From December 5th, 2024 to January 4th, 2025, the Art Center of National Chung Hsing University will host the exhibition “Endless Treasures: A Retrospective of Tseng Teh-Biao, Pioneer of Taiwanese Gouache Painting.” The exhibition features over 40 eastern gouache paintings, divided into two series. "True Essence of Mountains" employs earthy yellow tones to achieve a breakthrough in innovation, blending green mountain hues with the essence of traditional landscape painting. The works capture the authentic beauty of mountains and rivers, portraying the harmony and timeless rhythm of coexistence between humanity and nature. "Symphony of the River" centers on indigo tones to highlight the beauty of Taiwan’s streams. These paintings reflect the harmony of nature, capture the true essence of mountains and rivers, and convey profound vitality and aesthetics through the interplay of glue color art.
“Eastern Gouache" traces its origins to the Tang and Song dynasties, rooted in the traditional Chinese realistic figure painting of strong colors. This art form, which combines mineral pigments with animal glue as its medium, is known for its unique texture and vivid hues. Its refined, luxurious, and dazzling visual appeal often captivates viewers. During the Japanese colonial period, this style was reintroduced to Taiwan by early painters who brought it back from Japan, creating a significant trend. However, as time passed, its popularity gradually declined. It wasn’t until after World War II that the art form experienced a revival, under the advocacy of Professor Lin Chih-Chu, known as the "Father of Taiwanese Gouache Painting." Through his efforts to redefine, promote, and integrate the medium into academic art education, gouache painting found a new life in modern Taiwan. Within this movement to establish the identity of gouache painting, Professor Tseng Teh-Biao, a student of Lin Chih-Chu, played a key role in advancing and promoting the art.
Tseng Teh-Biao (1942–2020), born in Changhua City, Taiwan, was a graduate of the three-year art program at Taiwan Provincial Taichung Normal College and completed the third-term Fine Arts Training Program at National Taiwan Normal University. He taught at Sanmin Elementary School and Tachu Elementary School in Changhua City, Shuangshih Junior High School in Taichung City, and the Eastern Gouache painting workshops of the Taiwan Provincial Museum of Fine Arts. Throughout his career, Tseng Teh-Biao dedicated himself to the education, creation, research, and promotion of gouache painting. His works earned numerous awards, and early in his career, he was invited to serve as a juror for multiple national art exhibitions. He was elected twice as the president of the Taiwan Gouache Painting Association and became the first artist in Taiwan to hold a solo exhibition of gouache paintings. With a career spanning more than six decades, he earned countless accolades. In 1994, he authored Gouache Painting- Beginners and Creating, the first book in Taiwan dedicated to the medium, solidifying his reputation as a key driving force of gouache painting in Taiwan.
Tseng Teh-Biao's gouache creations were deeply inspired by his mentor, Professor Lin Chih-Chu. Building a solid foundation in painting, he continually pushed the boundaries of innovation, skillfully using colors and techniques to create a distinctive atmosphere, defining his unique style. Through his works, we hope visitors can connect with the beauty of gouache art and its unique qualities while appreciating the mastery and vision of a true master. We warmly welcome you to take part and experience this exhibition! During the exhibition, there will also be a special lecture and two gouache painting workshops. These events aim to offer participants a deeper understanding of the charm of gouache through hands-on experience and expert insights. Welcome to sign up and join us!
►Exhibition Event Information
- Eastern Gouache Painting Workshop Ⅰ&Ⅱ
Date Ⅱ: Sunday, December 22, 2024, 2:00PM-4:00PM
Title: Discovering the Beauty of Gouache: A Hand-On Creative Experience
Instructor: Teacher Liao Pei-Ju / Ming Yi Gouache Studio
Venue: Art Center, NCHU (7th Floor, Library)
>> Limited spots available. Free participation with priority given to university faculty, staff, and students. We appreciate your understanding.
- Special Lecture
Topic: Scenery・Nostalgia: half a century of Tsang Teh-Biao's Eastern Gouache paintings
Speaker: Professor Bai Shi-Ming / Department of Fine Arts, National Taiwan Normal University
Venue: Art Center, National Chung Hsing University (7th Floor, Library)
>> Free admission.
