Taiwanese contemporary artist Chu Chen-nan (朱振南) yesterday donated two of his works of art to the French government as part of an effort to promote cultural exchanges between the two nations.
“I am very honored and pleased... This is a special moment for me,” Chu said at a ceremony in Taipei while giving away two of his works, La Seine et Notre-Dame de Paris and Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite.
The two works “represent my affection and respect for France,” he said, adding that he hoped the donations would “enrich” the cultural exchanges between Taiwan and France.
Photo: CNA
Praising Chu as a great artist and a friend of his nation, French Representative to Taiwan Jean-Francois Casabonne-Masonnave thanked the master calligrapher for his donations on behalf of Paris.
The donated works are much welcomed as France celebrates its national day, Bastille Day, he said.
He added that the French Office in Taipei was working on organizing an exhibition of Chu’s works in Paris so more French people would have the opportunity to see his creations.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Chu said he developed a close connection with France when he studied and worked as an artist in residence in the nation in 1996 after receiving a grant from the Taiwanese government.
La Seine et Notre-Dame de Paris was created in 2005 and inspired by his one-year stay in France, during which he could see the cathedral from the window of his studio, Chu said.
Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite, which uses the French motto, was created this year and is meant to convey his best wishes to France as Paris prepares to host the Olympic Games next year, he said.
The French Office said the two works of art would be exhibited at Taipei Zhongshan Hall from Wednesday next week to Aug. 13.
The delivery of the two works to France is still being organized, said the office, which represents France’s interests in Taiwan in the absence of diplomatic relations.
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