Tseng Hsien-Chen (1928)

Watercolor

1999~2000

Length:15 x Width:10 x Height:4 (cm)

The electric poles symbolize the leaving behind of traditional kerosene lamps and the arrival of the era of electrification. They can be considered a symbol of the modernization of farming villages. In these four paintings of rural communities, there are cement electric poles located next to cement homes. Electric lines and telephone lines connect these small towns with the outside world. This is very different from the landscape paintings of other artists which tend to play up the more romantic side of rural life. Tseng was very honest in his observation and style. Here, he sought to present images of modernization.
Tseng often created paintings on postcards, including landscapes, still lifes and portraits. Japanese Tanseido postcard paper was made by mounting rice paper imported from Jing County of China's Anhui Province on coated paper. It is very suited to sketching. This type of painting fits in the palm of the hand. Among Tseng's many works, this was uniquely representative.

Accession Number:B0041