Breaking free from traditional norms, an artist crafts countless lively and authentic ceramic pieces by hand! On May 25, the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Taichung City Government held the Lu Shu-Chen Ceramics Sculpture Solo Exhibition - Passion for Life at the Tun District Art Center. Showcasing 82 pieces that encapsulate nearly four decades of Lu Shu-Chen's creative journey, the exhibition features ceramic representations of stray dogs, three-dimensional works inspired by travels to Buddhist regions, and sculptures depicting the dynamic nature of lotus leaves enhanced by ink paintings. The exhibition is open until July 7, inviting the public to appreciate the abundant vitality and deep emotions in Lu Shu-Chen's art.
Deputy Director Shih Chun-Fu of the Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that Lu Shu-Chen, who grew up in Fengyuan District, Taichung City, has overcome a congenital weakness in her right eye to become both an ink painting teacher and a ceramic artist. Her keen attention to detail, despite having only “one good eye,” has led to the creation of many amazing works, earning widespread admiration. Her pieces have been acquired by the National Museum of History, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, and the New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum. Moreover, her ceramic artwork “Years of the Dog's Face” will be part of the collection at the Taichung Art Museum, which is scheduled to open in 2025. This highlights her prominent status and substantial contributions to the field of ceramic art.
Artist Lu Shu-Chen shared her passion for artistic freedom, engaging directly with clay as she tears the slabs by hand while thinking, allowing natural curves to form and reveal a raw vitality. In her work “Mother of the Earth,” she uses two clay slabs to create a unique form between bas-relief and three-dimensional, embodying the gentle yet strong and resilient image of women. “Pipi’s Heroic Stance” captures the frail yet determined posture and spirit of her male, elderly native dog, Pipi. “Joyful” depicts vibrant and resilient lotus leaves, appearing as if they emerged from the ground. Viewers are invited to appreciate the beauty of the clay's ever-changing forms.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau highlighted that the exhibition is divided into four themes. “Traveler's Insights” features work inspired by the artist's observations and feelings from visits to Buddhist countries, reflecting inner spiritual journeys. “Posture of Fountain” uses the rustic qualities of clay to depict the curves and beauty of the female form, revealing women's inherent vitality and inner thoughts. “Beloved Dogs” captures the dynamic and emotional moments of dogs in realistic, semi-abstract, and abstract styles. “Graceful Lotus” showcases the ever-changing postures of lotus leaves. The exhibition runs from today until July 7 at Exhibition Room A of the Tun District Art Center. More information can be found on the Tun District Art Center's official website (www.ttdac.taichung.gov.tw) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ttdac).
The opening ceremony saw the presence of several notable figures, including Deputy Director Shih Chun-Fu of the Cultural Affairs Bureau; Chu Yu-Feng, former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and the first female Director of Protocol; Li Wu-Kun, former Director of the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts; Chuang Hsiu-Ling, Head of Administration and Collections at the New Taipei City Art Museum Preparatory Office; renowned radio host He Li-Shih; Lai I-Liang, head of the council member Lai I-Huang's Service Office; Taiping District village chief Chen Chiu-Chan; along with numerous other distinguished guests from the arts and culture sector.