Proficient in both medical practice and artistic expression, the 90-year-old artist Chao Tsung-kuan is an obstetrician and a painter, with an impressive repertoire of paintings. The Taichung City Government's Cultural Affairs Bureau is hosting the “Praising the World – Chao Tsung-kuan's 90 Special Exhibition” until May 15 at the Taichung City Dadun Cultural Center. The exhibition features 90 remarkable artworks capturing Taiwan's landscapes, including two size 500 large-scale pieces composed of multiple small pieces. Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen attended the opening ceremony today (27th) and expressed gratitude to Dr. Chao Tsung-kuan for generously donating the piece Five-Needle Pine Shade (Taichung City's City Tree). She invites people from across the country to seize this opportunity to admire the exhibition.
“Mastering the techniques of using scalpels and paintbrushes!” Mayor Lu remarked. She said it’s an honor and expressed gratitude on behalf of the citizens towards Mr. Chao, noting his outstanding medical ethics and skills, as well as his passion for art and creativity. Despite being 90 years old, Mr. Chao continues to create, showcasing his enduring health and prolific creativity as a national treasure-level artist.
Mayor Lu also praised Mr. Chao as a remarkable figure, noting his dual roles as a medical doctor and a prolific creator, which is no small feat. With a wealth of artwork accumulated over many years, Mr. Chao has injected Taichung with a rich tapestry of artistic inspiration and energy. His works have become a cherished part of the city's collective memory. “It’s exceptionally meaningful!” Mayor Lu expressed deep appreciation for Mr. Chao's generous contributions of artwork to the city government. She and Mr. Chao even made plans for another special exhibition marking Mr. Chao's 95th birthday five years later.
Dr. Chao Tsung-kuan, a passionate creator, shared, “When I was a resident doctor, I was extremely occupied and only had time for painting only during Chinese New Year. But after becoming an attending doctor, I utilize every moment after clinic hours for my artistic pursuits.” He also noted that his work Eternal Taichung Park, which was previously displayed in a government office, symbolizes Taichung residents’ spiritual emotions; and the piece he donated to the Dadun Cultural Center today, Five-Needle Pine Shade (Taichung City's City Tree), symbolizes resilience and the unwavering spirit of the city He hopes this artwork will deepen citizens' understanding of the significance of five-needle pines in Taichung.
The Cultural Bureau noted that Chao Tsung-kuan, an artist who also practices as an obstetrician, approaches his dual roles with the belief that “changing the nature of work is a form of rest.” With such a mindset, he joyfully delves into the worlds of medicine and art. Not only has he garnered numerous prestigious art awards for his creations, but he has also served as a judge for various major art exhibitions and has held significant positions in painting associations, including roles as a founder, chairman, and review committee member. Proficient in acrylic and oil painting, his works are known for their intricate realism, and he also explores a wide range of media including ink, watercolor, and calligraphy.
In addition, based on the idea of “Where there's soil, there are feelings,” he has spent 12 years painting the beauty of Taiwan. This endeavor involved thoroughly exploring, illustrating, and showcasing every county and city in Taiwan. Following this, he created the “Nurturing Taiwan - Seeing the World” series, which showcases Taiwan's stunning landscapes and scenic spots. Through this exhibition, audiences are invited to experience the beauty of both Taiwan and the world from the artist's broad perspective. For more information about the exhibition, please visit the official website of the Dadun Cultural Center (www.dadun.culture.taichung.gov.tw).