In fine arts, discussion of East meets West often arises when the subject turns to contemporary Chinese ink brush painting. One of the foremost authorities on this subject, Liu Kuo-sung (劉國松), is participating in a group exhibition currently on view at the Hong-gah Museum.
Titled Treasured Objects of the Literati , it also features the work of Yuan Chin-taa (
The challenge for today's ink brush artist is to master the traditional technique while keeping the content relevant to today's world. Otherwise, it looks like merely imitating past achievements without offering anything new.
PHOTO: SUSAN KENDZULAK, TAIPEI TIMES
A brief historical note to set this exhibition into context: After the Yuan dynasty (1279 AD to 1368 AD), the literati took on ink painting as a hobby, so that paintings were more written (calligraphic) than painted.
For Taiwanese painters of the 20th century, who felt caught between western modernism with its emphasis on freedom of expression, and the history of Chinese calligraphic painting, there seemed to be a difficulty in choosing which direction to follow.
The Hong-gah exhibition features the above three Taiwanese ink brush painters' most recent works and a ceramics installation by Liu.
Born in China in 1932, Liu led the "Modern Chinese Painting Movement" in the 1950s and he is known for his innovative techniques such as non-brush-and-ink painting.
Yuan Chin-taa (
Like Yuan, many Taiwanese artists make strong political statements in a subtle way. At first glance, the painting looks simply like a painting of many chairs arranged in rows. However, these innocuous objects are imbued with political meaning.
Hung Ken-shan (
The Nanhai Gallery is part of what was the Taipei Teacher's College and which recently changed to the National Taipei University of Education. It's a great little place that captures the energy of a university coffee house where a wide range of cultural activities take place.
The second floor has a small cafe offering soft drinks and beer. Sometimes on weekend nights, musicians gather to play live music, while on weekend afternoons there may be in-depth panel discussions led by arts professors with their young art students.
Ivy Huey (
Exhibition notes:
What: "Treasured Objects of the Literati"
Where: Hong-gah Museum, 5F, 260, Dayeh Road, Qiyen MRT stop, Taipei
Tel: (02) 2894 2272
When: To Oct. 30
What: "The Dress Magician"
Where: Nanhai Gallery, 3, Ln 19, Chongqing S Rd, Sec 2, Taipei
TEL: (02) 2392 5080 When: To Nov. 6
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