Walking around the geometric abstraction exhibition at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, one explores the varieties of Taiwanese abstract art, as well as examining the melding of Western concepts with Eastern philosophy that created a unique movement in Taiwan.
The Lyricism of Form: Geometric Abstraction highlights more than 50 pieces from 14 Taiwanese artists and spans the history of the movement in Taiwan from its onset in the 1960s to the present day.
Near the entrance of the exhibition is Chen Shiu-ming's (
Hu Kun-jung's (
Artists such as Richard Lin (
Images of folk art are also rich in Shiy De Jinn's (
From a postmodern perspective, Chang Cheng-jen (
When viewed as a whole, there doesn't seem to be a common thread underlining the exhibit, nor is it arranged in any particular order, chronological or otherwise. It does, however, examine the numerous influences -- both Western and Chinese -- that lead to a variegated abstract movement in Taiwan. The exhibit also provides an impressive overview of the group of artists who constructed the movement.
Equally interesting is how these pieces, which were originally influenced by works from the late 19th century, have become commonplace, mass-produced interior designs in bars, clubs and local homeware stores around the globe.
Exhibition notes:
What: The Lyricism of Form: Geometric Abstraction
Where: Taipei Fine Arts Museum (台北市立美術館) 181 Zhongshan N Rd, Sec 3, Taipei (臺北市中山北路３段１８１號).
Telephone: (02) 2595 7656
When: Until Oct. 10, Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Closed on Mondays
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