Author:Shen Chen

Size:Length:132 x Width:105 (cm)

Size description：96.5×90 (畫心)

Introduction：Shen Chen (1952-), a native of Taitung, Taiwan, graduated from the Art Department of Fu Hsing Kang College, National Defense University (FHK), where he studied figure painting in ink under Li Chi-Mao. He has served as an artist-in-residence at Tamkang University, a review committee member at the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, and the director of the Li Chi-Mao Art Museum. He has also taught at the Taiwan University of Arts, Tamkang University, and the FHK, as well as being an associate professor in the Department of Art and Design at Yuan Ze University. Recognized as a highly skilled mid-generation Taiwanese artist with a diverse artistic repertoire. The 2012 large-scale ink painting “Chinese Madonna” was presented to the Pope at the Vatican and added to the Vatican’s collection, marking a great honor.

Shen Chen’s works have earned numerous national awards, and he has held over a hundred solo and group exhibitions both in Taiwan and abroad, with many pieces collected by public and private institutions. In July 2003, he traveled to Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia, to pursue a PhD in Visual Arts, during which he created this work, “Pedestrians in Perth.” Shen’s ink painting style significantly departs from traditional approaches. Rather than employing conventional expressive brushwork, he adopts meticulous observation, dynamic brushstrokes, and a realistic technique to depict diverse cultural customs, religious traditions, local ethnic identities, and human relationships worldwide. His distinctive artistic style has earned recognition in the international art scene.

In this artwork, Shen takes a realistic approach to portraying human figures, using expressive brush techniques to capture life’s many facets. He observes the world with a quiet gaze, reflecting genuine inner emotions and the everyday lives of ordinary people. Built upon a foundation of sketching, the piece showcases precise facial expressions and carefully rendered movements, vividly bringing Perth’s pedestrians to life. The interplay of ink tones within similar clothing styles effectively conveys differences in body posture and facial expressions, while the blurred background suggests the transient and unpredictable nature of life. The inscription left on the piece encapsulates the artist’s contemplative state during its creation, offering space for deeper reflection.

Accession Number:PT09902800

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