A mixed bag of Chinese masters

Taipei's Chungyi Museum (忠藝館) continues with its tradition of holding rather odd exhibitions over the coming two months with a selection of carved stone pieces owned by art lover and local entrepreneur, Ho Chung-hsiung (何忠雄), and a collection of classical Chinese ink wash paintings celebrating the peach blossom.

Titled The Blooming of the Plum Blossom (梅開五福) and Ho Chung-hsiung's Carved Stone Treasures (何忠雄珍藏石雕展), the exhibitions feature carved stone works by Beijing native, Wang Suiheng (王綏恆) as well as ink works by five Mainland artists, the best known of whom is Wang Chengxi (王成喜).

A native of Honan Province, Wang Chengxi is one of China's most celebrated traditional ink artists. Since graduating from the Central Art Academy in 1966, Wang has penned numerous books on the history of Chinese ink painting as well seeing his own work snapped up by art lovers the world over.

His ability to create such life-like ink paintings of the plum blossom can leave viewers wanting to reach out and touch them, so great is his attention to fine details.

"He's one of China's greatest artists of ink painting," explained a museum spokesperson. "Wang's attention to detail and the poetry that accompanies many of his works mean that his works are very moving and emotional."

Less moving and at first glance looking like souvenirs one's elderly aunt might pick up at some tacky seaside resort, Wang Suiheng's intricate and lifelike carvings of snakes, snails and assorted creepy-crawlies are none the less equally celebrated the world over.

Carved from a single piece of stone, the detail Wang incorporates into each piece is staggering. Whether it's a snake, a crab or a centipede, viewers could be forgiven for believing that they are looking at the real thing rather than a stone carving.

Like previous exhibitions at the Chungyi there is no beginning or end to the current show. Not that this deters visitors from frequenting the establishment and enjoying some wonderful art. It can, however, cause some confusion, especially for those who can't read Chinese, as none of the information or explanations are in English.

The Blooming of the Plum Blossom (梅開五福) and Ho Chung-hsiung's Carved Stone Treasures (何忠雄珍藏石雕展) will be on display until March 23. The Chungyi Museum (忠藝館) is located at B1, 222, Chinshan S. Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei (台北市金山南路二段222號B1). The museum is open from 12pm until 8pm Tuesdays through Fridays and from 10am until 6pm Saturdays and Sundays. Closed Mondays.