Airport exhibition focuses on Taiwan’s top scenic attractions

Located in terminal one’s A wing, “Landscapes of Taiwan’s Eight Scenic Spots” is part of the museum’s “Shaping Taiwan by Natural and Humanistic Symbols” series, which aims to show the beauty of the island’s natural environment and human civilization.

The decision as to which places should be included on the list was based on earlier lists of the “Eight Scenic Wonders of Taiwan” that have been compiled at various times since the 17th century, explained Huang Yung-chuan, NMH director.

“We also wanted to ensure that all four of Taiwan’s main regions — northern, central, southern, and eastern — would be represented,” he said.

Displaying Taiwan’s northern natural beauty are Lo Cheng-hsien’s “Surf of the North Coast” and Chiang Ming-Shyan’s “Springtime in Yangmingshan,” while Tsai Yuo’s “Autumn Moon in the Sun Moon Lake” and Su Fung-nan’s “Snowy Yushan” highlight central attractions.

Representing the island’s southern scenery are Wang You-chun’s “Alishan’s ‘Sea of Clouds’,” as well as Cheng San-Hsi and Lu Fu-shou’s “Scenery in Kenting.” Chou Chen’s “Seclusive Taroko Gorge,” and Lee Yi-hung’s “Rift Valleys in Eastern Hualien” complete the set of eight with their eastern renditions.

Speaking on behalf of the artists during the opening ceremony, Chou said, “We are very happy and proud to be a part of this project. We are all very familiar with Taiwan’s scenery, which we represent in the pieces you see here today.”

“It is also our wish to be able to give tourists a different and enjoyable experience as they walk through the corridor,” added the artist.

Chou explained that he chose to depict an old road in the Taroko Gorge area which holds a special meaning in Taiwan’s history, as it was often used by aborigines during early conflicts. “I wanted to feature a rarely-seen scenic area, as opposed to showing Taroko Gorge as most artists paint it.”

“This is a very meaningful project. It is a great way to promote the country’s tourism, by representing the beauty of its scenery through art,” said Tsai, who spent a full day observing the subject of his piece, the Sun Moon Lake located in his hometown of central Nantou.

Tsai said adding that he was particularly careful to capture the different moods of the Sun Moon Lake during the day and at night in his painting.

“The eight spots featured in the exhibit were chosen because of their uniqueness, but Taiwan as a whole is a beautiful island full of places that are all very special,” said Su.

“For me, Yushan (“Jade Mountain”) is a symbol of Taiwan for the strength it represents,” he said of his painting. Su likened his snow-capped rendition of the country’s tallest mountain to “a wiseman with white hair.”

“Taiwan is a beautiful island,” he said, echoing his colleagues’ emotions. “As children we often heard Taiwan described as such, but we never really believed it ... but now that we’ve left the country and seen other places, we know it’s true. Taiwan really is a beautiful island, full of flora, fauna, and countless other bounties,” remarked Su.

Cheng’s joint collaboration with fellow artist Lu on a colorful portrait of beach destination Kenting was an ambitious project from the outset. “The painting includes three very popular spots in Kenting which in reality are impossible to see at the same time,” said Cheng.

Cheng explained that in Chinese art, this method is quite common. “Chinese art extends through space and time and relies on capturing the feeling and essence of the subject. It is not merely a portrait drawn to scale.”

“The most important thing about the exhibition is to display Taiwan’s creativity,” remarked the NMH director.

“Many people who might not be able to visit the NMH can have the opportunity to be introduced to Taiwan’s beauty right here at the airport by admiring the different original pieces and reproductions displayed throughout the terminals,” noted Huang.

Carol Han, an NMH public affairs officer, explained that the museum spent two years in the special exhibition, which will run for about six months at the Taoyuan airport. It will then be moved to another NMH public space, including other airports such as Taipei’s Sungshan Airport or the one in Kaohsiung; while other exhibits will take its place in the Taoyuan airport, she said.

“In the future we will add other projects to the series, such as portraying eight of Taiwan’s most distinctive animals in the traditional ‘bird and flower painting’ style, eight of the country’s best flora and fauna, and others,” said the museum director.

NMH and Taoyuan airport’s partnership goes back some 20 years, according to the museum head. “We started with a service center that provided information of Taiwan’s national treasures and attractions. Now we also showcase traditional art pieces, such as ink brush paintings, pottery, and carvings.”

In addition, the NMH also operates museum shops in both terminals, as well as other showcase areas featuring some of the NMH’s best original artwork and reproductions.

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