The National Museum of History will host a retrospective exhibition featuring pioneering artist Lee Shi-chi (李錫奇) from April 22 through June 5 to celebrate his upcoming 80th birthday.
Lee, laureate of the 16th National Award for Arts, is a pioneer of modern art in Taiwan. Having integrated eastern and western elements along his artistic journey, Lee devised the concept of "orientation,” an approach he developed to maintain the essence of traditional culture while adopting contemporary ideas and methods.
Born in Kinmen in 1938, Lee graduated from today's National Taipei University of Education and became a revolutionary artist at the start of his career. He founded the Modern Print Association (現代版畫會) in 1958 with artists Chen Ting-shi (陳庭詩) and Yang Ying-feng (楊英風), and served as an influential member in the Tong Fong Painting Association (東方畫會).
From exploring the theory of abstractionism to expanding upon traditional Asian art, Lee has deftly transformed traditional art forms such as calligraphy into abstract art. Taking inspiration from daily life, Lee's creations span prints, Chinese ink paintings, lacquer paintings, mixed media, and installations.
His lacquer paintings were particularly unique in style. In his Post-orientation and Re-orientation series, he lifted Chinese folk art elements such as inscribed plaques and auspicious couplets and integrated them with his lacquer paintings.
At the height of his career, Lee also operated several art galleries, where he promoted artworks by local artists. He also collaborated with contemporary poets to comment on social trends and movements. As such, he is recognized for his lifelong endeavors in promoting art and culture.
'Orientation: Splendor of Flame'
A Retrospective Exhibition of Lee Shih-chi
