TAIPEI (Taiwan News) - The National Museum of History (NMH, 史博館) in Taipei is showcasing a diverse and captivating array of exhibitions, offering a rich cultural experience for art enthusiasts and the general public alike.
Taiwan News has curated a selection of three must-see shows, featuring a cross-generational sculpture master, a dynamic ink wash painting pioneer, and a vibrant Taiwanese female colorist, inviting you to embark on a rewarding artistic journey.
1. Across Generations: Solo Exhibition of Lee Zai-qian (李再鈐)
Revered as an artistic giant who transcends generations, Lee continues his prolific creation well into his nineties. His artistic journey is a testament to constant innovation and boundary-pushing.
The solo exhibition of Lee, running until June 8, presents the artist's profound creative energy across three distinct sections.
During the press conference on Monday, Lee said that the NMH has a significant place in his heart. He recalled his youthful admiration for the institution, stating that this solo exhibition was an “80-year-long wait.”
The "Minimal to Infinite" section delves into Lee's inspiration drawn from Western Minimalism and the core tenets of Eastern philosophies found in the Tao Te Ching (道德經) and the I Ching (易經).
Through iconic sculptures such as " Minimal to Infinite" (低限的無限) and "Element" (元), viewers can grasp the geometric order inherent in Minimal art and its engagement with societal concerns within public art.
The " Element" (元) area focuses on the convergence of philosophy and geometry. Centered around the Eastern philosophical concept of "Yuan" (origin), it explores universal principles from the microscopic to the macroscopic, showcasing the artist's unique sculptural language in response to the digital age and the metaverse.
Finally, "Echoes of the Past" (往昔情懷) presents a dialogue between tradition and modernity. It features Lee's calligraphy, color ink paintings, and small sculptures, skillfully blending the essence of traditional Chinese art forms with the vocabulary of modern sculpture.
2. Centennial Memorial Art Exhibition of Li Chi-mao (李奇茂)
Li stood as a pivotal figure in Taiwanese ink wash painting. Commemorating the centennial of his birth, the museum, which boasts the most extensive collection of his works, proudly presents the retrospective exhibition, a comprehensive overview of his illustrious artistic career and remarkable achievements.
This exhibition gathers 69 selected classic pieces from 25 different institutions, including several rare works never before displayed to the public, is set to run until June 8.
Li masterfully integrated the traditional brushwork techniques of ink wash painting with the realism of Western sketching. With his dynamic and unrestrained brushstrokes, he vividly captured the myriad aspects of society and everyday life.
Drawing inspiration from the commonplace, Li’s subjects ranged from bustling night market and endearing animals to the modern Taipei Metro system. His relatable themes resonated deeply with the public, injecting a contemporary spirit into traditional ink painting.
Throughout his career, Li continuously absorbed classical and innovative ideas, culminating in a refined late-career style characterized by minimalism, Zen-like qualities, and the integration of calligraphy and painting – reaching the pinnacle of artistic mastery.
3. An Educator’s Artful Color: Solo Exhibition of Chung Kui-ying (鍾桂英)
Chung is a significant first-generation Taiwanese female artist of the post-war era. A student of Liao Chi-chun (廖繼春), a pioneer of modern Taiwanese painting, Chung fearlessly experimented and explored various artistic movements, spanning Impressionism, Fauvism, and Abstract Expressionism.
The solo show, running until July 6, examines the 94-year-old artist's distinctive color strategies.
Chung's paintings are celebrated for their warm and rich palettes, conveying a unique tenderness through subjects such as natural landscapes and portraits.
The exhibition traces the evolution of her color application, from the predominantly blue-green hues of the 1970s to the striking use of vibrant colors like bold reds and luminous oranges. It employs contrasting color pairs such as red-green and blue-orange to create dynamic visual effects.
Chung's later works saw a gradual return to simpler color schemes, revealing another dimension of her artistic beauty.
A remarkable characteristic of her technique was the strategic incorporation of seemingly small yet crucial black blocks within layers of color. It accentuates the brilliance and richness of the surrounding hues, showcasing her masterful command of color.
(Taiwan News, Lyla Liu video)
