawn of the Daqiu branch campus emitted colorful light, showcasing the warmth and cultural diversity of Matsu, contrasting vividly with the green fishing lights illuminating the sea and sky at night.

The design of "Sun and Moon Light House" incorporates various elements symbolizing Matsu. Yellow represents the rocks, stacked in square-shaped blocks. Blue represents the sea and blue tears, depicted with rippling waves. Green represents island vegetation, created with overlapping triangles. The combination of blue and green signifies the connection between the island and the sky, forming layers resembling mountains and clouds. The larger areas of yellow-orange and pink symbolize Matsu's transition from a wartime past to a more gentle and welcoming place. These installations serve as both markers guiding the way and symbols of home, using the colors of light to bring warmth to the environment, revealing the local cultural sentiments of Matsu. Through the practice and expression of installation art, it invokes the relationship between humans and nature and fosters a sense of responsibility for nature.

Pic Caption from left to right.
Pic 1:The skin-covered boats made by students from NTOU's Matsu campus and local elementary and middle school students also became an installation art piece at this event.
Pic 2: NTOU students set up the "Sun and Moon Light House" installation art on the front lawn of the Daqiu branch campus.
Pic 3: People sat or lay down to enjoy this moment of harmony with nature.

Director Prof. Hsieh Chung-Heng (謝忠恆) explained that the work takes inspiration from the sturdy stone houses of Matsu and employs an open framework with hanging colored plastic sheets inside. These sheets interact with daylight, overlapping to create transparent yet colorful hues. Simultaneously, the transmitted colors reflect on the surroundings, forming a resonance between indoors and outdoors, frames and surroundings, and people and the natural environment. At night, solar-powered LEDs illuminate the interior, turning the light house into a giant colorful lantern. This interplay of colors adds an enchanting and mysterious atmosphere to the nighttime activities of the Dark Sky Night. "Sun and Moon Light House" presents different facets of light, serving as a conveyance of natural beauty and the value of light through natural light during the day and sustainable solar-powered lighting at night. Moreover, the plastic sheets can be created and hung by local residents, students, and visitors, making it an interactive installation art piece through which desires can be expressed.

Daqiu Dark Sky Night is the only time throughout the year when nighttime visits to Daqiu Island are allowed. During the day, visitors can explore the island and observe the Formosan sika deer, while at night, they can enjoy various themed performances. The event blends art, music, and cultural elements to create a night full of profound meaning, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding and experience of Matsu's local characteristics. This year's theme, "Swirling Stars," symbolizes the harmony and coexistence of humans and nature, with performances by the Taipei Cheng-Hsin Orchestra, Professor Chang Chen-Chieh (張正傑) on cello, Lu Kuan-Ting (呂冠葶) on piano accompaniment, Weng Jo-Pei (翁若珮) as mezzo-soprano, and Shaobin (小冰), a cubic art performer who has previously served in the Matsu Administration. They led visitors to understand the spirit of the dark sky and the importance of "reducing light" to actively reclaim natural light in their lives.

Cellist Professor Chang Chen-Chieh from NTOU and pianist Lu Kuan-Ting, along with mezzo-soprano Weng Jo-Pei, performed live on stage.

Prof. Chang Wen-Jer (張文哲), the general coordinator of the event and NTOU's Dean of Research & Development Department, stated that NTOU coordinated and planned the event with a core goal of local revitalization and sustainable development. It was executed in collaboration with NTOU students, local residents, homestay operators, boatmen, the military, Matsu's youth, and volunteers who love Matsu. This not only left a memorable impression on the tourists but also strengthened the local brand image of "Daqiu Dark Sky Night." Prof. Lin Tai-Yuan (林泰源), the Director of the NTOU Matsu Administrative Office and co-host of the event, expressed gratitude to all participants for creating these unforgettable nights. The event was not only a celebration of music and art but also a platform for cultural exchange and emotional resonance. It is hoped that the spirit of the dark sky and sustainability can become integrated into everyone's lives.