The “Wonderland．Enigma-Chin-Hsien Lin’s Solo Exhibition,” organized by the Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau, opened grandly on June 7. Chin-Hsien Lin, a leading figure in contemporary realist painting, presents 42 works in this exhibition, 15 of which are new creations from 2025 debuting at the Dadun Cultural Center. Notably, the Atayal family members depicted in “Mohism” attended the opening, traveling from Lishan in Heping District. Their presence brought the painting to life, creating a poignant moment as they seemed to step out from the canvas, deepening the connection between art, culture, and viewers.
According to the Taichung Cultural Affairs Bureau, Lin, born in Yilan, is a distinguished portrait artist and currently serves as Professor and Dean of the College of Humanities at National Taichung University of Education. In 2018, his work “Shan’s Silent Moment” won Third Place in the International Portrait Competition held by the Portrait Society of America, outshining 2,733 entries. In 2019, he received the Signature Status Award, an honor granted to only 14 artists worldwide that year. Lin has received numerous accolades, and his works are in the permanent collections of major museums including the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taichung Art Museum, Tainan Art Museum, Yilan Museum of Art, and Chimei Museum.
"Allegorical classical realism" characterizes Lin’s distinctive style. He explains: “Theoretically, it merges classicism with impressionism, using local themes to narrate history through painting. But to portray a person truthfully, I must feel connected to them—otherwise, I can’t paint. The emotional depth conveyed through body language must also translate physical knowledge into artistic language. I closely observe skin textures and the subtle tonal shifts around each feature, pursuing harmony amid complexity. Realism is my interpretation of the richness of the world.” This dedication to realism gives his portraits striking depth and vitality.

The exhibition features four thematic series: “Collective Memory,” “Visages,” “Angels,” and “Land and Culture.” The large oil painting “Wonder,” depicting Longpan Park in Kenting facing the Pacific Ocean, opens the show. The expressive brushwork reveals Lin’s emotional bond with Taiwan’s land and culture, embodying the theme of “Wonderland．Enigma” through reflection on nature and history. Highlights include “Black Water Trench (No. 200),” collected by the Taichung Art Museum, which depicts early settlers' perilous sea crossings. Another key piece, “Mohism (No. 150),” set in the Atayal Sqoyaw community, uses allegory to express spiritual reverence for nature. The exhibition runs until June 25. The public is warmly invited to experience Wonderland．Enigma and explore the rich emotions, history, and landscapes expressed through Lin’s art. Visit the Taichung City Dadun Cultural Center’s website for more information: www.dadun.culture.taichung.gov.tw.