Rediscovering Taiwan: Chen Cheng-po’s Art Captures Nature and History
An exhibition celebrating the life and works of Chen Cheng-po (陳澄波), one of Taiwan’s most influential painters during the Japanese colonial era, has officially opened in Taipei. The exhibition, titled “Rediscovering Taiwan: Chen Cheng-po’s 130th Birthday Anniversary Exhibition”, is being held at the National Railway Museum and will run until May 11, 2025.
The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore Chen Cheng-po’s distinctive artistic style, which often highlighted Taiwan’s natural beauty through three prominent geographical themes: the Kuroshio Current, Monsoon, and the Tropic of Cancer. The eight selected works not only showcase Chen’s profound appreciation for Taiwan’s landscape but also highlight the historical context in which these natural features influenced the island’s past.
Exhibition Overview: Chen Cheng-po’s Artistic Tribute to Taiwan’s Nature
Chen Cheng-po’s works are widely regarded as a vital part of Taiwanese art history. The paintings presented in the exhibition are grouped under three natural themes, each representing a distinct aspect of Taiwan’s geography. These themes are central to understanding how Chen Cheng-po’s art helped depict the island’s natural allure, which attracted various colonial powers throughout history.
- The Kuroshio Current: Known as the “Black Tide,” this ocean current plays a significant role in Taiwan’s maritime climate and environment.
- Monsoon: Taiwan’s seasonal monsoons have shaped its agriculture, culture, and way of life for centuries.
- Tropic of Cancer: This geographical feature plays a role in Taiwan’s subtropical climate, influencing the region’s flora and fauna.
Honoring Taiwan’s Complex History Through Art
Chen Li-po (陳立栢), the chairman of the Chen Cheng-po Cultural Foundation and the artist’s eldest grandson, spoke at the exhibition’s opening ceremony. He explained that the goal of this exhibition is to rediscover Taiwan through a geographical lens, avoiding ideological discourse while still reflecting on Taiwan’s complicated historical relationship with Dutch, Spanish, and Japanese colonial periods.
The exhibition sheds light on Taiwan’s natural climate, which attracted foreign settlers who recognized the island’s potential. Chen Li-po highlighted how Taiwan’s unique geography, marked by the Kuroshio Current, monsoons, and Tropic of Cancer, could have influenced the island’s colonial history, pushing settlers to consider Taiwan as a place for long-term habitation.
Iconic Works on Display
Among the celebrated works on display is the famous painting “East Taiwan Coastal Road”, which is on loan from the Yamaguchi Prefectural Art Museum in Japan. This artwork was commissioned by the Japanese Governor-General Mitsunoshin Kamiyama in 1930 as a tribute to the beauty of Taiwan’s coastline. The painting was created before Kamiyama’s departure and was subsequently donated to the Hofu City Library after his passing.
The artwork, along with others, has traveled across various museums, finally making its way to Taipei for this significant exhibition. Visitors can also view three animated renderings of Chen’s work, offering new perspectives and connections to the natural themes explored in his art.
Chen Cheng-po: A Victim of the 228 Incident
Beyond his artistry, Chen Cheng-po is also known for his tragic death during the 228 Incident in 1947, a pivotal moment in Taiwanese history. As a Chiayi city councilor, Chen was executed by the Kuomintang (KMT) government, accused of sedition, on March 25, 1947, during the crackdown that followed the anti-KMT uprising. The 228 Incident led to the brutal suppression of many Taiwanese intellectuals and elites, with tens of thousands killed or imprisoned.
Table: Chen Cheng-po’s Key Works at the Exhibition
| Artwork | Theme | Year Created | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Taiwan Coastal Road | Kuroshio Current | 1930 | Depicts the scenic beauty of Taiwan’s coastline |
| Formosan Landscape | Monsoon | 1930 | Illustrates Taiwan’s lush landscapes during the rainy season |
| Tropic of Cancer | Tropic of Cancer | 1932 | Highlights Taiwan’s subtropical climate and its impact on nature |
| Taiwan’s Eastern Coast | Kuroshio Current | 1931 | A depiction of Taiwan’s natural beauty, focusing on its coastal waters |
FAQs: Rediscovering Taiwan: Chen Cheng-po’s 130th Anniversary Exhibition
- What is the significance of Chen Cheng-po’s art?
- Chen Cheng-po is one of Taiwan’s most influential painters, known for his works that highlight Taiwan’s natural beauty and its complex history under foreign colonization.
- Where is the exhibition being held?
- The exhibition is being held at the National Railway Museum in Taipei and will run until May 11, 2025.
- What are the themes of the exhibition?
- The exhibition focuses on three natural themes in Chen’s work: the Kuroshio Current, Monsoon, and the Tropic of Cancer.
- Why is Chen Cheng-po considered an important historical figure?
- Beyond his artistic legacy, Chen Cheng-po is remembered for his tragic death during the 228 Incident in 1947, a significant event in Taiwan’s history.
- Are there any special features in the exhibition?
- Yes, the exhibition includes animated renderings of Chen Cheng-po’s paintings, offering fresh insights into the natural themes portrayed in his works.
