The first exhibition of 2025 at the National Chung Hsing University Art Center presents a collaboration between Atayal calligraphy artist Hsieh Shih-Hung and Professor Lai Shen-Chon from the Department of Chinese at National Taipei University. Titled "The Essence of Indigenous Soul and Ink: Lai Shen-Chon and Hsieh Shih-Hung’s Gaga’ Zen, Tea, and Cursive Script Exhibition," the exhibition integrates cursive calligraphy, natural dyeing, and Zen tea poetry to capture the dynamic yet tranquil energy of nature, reflecting the artists’ deep contemplation of all living things. Through their works, the artists incorporate themes of cultural heritage and sustainability, making this exhibition truly one of a kind. The exhibition will be held from February 20 to March 20, 2025.
Lai Shen-Chon (1962- ) holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from National Taiwan University and another Ph.D. from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) in Germany. He is currently a professor in the Department of Chinese Literature at National Taipei University and the director of the Research Center for Eastern and Western Philosophy and Hermeneutics. Previously, he held positions as the chair of the Department of Chinese Literature at National Taipei University, the director of the Graduate Institute of Chinese Literature, the president of the Modern Buddhist Studies Association, and the editor-in-chief of Thought and Words, a core THCI journal. He founded the Chinese Society for Classical Chanting and Humanistic Hermeneutics. With over 30 academic books, more than 200 research papers, and four published poetry collections, Lai Shen-Chon is frequently invited to hold exhibitions and give lectures worldwide, integrating artistic creation with academic teaching.
Hsieh Shih-Hung (1953- ), also known by his Atayal name Yupas Tali, was born in Heku' Village, Taoshan, Wufeng Township, Hsinchu County. He also uses the artistic name Hsieh Chong. He holds a Master’s degree in Buddhist Art from Huafan University and graduated from National Hsinchu Teachers College. Throughout his career, he has served as Executive Vice President of the Taiwan Calligraphy and Seal Carving Research Association, Board Member of the Taiwan Strait Zhuxi Cultural Exchange Promotion Association, Director of the Wu Zhuoliu Literary Award Foundation, and Advisor to both the Chinese Taipei Calligraphers Association and the Cross-Strait Iron Brush Calligraphy Society. He was also the founding chairman of the Atayal Academy Educational Association, for which he received the Ministry of Education’s Social Education Contribution Award. He has been invited to participate in numerous cultural and artistic events, and has published several dedicated collections of his works.
Teacher Hsieh Shih-Hung is a master of all five major calligraphy styles, with a particular expertise in cursive script. His artistic journey began with the meticulous study of ancient inscriptions and calligraphic works, eventually leading him to break free from tradition to pursue a higher level of artistic expression. He experiments with natural materials such as tea leaves, coffee, brush-washing water, and butterfly pea flowers, utilizing capillary action to dye the paper. This technique creates unique patterns with varying depths and shades on xuan paper. Within the interplay of natural colors and the earth textures, Hsieh creates calligraphic imagery through cursive script, highlighting its fluidity and dynamic movement while expanding the limitless possibilities of calligraphic art.
This exhibition presents 23 pieces from Hsieh Shih-Hung, inspired by the ancestral teachings of Gaga’ from the Atayal people. These works evoke the sensation of stepping into a forest of stone steles in a serene Atayal garden, where life flows freely with the rhythms of nature, honoring the love and peace of the ancestral spirits. Additionally, 37 pieces inspired by Professor Lai Shen-Chon’s tea and Zen poetry will be showcased. Among them is the extraordinary scroll “Ode to Rice Tea,” measuring 22 meters in length and 1.8 meters in height. This piece presents a poem composed by Professor Lai in 2023 during his tea-tasting experience in Beijing. Dedicated to his 88-year-old mother and esteemed teachers. A rice tea artisan once remarked“All things are interconnected, and beauty lies in freedom. Professor Lai explores tea, contemplates tea, and praises tea—truly, he is a kindred spirit of rice tea, bound by fate. With gratitude for this encounter!” Thus, this is not only about rice but also a union of shared destinies through tea, signifying longevity, prosperity, and auspicious blessings. The beauty of this encounter, expressed through professor Lai’s elegant and flowing verses, is further elevated by teacher Hsieh’s expressive cursive calligraphy. His cursive script flows freely, creating a powerful and commanding presence. We warmly welcome all to visit and experience this exhibition.
►Opening Ceremony
at 14:00 p.m., 20th Feb., 2025
>> Atayal Traditional Performance
>> Tea Ceremony Experience
>> Artist Calligraphy demonstration
