Ministry of Culture

The Taichung-based National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (NTMoFA) has curated a special exhibition featuring precious works created from the 60s to the contemporary era, escorting the audience to vertically trace the historical context of Taiwanese art and the style of individual artists while horizontally expanding the scope to examine the development of different traditions and new media as well as artworks created by Asian artists that have kept in close contact with Taiwan.

Prelude of the exhibition starts with Chen Shun-chu's (陳順築) photographic work, leading the audience into his memory of growing up. The intense, vivid image stems from the artist’s personal life, and, it is also a significant piece to map out Taiwanese art history emblematic of the culture, history, and warmth of Taiwanese people.


"Portrait of Family" by Chen Shun-chu

Next, the exhibition chronologically starts from the works by Tsai In-tang (蔡蔭棠), who was mentored by Shiotsuki Toho during the period of Japanese rule. Tsai's bold, free use of vibrant color blocks candidly expresses his passion for art-making.

"Tamkang (淡江)" by Tsai In-tang
As Taiwan's modern painting movement began to emerge, representing signature works by important members of the Fifth Moon Group and Tong Fang Painting Association, including Hsiao Chin (蕭勤), have contributed to the critical stylistic changes and reflected Western influences of Taiwan’s modern art scene.


"To the Evergreen Garden – 5" by Hsiao Chin
Furthermore, multiple important artists, such as Hung Ken-shen (洪根深), Li Jiun-shyan(李俊賢), and Lee Chu-hsin (李足新), have collectively launched the splendid era of Taiwan's contemporary art.


"Old Soldier's Dream" by Lee Chu-hsin
Moreover, the exhibition also showcases distinctive works by artists specializing in different art forms to represent the key strands that complete Taiwanese art history, including Lee Tzai-chian (李再鈐), known for his sculptures of geometric forms, as well as video art pioneer Yuan Goang-ming (袁廣鳴).


"A Sculpture of You, No.1" by Lee Tzai-chian
Also on view are several female artists, who were at the foreground of Taiwan contemporary art revolution, including Shieh Juin (謝鴻均).


"Jumped Dream" by Shieh Juin
Lastly, specially selected from the museum collection for the exhibition are works by Korean artist Yi Hwan-kwon and Japanese artist Meiro Kolzumi. The inclusion aims to show the importance of forming comparisons between foreign artworks and the development of Taiwanese art.


"Rite for a Dream (Today My Empire Signs)" by Meiro Koizumi
This exhibition presents an exquisite selection featuring many important artists, and includes artworks in a wide range of media, from oil, water, new media, to photography and sculpture. It provides viewers a unique opportunity to observe the crucial changes in Taiwanese art and gain a more expansive international vision, while appreciating the museum's brilliant collection.