An exhibition on the work and life of artist Liao Hsiou-ping (廖修平), known as the “godfather of modern Taiwanese woodblock printing,” is being held at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts until June 29.
The exhibition, which opened on March 22, is divided into three areas documenting Liao’s works as a student, artist and teacher.
Along with Liao’s woodblock print pieces, which he is best known for, the exhibition also showcases his sculptures and oil paintings.
Photo courtesy of the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts
Stressing the importance of artistic originality, Liao, a chair professor at National Taiwan Normal University, said he has always encouraged his students to explore and develop their own unique styles, and not let his lessons interfere with their creative processes.
Hsiao Chong-ray (蕭瓊瑞), who curated the exhibition, said Liao’s works often blend tradition with modernity, fantasy with reality, and grandeur with isolation.
That helps visitors feel happy and calm, Hsiao said.
Liao was born in Taipei in 1936. From an early age, he observed his father and older brother, both architects, drawing blueprints.
While growing up near Longshan Temple (龍山寺) in Taipei’s Wanhua District (萬華), Liao became fascinated with the ornate paintings and patterns on the temple. These early influences came to have a profound impact on his artistic style.
Liao traveled to Japan to study painting in 1962, where he was introduced to woodblock printing. He moved to France to study at the Beaux-Arts de Paris in 1965.
In 1969, he was commissioned to hold an exhibition at the Miami Museum of Contemporary Art. He then moved to New York, before returning to Taiwan in 1973.
Liao gained international recognition for his distinctive style that blends traditional Taiwanese elements with woodblock printing, elevating the global profile of Taiwanese woodblock art in the process.
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