Traversing Streams and Crossing Peaks – A New Transformation Unveiled
The opening ceremony of this exhibition was held today (2nd) at Wenhua Hall, National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, curated by the art connoisseur, Dr. Yeh. This milestone exhibition showcases the calligraphy of Huang Kuo-Shu, centered on four thematic elements. The first, “Traversing Ancient and Modern,” metaphorically expresses the artist’s fluid journey through the profound realms of calligraphy, as if a dragon swimming in an ink sea; “Strength with Flexibility” symbolizes the artist’s passionate dedication to art and his aspiration for balance and ease, in governance, interactions, and creative expression; “Flowing Like Clouds and Water” reveals an impression of unrestrained freedom and the artist’s own ideals for life and art; and “In a Small Space, a Vast Distance” reaches for the highest state of art, creating an expansive visual that brings boundless emotion, depth, and resonance to the viewer.
Dr. Yeh, the curator, remarks, “Calligraphy must undergo intense refinement, combining the essence of various styles to gradually shape its own distinct appearance.” Huang Kuo-Shu, who began his studies through replicating the calligraphy of esteemed figures, has harmonized these foundations with his aesthetic, bringing forth innovation from the traditional and imparting his work with a unique vitality.
Excellence Through Diligence, Art Refined by Passion
Huang’s love for culture and art has driven him to support and promote Taiwan’s diverse cultural landscape, with many quintessentially Taiwanese phrases, such as “Formosa,” “Traversing Streams and Peaks,” “Grassland Drums Bring Joy,” and “Heaven Blesses the Honest,” prominently featured in his work. His guiding principles—“Joy in Being a World Citizen,” “Walking the Path of Art,” and “Governing a Nation is Like Cooking Small Fish”—drive him to fulfill every request to the best of his ability.
Though his duties as a legislator are numerous, his artistic pursuits have continued. According to Professor Shih-Chiung Hsiao, Huang’s art reflects key characteristics: rooted in family heritage, shaped through experience, unassuming, inquisitive, well-versed in ancient styles, and synthesized with a modern understanding. Art is intimately tied to the artist’s personality and spirit, as “True character reveals through one’s passions.” The pandemic allowed him quiet dedication to his craft, a detachment from desire fostering spiritual richness and transcendence, qualities mirrored in his work.
Huang expresses, “Many people helped make this exhibition possible, especially my dear friend Shih-Chiung Hsiao, whose encouragement over the years has given me more opportunities to share my inspired ideas under the moon. Thanks to Minister Li Yung-Te of the Ministry of Culture, who valued my input on numerous cultural policies and contributed a preface for the exhibition catalog; to Director Liang Yung-Fei of the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, whose encouragement many years ago rekindled my passion for calligraphy; to Director Wang Lan-Sheng of the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall for assisting with the exhibition setup; to Director Liao Hsin-Tien of the National Museum of History, a scholar in the history of calligraphy, who offered insights into my story in calligraphy; and to Mr. Lin Lung-Ta, who, despite his busy schedule, penned words of encouragement as my long-time calligraphy idol.” For this exhibition, Huang used nearly a hundred of his personal seals. He is particularly grateful to the seal-carving masters whose exquisite stamps transformed his works, and lastly to Chairman Liu Hsi-Hai of DeTu Art, whose appreciation over the years brought his works into the auction market spotlight.
