The symbolism of fish in the life of Fauvist artist Chang Wan-chuan
Painter Chang Wan-chuan took contemporary Taiwanese arts to new heights by generating vivid images of fish. The inspiration emerged during the short-lived fishing career he took up when in hiding, for fear of political persecution.
In 1947, Taiwan suffered heavy civilian casualties in the February 28 Incident. Chang, then a physical education teacher at Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School, was put on a government blacklist because of the school's involvement in a public protest.
Convinced by a friend who had Chang's safety at heart, the Tamsui native went into hiding and later sought shelter at his brother's place in Jinshan, a rural area on Taiwan's north coast. At that time, fishing became part of the painter's daily routine and Chang was captivated by fish. After leaving Jinshan, he covered an eclectic range of the aquatic creatures that differ in size, color, and shape for over sixty years.
Deeply fascinated by its physical forms, Chang would even paint fish that were being served at banquets, using soy sauce and cigarette ash as his pigments. In his later years, Chang's daughter-in-law would show the artist the fish she purchased from the wet market every day and serve it after Chang finished his drawing.
Chang's strong affection for fish became a highly distinguishing element that is present in many of the most iconic works of the artist. He also gained fame for his vivid and colorful representations of the creatures. Through Chang's eyes for detail and keen artistic perception, each fish he had drawn came to life in its own uniqueness.
Apart from leading Chang to cross paths with fish, those days in hiding had also shaped the artist's perception toward life. "We had so longed for great waves of changes of destiny, only to find out at last that the most exquisite scenery in life is calmness and peace of heart," he stated.
For younger generations, the reserved painter sought to pass on his lifelong philosophy in creating arts — that being persistent is never wasted effort. "Do your best," Chang told the rugby team he led.
For students interested in the arts, meanwhile, the painter advised them to learn the importance of selection. "If there are twelve dishes on the table, don't eat them all. This applies to life, to drawing, and to choosing a scene to paint. Only through letting go of things can one forge tastes," Chang told his students.