The National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI) kicked off the “Wood Carving from the Heart: Chi-Tsun Chen’s Wood Carving Art Exhibition,” celebrating the achievements of Chi-Tsun Chen (陳啓村), the recipient of the 14th National Craft Achievement Award.
At the opening press conference, Deputy Minister of Culture Sue Wang (王時思) remarked that Chen has inherited the essence of traditional wood carving while actively seeking to enhance his techniques and break through the boundaries of knowledge and experience. She also praised Chen’s selfless dedication to advancing Taiwan’s craft development by fostering connections with local organizations.
In 2020, Chen was honored with the National Crafts Achievement Award. His works encompass both traditional wood carvings and modern sculpture series, continuously accumulating and passing down knowledge like the growth rings of a tree, steadily evolving with the times and extending into the future. This embodies the most vibrant and moving vitality of contemporary Taiwanese wood carving craftsmanship.
This special exhibition showcases 66 selected works. It is divided into four thematic sections: “The Beginning of Apprenticeship,” “Accumulating Artistic Knowledge,” “Observing the Contemporary,” and “A Symphony of Diversity.” The exhibition illustrates Chen’s ongoing journey of personal growth, relentless pursuit of innovation, and remarkable breakthroughs in the art of wood carving.
The exhibition is open until May 11 at NTCRI Taipei Branch. For more information, visit NTCRI website or NTCRI Facebook page.