TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Writer and illustrator Chiaos Tseng’s (角斯) latest work tells the story of a supernatural, mystery-filled Taiwan.
“The Tales from Taiwan” (妖怪画誌) looks at monster legends that feature the nation’s diverse landscapes and inhabitants. The result is a uniquely Taiwanese style of manhua, or comic art.
The Taipei-based artist said that although comic art has existed in countries such as Japan for hundreds of years, it is a relatively new stylistic form in Taiwan.
“I want to draw monster illustrations unique to Taiwan,” Chiaos Tseng said. “You need to have an understanding of Taiwanese art to love this place.”
In Taiwan, folklore is influenced by many ethnic groups — not all of whom are native. Several legends within “The Tales from Taiwan” aim to express the cultural particularities of Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples.
Chiaos Tseng raises an example: Tarovar is a spirit who can hold a river’s worth of water in his mouth. According to Paiwan and Taroko legends, Tarovar has the ability to cause great floods and storms when angered.
“I think these stories are precious because only the Indigenous people can tell them,” Chiaos Tseng said. “There are reasons for these tales. Part of this story is that you should respect the state of nature.”
The artist said that although a long research process preceded the book’s publication, much of the illustrations are drawn from his imagination.
“It’s not a totally factual process.” Chiaos Tseng said, “Rather, I think carefully about how I can recreate the feeling of the monster.”
Chiaos Tseng believes that Taiwan should endeavor to carve out its own creative identity. The artist says that finding inspiration in local culture is necessary to preserve the nation’s artistic heritage.
“I think Taiwan has a lot of talent. We should protect what we have, and create things that are our own.”
The book is accompanied by an exhibition at bookstore Maison Temps-Reves (童里繪本洋行) through March 23. The showcase features Tseng’s sketches, research materials, and reference images.
