Although quietly opening its doors to the public late last month with little fanfare and even less media attention, the Chungyi Museum (
Located in the basement premises previously occupied by the prestigious Ho Chuang-shih Calligraphy Foundation (
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHUNGYI MUSEUM
The inaugural exhibition is, however, somewhat of an oddity.
Although the main theme focuses on five of Taiwan's leading traditionalists -- four artists and a calligrapher -- the small number of works on display is somewhat annoying.
While still enjoyable, the exhibition gives viewers an all too brief taster. Visitors get little feel for, or understanding of either the works or the highly respected traditionalists themselves.
For those looking for a brief sojourn into the world of Chinese art, however, the exhibition is worth a look and makes for a relaxing and colorful 30 to 40 minutes.
Patrons can soar above the snow covered lofty peaks of southwest China with Chou Cheng (
Adding a classical subtly to the affair are several of Ou Hao-nien's (
While all the artists featured are considered traditionalists, the exhibition's most eye-catching work is of a more contemporary theme. Created in the time honored fashion with inks, Li Chi-mao's (李奇茂), Betel Nut Beauty (檳榔西施), although far from a masterpiece, does make for interesting clash of style and time.
What the exhibition lacks in in-depth coverage of the four artists it makes up for in its display of calligraphic works by Cheng Ping-huang (張炳煌). While four artists share a single floor-space, the calligraphy master gets the entire B2 level all to himself.
Featuring a potpourri of Cheng's most recent works, the collection on display comprises of a mixture of Cheng's very traditional style calligraphy as well several fine examples of his more norm-breaking fast-paced and radical contemporary calligraphy.
In addition to the works of art, an interesting collection of ancient bronze Chinese and Thai Buddhist statues -- several of which are over 1,000 years old -- are scattered throughout the museum and, although only a small part of the exhibition, makes for equally interesting viewing.
The exhibition is scheduled to run for an indefinite period of time, as museum staff are still in the process of coordinating future exhibitions.
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