Hong-Gah Museum Spring Collection 2025

The founder of Hong-Gah Museum, Mr. Andrew Chew, began his journey as a collector in the 1980s, initially focusing on Chinese ink paintings while actively supporting contemporary Taiwanese artists. His collection includes traditional ink paintings, oil paintings, calligraphy, embroidery, as well as three-dimensional sculptures and video art. Since the establishment of Feng Chia Museum in 1999, it has consistently showcased its collection to the public through regular exhibitions.

In 2025, the spring exhibition at Hong-Gah Museum will feature selected gouache paintings themed “Flowers and Women,” highlighting the dynamic beauty of nature and femininity. Gouache painting, which originated in China, traveled to Japan before making its way to Taiwan during the Japanese colonial era. It is also referred to as “Toyo painting.” This technique involves grinding natural minerals into pigments and mixing them with processed gelatin, resulting in colors that are both rich and delicate, perfectly suited for depicting gentle natural scenes and cultural landscapes.

A notable highlight of the exhibition will be works by pioneering Taiwanese gouache artists Chen Chin and Kuo Hsueh-Hu. Kuo, the first female artist from Taiwan to study at Tokyo Women’s Art University, captures the social and cultural context of her time in her artwork. In one painting, a woman dressed in a white kimono adorned with maple leaf patterns stands beneath a flowering tree, her right hand gently resting in her hair. Her serene expression and graceful posture are complemented by the lush flowers on the branches, which serve as vibrant embellishments. Through soft brushstrokes, the artist conveys the gentle beauty of women.

Kuo Hsueh-Hu’s “The Night-blooming Cereus,” known as the “Moonlight Beauty,” blooms at night and wilts by morning. The artist’s keen observations of nature allow her to capture the fleeting beauty of the cereus in this piece. Delicate outlines of the flowers and leaves are drawn with light ink, while soft tones enhance the ephemeral beauty of the cereus, presenting a pure and elegant image.

Additionally, three works by Tainan-born artist Shi Jin-Hui will be on display: “Red Lily,” “Daffodil,” and “Study of Two Women.” This exhibition invites audiences to explore the delicate charm of gouache art and consider the various interpretations of female imagery in art. In this vibrant spring setting, the emotions expressed in the artworks invite contemplation.