National Taiwan Museum honors artist Chen Cheng-po with exhibition
國立臺灣博物館舉辦展覽紀念藝術家陳澄波
| Exhibition explores relationship between Taiwan's human and natural history
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Taiwan Museum has curated a special exhibition to commemorate the 130th anniversary of Taiwanese artist Chen Cheng-po’s (陳澄波) birth. The exhibition's opening ceremony was held on Monday (Dec. 2). It pairs Chen’s paintings with the museum’s extensive natural history collection, offering a unique perspective on Taiwan’s natural beauty, per CNA. Rediscovering Taiwan: Chen Cheng-po’s 130th Birthday Anniversary Exhibition features eight of Chen’s iconic paintings alongside the museum's newly acquired specimens of fish, plants, and other natural wonders. The exhibition explores the relationship between the country's human and natural history by juxtaposing these artistic and scientific artifacts. Chen’s grandson Chen Li-bo (陳立柏) shared his journey of rediscovering his grandfather’s art. After spending three decades abroad, he sought to introduce and capture the essence of his homeland. He found the answer in his grandfather’s evocative paintings, which beautifully depict Taiwan’s diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. Culture Minister Li Yuan (李遠) emphasized that the exhibition, by pairing Chen’s works with Taiwan’s flora, fauna, and minerals, reveals the nation’s vibrant cultural and natural heritage. Chen Cheng-po, one of Taiwan's most-known artists, was born on Feb. 2, 1895, in Chiayi. Taiwan was ceded to Japan in April of the same year, according to People Who Light Up Taiwan. Chen moved to Taipei after passing a language school entrance exam at 19. He met Japanese painter Kinichiro Ishikawa (石川欽一郎) who was teaching in Taiwan at the time and guided him into the world of painting. Fueled by his passion for art and the Taiwanese community, Chen overcame numerous challenges throughout his life. With Japan's surrender in 1945, Taiwan underwent another political transition as the KMT took control. Chen, fluent in Mandarin, was appointed to assist in the government's takeover. In the unstable post-war period, he was elected as a Chiayi government official and served as a juror for the Taiwan Provincial Art Exhibition. Chen hoped to gradually rebuild Taiwan's society and art scene through these roles. Then, the 228 Massacre took place in 1947, leading to tens of thousands of deaths around the country. Representing the people, Chen went to Chiayi Airport to negotiate a peaceful resolution with the KMT-led army. As soon as Chen and his delegation arrived at the airport, they were detained and tortured, per Thinking-Taiwan. Two weeks later on March 24, Chen expressed his willingness to sacrifice himself for the 120,000 citizens and his unwavering love for art in a farewell letter. The following day, Chen was publicly paraded through the streets on a charge of “rebellion and riot.” Chen was publicly executed at Chiayi Station without trial, leaving a lasting legacy at the age of 53. |
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| Charlotte Lee, Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2024-12-03 |
