TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Visitors to the Matsu Biennial art festival can now claim a unique souvenir: intricate paper cut-out strings featuring the words “Receive Happiness.”

The cut-outs were created by Matsu paper-cutting artist Chen Zhi-xu (陳治旭) and Malaysian stop-motion animation artist Raito Low (劉靜怡). The artwork combines the islands' rich paper-cutting tradition with stop-motion animation to capture the essence of communication through letters, according to the Matsu Biennial.

Visitors can pick up their "Receive Happiness" cut-out strings at the Nangan Shanlong rehearsal hall—the exhibition venue—during designated times on July 5 and 6. The strings will be available from 9 a.m. to noon and again from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.

The "Receive Happiness" artwork itself portrays the emotional journey of sending and receiving letters. It captures the anticipation, joy, and connection fostered through written communication.

The intricate artwork weaves words from countless letters into the landscape, creating a tapestry across time and space.

The greeting “Receiving Happiness” often adorns letters from Matsu, expressing affection, concern, and well wishes for the recipient. On the islands, handwritten letters have been a cultural touchstone for generations, documenting the lives, thoughts, and emotions of both residents and those serving in the military there.

"Receive Happiness" is part of a larger initiative called the "Letter Project." Later this year, phase two of the project will begin, which will seek public participation.

Organizers are encouraging people to share their Matsu-related letters, photographs, and other meaningful objects that reflect the unique stories and experiences of life on the island. These personal treasures will be transformed into artworks by skilled artists and displayed at the 3rd Matsu Biennial, offering visitors a fresh and captivating encounter with Matsu's past.