Eastern Gouache

1976

Length:109 x Width:78.5 (cm)

Chen Shih-Chu (1930-2007, Dou-nan, Yunlin) studied at Chih-tong Agricultural School in Yunlin, where he was taught by the gouache painter Huang Ou-Po (1917-2003). Later, during his time at the Taiwan Provincial Taichung Normal School (now National Taichung University of Education), he studied under gouache painter Lin Chih-Chu (1917-2008). Chen devoted more than 40 years to teaching while actively pursuing gouache painting. His works were frequently recognized at the Taiyang Fine Arts Exhibition, and he was an active member of the Taiwan Provincial Gouache Painting Association and the Taiyang Fine Arts Association.
Eggplant Garden depicts a male golden pheasant standing in front of an eggplant field, glancing back at a fluttering yellow butterfly. In the upper portion of the composition, low trellises support eggplants heavy with ripe fruit, their downward-hanging forms contrasting with the pheasant below. The horizontally divided composition draws the viewer’s attention to the subtle interaction between the pheasant and the butterfly, evoking the ease and charm of rural life.
To capture the pheasant’s details with precision, Chen kept several golden pheasants at home for sketching studies. The work features a balanced layout, finely executed outlines, and delicately layered colors. It was awarded the Bronze Medal at the 39th Taiyang Fine Arts Exhibition.

Accession number:20170100013