By Brian Houlihan | Arts & Creative Contributor
We visited Pier-2’s old warehouse B4 over the weekend, and the scent of paper, ink, and creative possibility filled the air. The space came alive with “Out of Register — Excellence Print & Design Exhibition in Taiwan,” a showcase that reimagined the artistry of printing. This year’s theme, “Through the Plate,” invited visitors to appreciate the overlooked layers, the subtle misalignments, the physical textures, and the way ink breathes differently on every sheet.
Far from being just a technical exhibition, “Out of Register” celebrated the human side of print where the machine’s rhythm meets an artist’s vision.
Alongside the main exhibition, the IP印創聚場 (IPrint Market) turned Pier-2 into a colorful playground of creative IP brands, from Whon and Hoi to Lanparam and Chill Kingdom. Each booth represented a small creative world built by hand, full of stories, humor, and charm.
Among them was Trumeow (奶油貓咪咪). Their booth felt like stepping into a pastel daydream. Their tiny acrylic charms and sticker packs were drawn in a style both children and adults would love, with hot-dog bears sunbathing on a beach and fortune cookies stamped with cheerful cats. What stood out most wasn’t just the merchandise but the interaction. The artists behind the counter sketched quick, personalized drawings for visitors, each line a spontaneous collaboration between creator and fan.
It was one of those moments that reminded you what makes Kaohsiung’s creative community special. It’s not just the finished work, but the warm, direct connection between artist and audience.
Events like “Out of Register” are more than design showcases; they’re cultural mirrors. They reflect Kaohsiung’s growing creative confidence. Kaohsiung is a city that’s not afraid to print a little off-register, to let color spill beyond the line, and to find its own rhythm in the noise.
Keep an eye on 駁二藝術特區 The Pier-2 Art Center for more events that celebrate Kaohsiung’s creative pulse.
Images courtesy of Brian Houlihan
