Contemporary by U gallery is located in a quiet alley next to the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei City and officially opened on September 28, 2019.
The gallery's interior design is meticulously crafted, making full use of the original U-shaped layout of the building. The specially designed doors include a simple black iron door on one side, leading to minimalist grey walls that create a subtle ambiance. Walking along the gallery's graceful layout through a serene corridor, the other side features a bright and clean pure white design, culminating in a transparent glass door. This harmonious blend of contrasting colors, transitioning from dark to light, evokes the poetic scene described by Lu You: "After mountains and rivers that leave doubt whether there is a path out, suddenly one encounters the shade of a willow, bright flowers, and a lovely village." This reflects the idea of finding answers through exploration. Contemporary by U aims to create surprising revelations through unique designs, guiding viewers in a feast for the eyes and the soul, as if they are immersed in a universe of artistic emotion. The gallery hopes to convey to viewers the joy of returning to the initial encounter and exploring the mysteries within while appreciating art.
Unlike traditional galleries, Contemporary by U combines minimalism with a fusion of coffee (Coffee by U CO.) and contemporary art. The gallery offers carefully selected coffee and organic teas. When the founder conceived this gallery, they incorporated coffee elements because coffee is a daily necessity for many people, whereas art often feels distant from everyday life.
The mission of Contemporary by U is to ensure that art is not restricted by expensive labels, allowing more people to recognize, understand, and love contemporary art. The aim is for art to seamlessly integrate into everyone’s life, just like coffee. Art is not only culture but also a part of our lives. Amidst busyness, a painting or an artwork can provide a tranquil mind and a fulfilled spirit, or a profound emotional stirring and deep reflection.
The "U" in Contemporary by U has three significant meanings: first, the gallery's layout is elegantly U-shaped; second, the name of the gallery's founder includes the character "諭" (Yu), pronounced as "U"; third, "U" represents the English word "You," symbolizing you and everyone. The concept of the gallery originates from you and everyone, aiming to create a simple yet warm gallery that feels approachable, offering art lovers a space for belonging and interaction.
In the future, Contemporary by U will regularly host art lectures and collaborate with various international artists to hold exhibitions each season, open to art enthusiasts. The establishment of Contemporary by U hopes to bring a refreshing change to the hectic urban life, allowing friends who come to appreciate art to indulge in the artistic world within a warm environment.
