TAIWANESE ART

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 TAIWANESE ART

• Taiwanese art history is a rich tapestry that weaves

together indigenous traditions, Chinese cultural
influences, and the unique historical experiences of
Taiwan. The evolution of Taiwanese art can be broadly
divided into several key periods: Indigenous Art, Dutch
and Spanish Colonial Period, Qing Dynasty, Japanese
Colonial Period, Post-War Era, and Contemporary
Period.
INDIGENOUS ART
• Before the arrival of foreign
powers, Taiwan was inhabited by
various indigenous tribes, each
with their own distinct artistic
traditions. These include intricate
weaving, pottery, and wood carving.
The art often had functional,
ceremonial, and symbolic purposes.
Wood carving column of
the Rukai
 Boat of the Yami.

Wood carving column

of the Rukai
DUTCH AND SPANISH COLONIAL
PERIOD (1624-1662)
• During this time, the introduction of Western artistic
techniques and religious iconography began to influence
local art. However, the impact was relatively minimal
compared to later periods. Paintings from when Taiwan was
under Dutch and Spanish rule mainly consisted of maps,
scenic images, and book illustrations depicting historical
facts of Taiwan.
1640 Dutch map of “Formosa,” the colonial term for Taiwan
• After Spain’s decreasing interest in Taiwan and their defeat by the Dutch
gave it control of the island, the VOC corrected the Spanish mistake of
not making their colony self-sufficient by developing an interesting
strategy which Andrade calls “co-colonization”. Having determined that
it would be too costly to send Dutch to Taiwan, the VOC introduced
various incentives including free land, tax exemptions and property
rights to attract Chinese from the nearby Fujian province in China to
immigrate to Taiwan. The plantation of sugar and rice soon became
lucrative business not only for the immigrants but also the VOC.
• In the process, the VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie) also
developed a lord-vassal relationship with the aborigines and gained
control over the native population. This period of co-colonization
between the Dutch and the Chinese was successful so long as the
interests of both parties were met. Towards the end of the century,
however, the VOC’s tax increase lost the support of the Chinese
immigrants, ultimately leading to rebellions from many Chinese
settlers and to the Dutch defeat by Zheng Chenggong, the Ming
loyalist of great military power.
Fort Zeelandia, (熱蘭遮，安平古堡) the Dutch East
India Company’s Taiwanese headquarters
Dutch sketch of a
native “Formosan”
circa 1650
1661 Dutch
engraving
of Chinese
soldiers in
Taiwan
QING DYNASTY (1683-1895)
• During this time, the introduction of Western artistic techniques
and religious iconography began to influence local art. However, the
impact was relatively minimal compared to later periods.
• Example:林家花園 The calligraphy, sculpture and architecture in
Banqiao Lin Family Mansions and Gardens
• Religious and Folk Art
• Taiwanese folk art, particularly those related to religious practices,
flourished during the Qing Dynasty. Temples were richly decorated with
paintings, wood carvings, and stone sculptures.
• Example: The Longshan Temple in Taipei, originally built in 1738,
showcases exquisite wood carvings, stone sculptures, and decorative
paintings. These works blend religious themes with local artistic
expressions.
• Pottery and Ceramics
• The pottery and ceramics industry thrived in Taiwan during the
Qing Dynasty, with local artisans creating everyday ware as well as
decorative pieces.
• Example: Yingge, a district in New Taipei City, became known for its
ceramics. Artisans produced both utilitarian items and decorative
pieces, often featuring traditional Chinese motifs.
JAPANESE COLONIAL PERIOD (1895-
1945)
• This era was transformative for Taiwanese art. The Japanese
introduced Western art forms and educational institutions, which
had a profound impact on local artists. Art schools were established,
and Taiwanese artists were exposed to European techniques and
styles.
CHEN CHENG-PO陳澄波 (1895-1947)
• Chen Cheng-po is one of the most renowned Taiwanese painters
from the Japanese colonial period. He studied in Japan and was
heavily influenced by Western painting techniques. His works often
depict local landscapes and daily life in Taiwan with a blend of
impressionistic and realistic styles.
台北橋·淡水河（原名基隆河） 1933年 油彩 畫布 49(長) x 63.5(寬) cm
廟口/陳澄波/ 年代未詳/ 畫布·油彩/ 59×70.5 cm
《嘉義公園》在香港創下台灣油畫最高的拍賣金額!
YANG SAN-LANG (1907-1995)
• Yang San-lang was a prominent figure in Taiwanese art, known for
his vibrant landscape paintings. He also studied in Japan and
brought back a deep appreciation for plein-air painting. His works
are characterized by their bold colors and dynamic compositions.
楊三郎[持扇婦人像]，1934
楊三郎 [迪化街口]，1946
塔山遠眺，1987
HUANG TU-SHUI (1895-1930)
• Huang Tu-shui was Taiwan's first modern sculptor and is
celebrated for his ability to blend Western techniques with
traditional Chinese themes. His works often reflect the
beauty and simplicity of everyday life in Taiwan.
黃土水不少木雕作品首次在國美館展
覽中對外公開展出，這件作品坐墊，
栩栩如生，彷彿帶有彈性，充分展現
藝術家非凡創作力
黃土水的代表作品「甘露水」與「少女胸像」
POST-WAR ERA (1945-1980S)
• After World War II, Taiwan experienced significant political
and social changes, which were reflected in its art. The
influx of mainland Chinese artists brought new ideas and
techniques, leading to a fusion of traditional Chinese art
with modernist trends from the West.
LIAO CHI-CHUN廖繼春 (1902-1976)
• Liao Chi-chun was a pivotal figure in modern Taiwanese art. His
works evolved from traditional Chinese ink painting to embrace
Western styles, particularly Fauvism and Cubism. Liao was a key
educator and influenced many younger artists.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG2i9WN1FxI&t=322s
廖繼春（1902－1976）窗邊 油畫畫布 1960年
作
SHIY DE-JINN (1923-1981)
• Shiy De-jinn was known for his watercolors and ink
paintings that beautifully captured Taiwanese landscapes
and folk scenes. His work represents a harmonious blend
of traditional Chinese art and modern aesthetics.
Shiy De-jinn , Portrait 72.5 x 100 cm. (28 1/2 x 39 3/8 in.)
Painted in 1961
Shiy De-jinn , Portrait of
Wu Hao, 1969
Shiy De-jinn , Boat scenery , 1975
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD (1980S-
PRESENT)
• The lifting of martial law in 1987 marked the beginning of a vibrant
and diverse art scene in Taiwan. Contemporary Taiwanese artists
often explore themes of identity, globalization, and the island's
unique socio-political context.
JU MING (1938-2023)
• An internationally acclaimed sculptor, Ju Ming is renowned for his
"Tai Chi" series, which combines dynamic movement with abstract
forms, reflecting traditional Chinese philosophy in a contemporary
context.
Gentlemen, man’s world series 朱銘「人間系列」作品「紳士」
Collaboration, countryside series
Taichi Series
CONCLUSION
• Taiwanese art history is a dynamic and multifaceted narrative,
reflecting the island's complex cultural and historical landscape.
From the intricate works of indigenous artisans to the
contemporary installations of modern artists, Taiwanese art has
continuously evolved, integrating diverse influences and pushing
creative boundaries. The contributions of artists like Chen Cheng-
po, Yang San-lang, Liao Chi-chun, Shiy De-jinn, Ju Ming, and Liu
Kuo-sung offer valuable insights into the rich legacy of Taiwanese
art. For Exploring these stages and artists provides a profound
understanding of Taiwan's cultural heritage and its ongoing artistic
journey.