Ho Chao-chu (何肇衢), the first-generation artist of the post-WWII era, passed away on March 2 at the age of 92. Culture Minister Shih Che expressed his condolences and pointed out that Ho devoted himself to the creation of art for over 60 years and portrayed the history of Taiwanese art through his works.
Ho's distinctive and unique style has won him numerous awards and he has held many exhibitions throughout his life, with many of his artworks in the collection of major museums in Taiwan. He also threw himself into art education and the cultivation of artistic talents. Minister Shih said the Ministry of Culture will propose awarding a posthumous presidential citation to Ho for his key role in the Taiwanese art scene.
Born in 1931 in Qionglin Township, Hsinchu County, Ho's love for art was encouraged by his middle school art teacher which led him to study art at the Taiwan Provincial Normal School (now National Taipei University of Education). Ho dedicated his life to art education and worked as an art teacher at the National Taipei University of Education Experimental Elementary School until retirement.
Starting from figurative sketching, Ho's style in art was influenced by Cubism, Abstract Expressionism, and also art groups like Fifth Moon Group (五月畫會) and Ton Fan Art Group (東方畫會). He creates mostly oil paintings and a certain amount of his works are sceneries. Ho insisted on painting scenery based on reality and portrayed many Taiwan landscapes, especially Tamsui and Shiding. Ho actively participated in competitions and events like Taiwan Provincial Fine Arts Exhibition, Tai-Yang Exhibition. He won the Tai Yang Award three years in a row and was recommended to become a member of the Tai-Yang Art Association.