Chen Cheng-po, a name from the 228 Incident in Taiwan?

No—he is an unforgettable Taiwanese painter!

Mina is a Taiwanese who loves painting, and her curiosity was ignited by Chen Cheng-po’s self-portrait. In the background of Chen Cheng-po’s self-portrait, concentric circles of golden yellow resemble flowers and the tangy sweetness of pineapple slices. The expression in the portrait seems to be filled with words unspoken, perhaps reflecting the suppressed feelings of that era, where some things could be said while others couldn’t.

For Chen Cheng-po, nature served as his creative studio. He meticulously observed the play of light and shadow in the natural world, translating it into oil colours on canvas. Even within a lush forest, he managed to capture a vivid mosaic of colours. With his brush, he documented the transition of the era from agriculture to gradual industrial urbanization. He wholeheartedly embraced art education, hoping the layers of aestheticism in art could nurture the power to change destinies. He was also a devoted husband and father. His paintings are filled with his love, conveying a quietly passionate and romantic sentiment.

“Use the sincerity of art to warm the lives of the people of the island.” This was the spiritual mission behind his founding of the “Red Island Society” with fellow painters, highlighting the strong connection between artists of that time and the land of Taiwan.

becky, who immigrated from Taiwan to Canada, is a writer who loves stories. She finds joy unraveling the deep sentiments woven together by words. By a twist of fate, she encountered the literary works of Canadian painter Emily Carr. Inspired by the world the painter shared through writing and art, becky sets out to explore connections to the world Chen Cheng-po experienced on the other side of the ocean during the same era.

These two women view art and literature as integral parts of life. Let’s share our perspectives, perhaps we can uncover some hidden secrets about Chen Cheng-po!