Chen Chih-Chi(1906-1931)

Oil Painting

1925~1930

Length:45.5 x Width:38 (cm)

　　 Taiwan Hometown Scene is a depiction of a street scene from Xizhi. The composition of this painting is made up of two triangles. This reveals his breakthrough in moving away from Ishikawa Kinichiro 's tri-sectional composition. In the foreground, to the left and right, the trees that line the street appear like erect, green spires. There are objects both close and far revealing a triangular perspective, and encouraging the observer to look ahead. Along this 1920s street in Xizhi, homes made from mud bricks and those with brick arches coexist. In the foreground, a woman carrying a bamboo pole is tending to her ducks. This artist presents the simplicity of life in a farming community in a lively and intriguing manner.
　　Chen once said, "I would rather live a life that is short and bright, rather than long and careful. I aspire to burst forth with vitality." He fell sick due to overwork and passed away at the age of 25. Although his artistic career was short, he opened a new chapter in autonomous esthetics in Taiwan's art history. His works revealed the intensity of his personal style. His brushstrokes were unrestrained and his use of colors was bold. His spatial composition served to create lifelike scenes. It can be said that this early Taiwanese artist developed works reminiscent of Fauvism and Expressionism.

Accession number:A0258