Taiwanese watercolor artist Hung Tung-Piao has spent decades exploring and painting the island, capturing its landscapes and cultural essence through his brush. A magician with watercolors, he masterfully layers light and shadow, using the medium’s transparency and fluidity to delicately depict Taiwan’s scenery and emotional depth. His latest exhibition, “Island Imprints – Hung Tung-Piao’s 70th Art Exhibition on Local Affection,” is now open at the Dadun Cultural Center, featuring 74 meticulously crafted works that encapsulate highlights from his five-decade career. Each watercolor painting invites viewers to immerse themselves in Taiwan’s landscapes and cultural richness. The exhibition runs until April 16—a warm invitation to experience the island’s shifting winds, interplay of light and shadow, and humid atmosphere.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau highlights that art critics have praised Hung Tung-Piao as a magician of light and shadow. With remarkable skill, he leads viewers into a deeply immersive experience. In Taiwan’s watercolor art scene, he is unparalleled. His expertise in manipulating the projection and reflection of light infuses his paintings with a dynamic rhythm that breathes life into each scene. His distinctive compositional techniques further elevate his work, transforming landscapes into more than just visual representations—they become heartfelt conversations between art and viewers. Through his brushstrokes, Hung invites us to rediscover Taiwan’s depth and enduring beauty.

Hung Tung-Piao's connection to Taichung runs deep. This exhibition is a culmination of 15 years dedicated to documenting Taiwan’s landscapes, portraying shifting light and atmospheric changes across various seasons and weather conditions. Drawing inspiration from Andrew Wyeth, Hung envisions himself as a leading figure in Taiwan’s contemporary New Realism movement. Through his art—rooted in the daily lives of ordinary people—Hung hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for Taiwan among its people.

Professor Su Xian-Fa, Hung Tung-Piao’s mentor, praises him as a dedicated practitioner of travel sketching. In 2012, Hung spent 56 days traveling around Taiwan on a scooter, carrying his watercolor tools as he painted diverse landscapes, from coastal shores to mountain peaks, from rural villages to bustling cities, enduring both scorching sun and heavy rain. Over the course of his journey, he completed 118 pieces of artwork. A year later, he embarked on a 35-day journey across the United States, covering 28 states from Seattle to New York and creating 73 pieces. He has also collaborated with CPC Corporation, depicting Taiwan from offshore platforms and vessels, offering an unprecedented marine perspective, and producing 120 pieces. His perseverance and dedication have led him to accomplish what many might consider impossible, marking a groundbreaking achievement in the art community.

According to the Dadun Cultural Center, the exhibition’s key visual piece, “Autumn Breeze Welcomes Distant Travelers,” was painted during Hung Tung-Piao’s 2012 journey around Taiwan. It captures the breathtaking scenery of Taijiang National Park in Tainan, where a vast field of white flowers shimmers under the sunlight. Another piece, “Spring Scenery of Sun Link Sea,” reflects the beauty of the cherry blossom season, immersing viewers in a landscape of cedars and blooming sakura at Sun Link Sea. “Light of the Old House” offers a glimpse of a renowned historic site in Tanzi District, Taichung—can you guess where? With a masterful yet understated approach, Hung skillfully manipulates light and shadow to guide the viewer’s gaze, leading them from the pond and grass in the foreground toward the inviting interior of the house.

On the opening day, March 30 (Sunday), artist Hung Tung-Piao led a morning guided tour to introduce his works, followed by an afternoon book signing session. On April 6 (Sunday) at 2:00 PM, visitors can enjoy a live painting demonstration, and another guided tour will take place on April 13 (Sunday) at 2:00 PM. We welcome you to join Artist Hung Tung-Piao in rediscovering Taiwan—a land both familiar and deeply cherished—through his artistic lens. Through the warmth and resonance of his art, let us cultivate a deeper connection to the island.For more information, visit the Taichung City Dadun Cultural Center’s official website (www.dadun.culture.taichung.gov.tw).