Shiy De-Jinn (1923-1981)

Ink Painting

1977

Length:55 x Width:75 (cm)

The ash gray roof tiles and white walls stand out amid the clear day. In the lower left corner is a bright red window lattice, revealing the characteristics and unique charm of these residences. Shiy's water and ink paintings incorporated Western coloring. He blended different colors to produce a near gray shade, which differed from the traditional ink and color methods. From the TV antennae on top of the roofs, viewers can perceive that this is a modern scene of Kinmen.
Old Residences on Kinmen is one of a series of paintings by this artist on traditional southern Chinese architecture. These residence on Taiwan's offshore island of Kinmen reveal the ancient architectural style of Fujian and Xiamen in China. Due to Kinmen's early development it is rich in history and culture. Many of its early residents immigrated from Zhangzhou and Quanzhou, bringing with them their architecture and customs. Forty years of martial law slowed the pace of Kinmen's urbanization, allowing many of its historical monuments and culture to be preserved. Perhaps this is the reason this artist traveled to Kinmen to paint its landscapes.

Accession Number:C0017