TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – After 12 years of preparation, the Paul Chiang (江賢二) Art Center is set to open on March 15 with its debut exhibition, "Light, Beauty, and Purification," put together by renowned Japanese curator Nanjo Fumio.
Born in Taichung in 1942, Taiwan's abstract art master Chiang set his sights on becoming an artist at age 15. After graduating from National Taiwan Normal University and studying in France and the US, it was not until creating "Notre Dame de Paris" at 40 that he truly felt worthy of the title "artist."
Chiang's early works featured predominantly gray and black tones, reflecting life's hardships and his relentless artistic pursuit. Inspired by nature and classical music, his style has evolved from somber to vibrant.
His solo exhibitions at Taipei Fine Arts Museum and Taipei 101's Ambi Space One garnered attention.
At 82, Chiang relocated to Taitung in 2008, where he met entrepreneur Stanley Yen (嚴長壽). Together, they envisioned creating an international cultural landmark for the Hualien-Taitung region.
Construction began in 2019, culminating in this year's opening.
Despite his age, Chiang maintains remarkable creative energy. When invited to collaborate on "Digital Meditation," his first technology-meets-art exhibition with young digital artist Wu Che-yu (吳哲宇), Chiang embraced the opportunity.
As he said to Taiwan News, "Collaborating with others motivates me every morning."
Chiang believes "art purifies the heart" and said, "Taitung gave me a second artistic life." The region's natural environment has enriched his creativity and offered freedom, which he hopes to share with visitors.
Nestled between mountains and sea, the art center blends nature with art.
Architect Lin Yu-han (林友寒) designed buildings with exposed concrete that cleverly incorporate natural light.
The Gong Yuan Reception Center and Cheng Han Hall are modeled after Chiang's sculpture "Farm House" and constructed with weathering steel that will develop a rich reddish-brown patina over time.
The debut exhibition "Light, Beauty, and Purification" invites viewers to experience the artist's emotional journey through different life stages.
