Su Jen-Ming (1950-0)

Oil Painting

1997

Length:40 x Width:54 (cm)

This traditional four-sided Hakka compound features black roof tiles and red brick walls. During Taiwan's early development, most Hakka communities were in hilly areas. To avoid attacks by people or wild animals, extended families lived together under one roof.
This artist made use of extreme lines to exaggerate the distorted shapes of this Hakka home. The courtyard gate is slanted inward, resembling the defensive posture of someone with their arms folded across their chest. This symbolizes the unity and interdependent nature of the Hakka people. This painting is in the Expressionist style with intensified and exagerrated lines and distorted composition. Hakka writer Lee Chiao once commented that, "The uneasiness in Su Jen-Ming's works brings great peace. It is the peace of this island, the peace of this nation. It also demonstrates Su's unconscious reflection of his awareness of time and of society's image."

Accession Number:A0247