The Cultural Division of the Taipei Representative Office in Italy, in collaboration with the National Institute for Graphic Design (Istituto centrale per la grafica) in Rome and Tseng Mei Chen's (曾美禎) art studio, will be launching a double solo engraving exhibition "Immediati Dintorni (若比鄰─臺灣、義大利版畫藝術雙個展)" from March 24 to April 30.
A total of 30 works by Tseng Mei Chen and Italian artist Maria Pina Bentivenga will be displayed at the art institute, showcasing the "conversation" between Eastern and Western artists through art as well as the similarities and differences in their techniques, craftsmanship, and aesthetics. Tseng and Bentivenga both have experience participating in international exhibitions and are well-known in the industry. Tseng, the only Taiwanese associate member of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers, is dedicated to creating and promoting wood engraving. Her "Landscape of Words (紋字風景系列)" series has earned her various awards. Bentivenga has been teaching at Rome University of Fine Arts and is adept at both etching and engraving.
The Cultural Division of the Taipei Representative Office in Italy collaborated with renowned Italian curator Michela Becchis and the central theme "Immediati Dintorni" was inspired by a poetry of the same name by poet Vittorio Sereni, with the aim of making the exhibition a bilateral communication platform. A series of activities will be held including workshops and exhibition tours to attract more visitors and experience the charm of Taiwan-Italy engravings.
The director of the National Institute for Graphic Design Maura Picciau said it is a pleasure to organize an intercultural exhibition of art and this collaboration sets a milestone for future Taiwan-Italy partnerships. He added that the artists have a lot in common when it comes to their presentation of visual art and engraving, both portray natural scenery with a rigorous attitude and exquisite feelings.