Contemporary by U, Taipei

I had very little time after work on a Monday evening in Taipei, and my options for a quick visit were extremely limited.

Either I rushed through Art Taipei 2025, or I tried Contemporary by U, a small gallery with a coffee shop, or perhaps a coffee shop with a gallery.

Contemporary by U, Taipei

The idea of combining an art gallery with a welcoming and social place has always interested me.

In fact, it’s something I imagine for Galerie Bokeh as well.

The beautiful courtyard next to the exhibition spaces would be perfect for a few tables, offering visitors a shaded and relaxing break.

I can also imagine hosting artist talks, photography readings, or outdoor screenings.

And why not a Sunday Photo Café, a simple, open moment where people could browse through art books, meet photographers, professionals or amateurs, and share a story or a feeling around an image.

Because art, especially photography, thrives on these spontaneous exchanges, on conversations that extend beyond the frame.

So I decided to visit the small gallery.

Located in a lively neighborhood across from a small park, it seemed promising at first.

Entangled, Harry Rüdham

But I didn’t stay long.

Hanging paintings on the wall and having two tables and an espresso machine don’t make a place welcoming, nor make visitors want to stay a bit longer.

Without a word of welcome, without a smile, the place didn’t invite anyone to linger.

I looked at the paintings quickly, and I left.

It’s a pity, because the idea is beautiful.

A gallery café can become a place of exchange and shared curiosity, a space where people come as much to see as to feel.

I walked out with a strange impression: that I had disturbed something, even though there was almost no one there.

Perhaps art and coffee have this in common, they only truly make sense when they’re shared.