Eastern Gouache

1999

Length:175.4 x Width:220.4 x Height:3 (cm)

Liao Jui-Fen (b. 1968, Qingshui, Taichung) studied under her father, gouache painter Liao Da-Sheng (1939-). She later earned her master’s degree in Japanese painting (nihonga) at Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music in Japan. Her practice centers on gouache painting, combining traditional Eastern aesthetics with local Taiwanese imagery to express a strong sense of place.
This work depicts the elaborately carved beams and columns of a Taiwanese temple’s sanchuan hall, along with the Tiangong censer that bears the wishes of worshippers. The red dougong brackets, white paired dragon columns, and dark brown incense burner form a balanced composition, evoking the solemn and sacred spirit of the temple. Although no figures are shown, the many red incense sticks and curling white smoke suggest a temple bustling with spiritual activity.
Using soft layers of gouache, Liao delicately renders the ornate architectural elements and auspicious motifs found in Taiwanese temples. The richly decorative brackets and vividly colored designs are vividly brought to life, while layered pigments create a smoky haze around the temple’s entrance.

Accession number:20170300121