The Taichung Green Museumbrary is set to open in December, and the inaugural exhibition of the Taichung Art Museum. Among the highlights is Under Huoyan Mountain by Yeh Huo-cheng, a key figure of the influential “Fengyuan Class” in central Taiwan’s art history, showcasing the vibrant artistic energy of Taichung.
According to Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Chen Chia-chun, the museum's collection—currently totaling 620 pieces—features key works by central Taiwan artists, acquired through purchases, donations, and transfers from the Cultural Center. Moving forward, the museum will continue to expand its collection in alignment with its curatorial goals. With a focus on central Taiwan’s artistic development, the museum’s future collections and research will explore themes like art history and the city’s cultural imagery, guiding the public to experience art in diverse ways through their everyday lives. A major highlight of the opening exhibition is Under Huoyan Mountain, a defining late work by Yeh Huo-cheng. The painting depicts a scenic view of Huoyan Mountain from the Daan River, rendered with delicate colors and brushwork that reflect Yeh’s profound affection for his native land.
According to Taichung Art Museum Director Lai Yi-hsin, since the museum’s early planning, the team has focused on mapping out the development of central Taiwan’s art scene—especially spotlighting the locally rooted “Fengyuan Class.” Yeh Huo-cheng (1908–1993), a major figure in the class, was born in Fengyuan, Taichung. During his time as principal of Fengyuan Elementary School, he actively supported young artists and invited fellow artist Lee Shih-chiao to help mentor them. These aspiring artists explored the land on foot, capturing the landscapes through on-site sketching and painting, which shaped Fengyuan Class’s distinctive artistic identity. Their works, often portraying the central Taiwan countryside, received frequent recognition at provincial and educator exhibitions. Eventually, they formed the Huludun Fine Arts Society, a major driver of Taichung’s artistic development. Looking ahead, the museum will continue to feature more iconic pieces from the Fengyuan Class, giving citizens a deeper understanding of Taichung’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
The Taichung Art Museum added that its online collection database is now live, allowing the public to explore its rich collection ahead of the official opening. Visitors can browse the artworks via the Taichung Art Museum website (https://collections.culture.tw/tcam_collectionsweb). More information about the opening exhibition will be revealed soon, and the museum encourages everyone to follow along for the latest news and updates.