Eastern Gouache

1997

Length:130.3 x Width:162 (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.
Liao Jui-Fen (1968-) drew inspiration for this work from field sketches she made of sunflower fields in Japan. She was struck by towering sunflowers in the countryside, taller than people and full of life. She recorded the experience in multiple studies. The female figure in the painting, seen from behind, was a model from Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music, where Liao studied. The moment she saw this short-haired, slender woman, Liao was reminded of her younger self. She merged this figure with the sunflower landscape and infused the work with the emotional uncertainty she experienced as a student abroad. Rendered in predominantly yellow hues, the painting also features soft touches of cool grays, blues, and purples, creating a subtle atmosphere of hesitation and introspection. The work was awarded Honorable Mention in the Nihonga category at the 63rd Taiyang Fine Arts Exhibition.

Accession number:20190100052