"Wonderland of Life" - Contemporary Art Exhibition by Wu Deng-yi

International Tour Exhibition of Wu Deng-yi’s Works

“Wonderland of Life” -Wu Deng-yi’s Contemporary Art Exhibition

2022 / 9 / 15 Thu. – 2022 / 10 / 14 Fri.

If the progression of life is not linear but expands in a plane, then everyone’s life story will be like vivid scenes, sometimes profound, sometimes light, with a balanced mix of intensity and subtlety, as time flows on. The interpretation of life by the contemporary Chinese ink master Wu Deng-yi is hidden in each of his paintings. When he elevates the perspective of traditional ink painting and overlooks the world, he finds an abstract language to express his insights on life—a spontaneous inspiration expressed freely in various mediums through abstract expressionism.

Born in 1951 in Puli, Nantou, Taiwan, Wu Deng-yi grew up surrounded by pristine landscapes, which seemingly imbued him with a character that is both pure and exploratory. Devoting nearly half a century to painting, he won the prestigious Lukuang Cup at a young age, marking his prominence in the Taiwanese art scene. Now, a museum named after him not only preserves his life’s work but also spreads his artistic achievements worldwide. Collaborating with Chung Hua University, the Wudengyi Museum presents a grand exhibition of his abstract expressionist series titled “Wonderland of Life,” showcasing works that combine the visual impact of intermingling colors with abstract concepts made tangible. With perspectives inspired by both traditional Chinese painting and Western painting, viewers can appreciate the unique charm of his works: bold and unrestrained splashes of ink, graceful and dynamic use of white space, delicate and diverse gradations. His versatile techniques are all intricately woven into meticulously crafted compositions, reflecting the idea of “following the heart’s desire without overstepping boundaries,” like a universe within the mind, constantly renewing itself.

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Exhibition at the Chung Hua University Arts and Culture Center

The opening ceremony of the exhibition will be held at 10:30 a.m. on September 22, 2022, at the Chung Hua University Arts and Culture Center. The distinguished guests attending the opening ceremony include: contemporary ink artist Mr. Wu Deng-yi, founder of Chung Hua University and former vice chairman of the Kuomintang, Mr. Lin Zhengze, President of Chung Hua University, Mr. Liu Weiqi, Chairman of the Taiwan Advantage Industry Cooperation Committee, Mr. Wang Xinli, Vice President of Chung Hua University, Mr. Xie Hongnian, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Chung Hua University, Ms. Jian Xiaohua, Director of the General Education Center at Chung Hua University, Ms. Liang Meihui, Director of the Arts and Culture Center at Chung Hua University, Ms. Tang Xiaolan, and Mr. Yang Xiwen, Director of the Tamsui Branch of the Wu Deng-yi Art Museum, among many other figures from the arts and culture industry.

President Liu Weiqi, representing the organizing committee, delivered a speech expressing congratulations and gratitude to Honorary Professor Wu Deng-yi for his exhibition at the Arts and Culture Center of Chung Hua University. He also extended a warm welcome to Chairman Wang Xinli of the Taiwan Advantage Industry Cooperation Committee for his presence. President Liu spoke emotionally about the significant achievements of Mr. Wu Deng-yi in recent years as an honorary professor at Chung Hua University. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity for the university’s students and faculty to be nourished artistically by Mr. Wu Deng-yi’s series of works displayed at the university. He emphasized the importance of students’ interaction with such a heavyweight artist, allowing them to enhance their artistic appreciation and aesthetic cultivation. President Liu also praised and thanked Director Yang Xiwen and the museum team for their professional and meticulous curation, and wished success for the future global exhibition plans of the Wu Deng-yi Art Museum and the expansion projects of new branches across the Taiwan Strait and beyond.

The interaction between Mr. Zhang Daqian and the young Wu Deng-yi during his early years (live media clip).

Mr. Liu Wei-Chi, President of Chung Hua University.

Mr. Wang Hsin-Li, Chairman of the Taiwan Committee for External Cooperation in Key Industries.

Ms. Tang Hsiao-Lan, Director of the Arts and Culture Center at Chung Hua University.

Contemporary ink painting master Mr. Wu Deng-yi.

