The National Library of Public Information (NLPI), in collaboration with the Czech Centre Taipei and the Czech Economic and Cultural Office, is proud to present "Beyond Paper Plane at the Windows of the World on the 3rd floor of the Main Library. This exhibition invites readers to transcend the two-dimensional framework of traditional books and witness how contemporary Czech illustrators transform picture books into tactile, spatial "art objects," opening a creative window for readers to explore Central European artistic innovation.
 
"Beyond Paper Plane" is a highly acclaimed, globally touring exhibition project that has been showcased in countries such as Japan, South Korea, France, and Egypt. This marks its highly anticipated debut in Taichung. Curated by Emma Hanzlíková, the selected books transcend conventional visual presentations, blurring the lines between "three-dimensional objects" and "independent artworks." The exhibition demonstrates how picture books by contemporary Czech illustrators and artists challenge the limits of traditional book formats. The exhibited works boldly incorporate atypical materials into their pages, such as sheet metal, textiles, optical films, and even everyday "found objects." These books are no longer mere carriers of text; they extend the reading experience from the visual to the tactile, offering an immersive sensory journey.
 
Divided into eight thematic zones, the exhibition features not only a curated selection of picture books but also art installations and toys. Visitors will have the opportunity to see firsthand the marvelous pop-up books by Vojtěch Kubašta, a pioneer in the field, as well as Lenka Kohoutová's captivating book Za, which requires a red lens to reveal its hidden meanings. Additionally, the exhibition highlights the original city models from the internationally award-winning bookMěsto pro každého (A City for Everyone).
 
To foster deeper interaction between readers and contemporary Czech illustration, NLPI and the Czech Centre Taipei will organize a special illustration workshop scheduled for August 8. The event will feature Czech illustrator Patrik Antczak, the creator of the exhibited work ALFABETA, which won him the Zlatá Stuha (Golden Ribbon) award, the highest honor for children's literature in the Czech Republic. Based on the creative concepts behindALFABETA, Mr. Antczak will guide participants in a hands-on experience, exploring the pure joy of bringing ideas from concept to paper.
 
Following the 2025 exhibitions “Here and Now: Contemporary Czech Comics” and the opening exhibition of Czech Corner, NLPI's Windows of the World once again serves as an important bridge for Taiwan-Czech cultural exchange. In response to the nation's bilingual policy, this exhibition also cultivates a multilingual and multicultural learning environment. Through an immersive reading experience that transcends language barriers, the library hopes to inspire the public's boundless imagination regarding reading education and artistic expression. We sincerely invite visitors of all backgrounds to visit NLPI and take part in this stunning Czech cultural event.
 
Exhibition Information
Beyond Paper Plane
Dates: May 13 – August 16, 2026
Venue: Windows of the World, 3F Main Library, National Library of Public Information (NLPI)
 
Event Information
The World Through a Sheet of Paper — The Playful Geometry of Patrik Antczak
Date: August 8, 2026