桃園市美術館 Logo

Calligraphing with the times: selection in calligraphy and seal-carving featuring the Taoyuan Fine Arts Exhibition champions

Closed for holidays: Feb. 9 to 11. Open on Feb. 12.

Artists:Sung Liang-ming, Chiang Chin-huang, Liao Ta-hua, Wu Ying-kuo, Cheng Li-hsun, Huang Po-si, Wu Chi-lin, Hsiao Shun-chieh, Wu Chi-tsung, Wu Fu-yuan, Lin Ying-sheng, You Chen-yu, Shih Cheng-yu, Yu Tong-sheng, Lü Tsung-cheng, Teng Chun-hao, Liu Yan-chun, Cheng Yu-hung, Lo Ying-liang, Chang Pei-yuan.

　　This exhibition endeavors to present the evolution of the times through the lens of the Taoyuan Fine Arts Exhibition's extensive history of calligraphy art competitions. It seeks to explore the transformations in calligraphic styles over different periods. Bringing together the championship works in calligraphy and seal-carving of the art competitions since 1995, this exhibition also features newly created pieces by 20 winners in various years, totaling 51 captivating exhibits. Through this showcase, the exhibition aims to retrospectively examine the stylistic trends and artistic currents of different times, shedding light on the personal artistic development of each participating artist.

　　Since its transition from a local to a nationwide art competition in 2006, the Taoyuan Fine Arts Exhibition has attracted artists from across Taiwan. This expansion not only increased the number of participants but also introduced diverse styles and calligraphic scripts. This exhibition not only traces the creative trajectory of local Taoyuan artists but also reflects the trends in Taiwan's calligraphic art within the context of art competitions.

　　Established in 1983, the Taoyuan Fine Arts Exhibition has provided a platform for artists to showcase their work and has been instrumental in encouraging young artists in Taiwan. Originally known as the Taoyuan Joint Fine Arts Exhibition, the event was organized by the Taoyuan Department of Education at the Taoyuan Culture Center until 1994. Starting in 1994, it combined invitation exhibitions and art competitions, subsequently changing its name to the Taoyuan Fine Arts Exhibition. Due to the substantial increase in submissions, the format shifted to a biennial cycle, with one year dedicated to an invitation exhibition and the next to an art competition, beginning in 1998. In 1999, the competition adopted a thematic approach, selecting "Origin" as its first theme and inviting artists to create works based on the chosen theme, incorporating mixed media and installation art. In 2001, to distinguish between art competitions and invitation exhibitions, the latter was renamed “2001 Taoyuan Artists Joint Exhibition.” However, the traditional Taoyuan Fine Arts Exhibition, categorized into painting and calligraphy, and the Taoyuan Creative Award, focusing on visual art in graphic works and three-dimensional art, continued to be held annually from 2003 onwards. In 2004, seal-carving was incorporated into the category of calligraphy. Starting in 2020, the art competition has been organized by the Taoyuan Museum of Fine Arts, with separate annual categories for painting and calligraphy, and three-dimensional and multimedia art.

　　This exhibition brings together works from 20 champions of the Taoyuan Fine Arts Exhibition's art competition, offering a glimpse into the changing stylistic trends in Taiwan's public art competitions over more than two decades. From classical and restrained to unrestrained and playful, from inheriting literati charm to creating new visual experiences, the artworks reflect how calligraphers' brushstrokes resonate with the zeitgeist. Comparing these works with their new creations reveals the varied creative trajectories of each calligrapher. When freed from the constraints of art competition rules, the artists can express their creative narratives through freely chosen dimensions. The diverse and innovative choices in text selection and expressive techniques showcase the multifaceted creativity of these calligraphers.