This piece draws from the poem Sweet Revenge by Taiwanese poet Hsia Yu, a love poem laced with romance and a touch of dark humor. It speaks of sweetness, yet it traps the beloved’s shadow, even preserving it in salt. It speaks of revenge, yet does so tenderly, hiding that shadow away until old age, when it can be retrieved and savored once more. With bold and spontaneous brushstrokes, Chang Tien-chine captures this complex entanglement of love and resentment. The soft ink bleeds slowly across the paper, echoing the poet’s own understated tone that nonetheless carries deep emotional weight. This work reveals not only Chang’s refined calligraphic skill but also his willingness to challenge conventions, such as experimenting with new materials, breaking away from familiar routines, and embracing uncertainty. In doing so, he brings forth a visual expression that resonates perfectly with the layered emotions of the poem.
Back to homepage
Back