Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taichung City Government, the 25th National Large-sized Oil Paintings Exhibition runs from October 17 to December 27, 2026, in Exhibition Room A at the Taichung City Seaport Art Center. An opening ceremony was held today. Marking its 25th anniversary, this year's exhibition is themed "Review & Prospect" and features 99 works, including award-winning pieces acquired for the collection in previous years and selected works by invited artists. Bringing together artists from different generations, the exhibition traces the evolution of oil painting in Taiwan while offering a glimpse into its contemporary directions.

Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Chia-Chun Chen said the National Large-sized Oil Paintings Exhibition began at the Taichung City Seaport Art Center in 2002 with an ambitious showcase of 100 artists, each presenting a large-scale painting on a size 100 canvas. Over the past 25 years, the exhibition has encouraged artists to take on the challenge of large-scale oil painting. From the mastery of established artists to the diverse explorations of emerging talents, it has brought together a valuable collection of artworks and memories that reflect both the continuity and transformation of Taiwanese oil painting.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that the exhibition's 25-year history represents more than a milestone. It also reflects Taichung City's longstanding commitment to supporting artists and fostering cultural development. The National Large-sized Oil Paintings Exhibition gives artists the freedom to express their creativity on expansive canvases while offering visitors a window into the people, places and everyday life of different eras.

Chin-Hsien Lin, curator of this year's exhibition and Dean of the College of Humanities at National Taichung University of Education, said that in an age dominated by small screens and rapidly advancing digital technology, people need opportunities to slow down and engage more deeply with art. Painting on a size 100 canvas is about more than creating larger works. It changes how people experience art. These monumental paintings invite viewers to immerse themselves in the artwork and experience its colors, textures and brushstrokes on a physical level. Even as AI-generated art and virtual imagery continue to advance, the tangible qualities and physical presence of oil paintings remain difficult to replicate. Working on a size 100 canvas also represents an artistic commitment, with painters pouring their time, energy and life experiences into filling the expansive space.

This year's exhibition features a wide range of subjects and styles, from portraits and landscapes to explorations of inner emotions, reflecting the diverse perspectives of artists across generations. By displaying works from different periods side by side, the exhibition allows visitors to see how Taiwanese oil painting has evolved over time. The public and art lovers are warmly invited to visit the exhibition and experience the vibrant colors, rich textures and expressive brushstrokes of large-scale oil paintings. As they revisit highlights from the past 25 years, visitors can also look ahead to the future of Taiwanese oil painting. For more information, visit the official Taichung City Seaport Art Center website (https://tcsac.taichung.gov.tw/) or its official Facebook page.