Chang Chiu-Tai (1938)

Watercolor

1978

Length:53 x Width:73 (cm)

This farmer is simply portrayed in dark colors. The fall is when farmers work hard to harvest rice. The unhusked rice that is gathered is placed into baskets and the rice husks are spread over the paddies to naturally provide nutrients to the soil. A farmer spreads rice husks on a clear day and they sparkle in the sunlight. It is like a beautiful golden rain. The smell of the paddy rice seems to float on the fall breezes. This is a sweet poetic description of a farm village.
As a Hakka artist and having grown up on a farm and served as an elementary school principal, Chang realistically and profoundly depicts farm life. Farmers cautiously and conscientiously carry out their work without complaint. Their lives are ordinary, but without lack. When all is quiet and still, they do not feel low. He uses strong contrasting colors in his works. Looking at his paintings is like traveling through a time tunnel into a traditional farming community.

Accession Number:B0017