An art exhibition featuring a painting showing former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) interacting with former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe “in heaven” is to be held by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, Taiwan’s de facto embassy in the country.
The exhibit, the first in Japan for Taiwanese painter Chiu Kuei (邱貴), is to be held at the office’s Taiwan Cultural Center in Tokyo from Nov. 15 to Dec. 14.
Chiu, who organized a memorial photograph exhibition and concert for Abe in Tainan last year, said there was an outpouring of grief over the Japanese leader’s assassination on July 8 last year, with Taiwan feeling the loss of a true friend.
Photo courtesy of Chiu Kuei’s project team arranger Miki Chang
Chiu said that Abe became a subject for her after the Japanese politician two years ago expressed support for the nation by saying that “a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency.”
The painting of Lee and Abe — former heads of state who shared a storied friendship — playing go was a celebration of the friendship between Taiwan and Japan, she said, adding that the iconic mountains of Yushan and Fuji are the backdrop.
Lee passed away on July 30, 2020, aged 97.
Photo courtesy of Chiu Kuei’s project team arranger Miki Chang
Chiu said she started painting about nine years ago to relieve stress, adding that most of her works portray rustic landscapes and the folk culture of Taiwan.
The scenes she paints are often from her childhood memories or depict historical figures who made a positive impact on Taiwan, Chiu said.
One painting showcased at the exhibition is of Japanese hydraulic engineer Yoichi Hatta, who was responsible for building some of Taiwan’s most important public projects in the early 20th century, including the Wushantou Reservoir (烏山頭水庫) in Tainan’s Guantian District (官田).
Chiu is chairwoman of the Yoichi Hatta Cultural Foundation.
The exhbition’s largest painting, entitled Painting No. 100, depicts a religious feast at a temple, showing more than 100 guests, a chef worrying over a large skillet and dogs running under the table.
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