Mr. Wu Deng-yi expressed in his speech: “I am delighted to see that a profound friendship has been established between Chung Hua University and the Wudengyi Art Museum, laying a solid foundation for fruitful cooperation between the two parties. This is thanks to the broad vision of President Liu Wei-chi and the proactive drive of Chairman Wang Xin-li. Despite facing numerous challenges over the past two years, the Wudengyi Art Museum has experienced many highlights and continued to host numerous interdisciplinary cultural and artistic events such as exhibitions and art salons, despite the impact of the pandemic. At the 2021 Art Taipei, my work ‘Imperial Landscape’ and others were exhibited in the special exhibition area, attracting attention from all walks of life. Similarly, in the same year, at the Poly Auction in Hong Kong, my two pieces ‘Clearing Mist at Yunxiu’ and ‘Sailing Shadows on the Gorge’ were satisfactorily collected by art collectors. These achievements can be seen as overcoming adversity. The proactive efforts of the museum have allowed me to focus wholeheartedly on my creation, devoting myself to improving my skills. Similarly, in 2021, the Wudengyi Art Museum took root in the culturally rich area of Danshui, establishing the Wu Deng-yi’s Contemporary Art Park, poised for further development.”

Group photo of guests at the opening ceremony.

The debut of “Imperial Landscapes” at the 2021 Art Taipei event.

The scene at the 2021 Poly Auction in Hong Kong.

When speaking about the current exhibition, he said, “This solo exhibition, ‘Wonderland of Life,’ is curated based on my experience in creating contemporary abstract works. You can see one of my representative works displayed here, titled ‘Realm of Life.’ The visual expression in that piece is quite characteristic, as it represents my breakthrough in both creative media and expression techniques. I aim to present a different perspective on nature and life, one that transcends the framework of traditional aesthetics. It goes beyond visible scenery or images, relying entirely on long-term accumulation, deep study, and refinement. I draw inspiration from the imagination and abstract thinking to create. Visually, these seemingly irregular and non-representational images mostly stem from years of practice, contemplation, and meticulous brushwork, eagerly awaiting those occasional moments of inspiration. Through the creative process, I deeply feel the transformation of tangible life into intangible forms, which is not a simple matter. Thus, I am constantly moved and enlightened by the wonder of life. In this exhibition, among the 36 works on display, in addition to several abstract pieces, I also showcase my series of ‘Contemporary Imagery Ink Paintings.’ Though limited by exhibition space, while the number of works may be small, I hope to present my recent insights into the theme of colored ink landscapes, allowing the audience to discover new pleasures and passions I have for this eternal subject. These two ‘new’ aspects are key to maintaining my creative drive and breakthrough power. This is what ‘Wonderland of Life’ exhibition presents by Wu Deng-yi.”

“Place of life” 54 x 46cm Mixed media on paper 2019

The Wudengyi Art Museum specially unveiled two long scroll paintings from its collection, “Feast of Taiwan” and “Imperial Landscapes,” as the highlight of the opening ceremony. As the scrolls slowly unfurled on the display stand, gradually revealing every captivating detail, the eyes of the guests and audience in attendance remained fixated on the artwork. Each scroll measures approximately 16 meters in length and took three years to create, completed in 2013 and 2021 respectively. The compositions and techniques employed in these two works demonstrate the distinct artistic evolution of Mr. Wu in recent years. In “Imperial Landscapes,” the depiction of towering rocky mountains, not typical of the usual waterfront landscapes, resembles more closely the appearance of Taihu stones found in traditional Chinese gardens. Mr. Wu simulates these natural formations, altering their proportions and reintegrating them into the landscape. The continuous arrangement of peculiar mountains and stones constructs the inner landscape of the artist, while the contemporary rendering of the mountain and water techniques adds another layer of interest. The texture reminiscent of Taihu stones lends a surreal quality to the layered mountains, imbuing each element, including the scattered fishing boats, with abstract significance. Thus, while evoking a dreamlike and lyrical scenery, these paintings also harbor symbolic meanings transcending reality.

“Imperial Landscapes” measures 1588 x 65.6cm and is rendered on ink and color on paper, completed in 2021.

Since its establishment on October 10, 2020, the Wudengyi Art Museum, a landmark in Taiwan represented by Taipei 101, has attracted close attention from various sectors due to the remarkable exhibition and collection achievements of Mr. Wu Deng-yi’s works. In 2022, after more than a year of preparation, the Wudengyi Art Museum and the Wu Deng-yi’s Contemporary Art Park in Tamsui will officially open before the end of the year. Following the opening of “Life Wonders” at the prestigious institution, Chung Hua University, the year’s finale exhibition, “The Essence of Shan Shui” will unveil Mr. Wu Deng-yi’s artistic world on a larger scale and in a more comprehensive and detailed presentation.

Life is full of wonders, like the landscapes in our hearts, magnificent yet silent.