Upcoming│Variations of Mountain and Sea Spirits: Cheng Chien-chang's Historical Paintings of Taiwan

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Upcoming│Variations of Mountain and Sea Spirits: Cheng Chien-chang's Historical Paintings of Taiwan

2026.09.19 - 2026.12.27 KMFA Gallery 401-405

Cheng Chien-chang (born 1956) is part of Taiwan’s post-war baby boomer generation and is recognized as a leading figure among the “New Generation” artists of the 1980s. After gaining initial recognition in the art scene, he resolved to return to his hometown of Chiayi, embarking on a journey to reconnect with his personal and historical roots. His works respond to the rhythm of Taiwan’s political, economic, and social changes while paying even closer attention to the historical past, ethnic conflict and integration, as well as the clash, struggle, and harmony between humans and nature.

Featuring recurring motifs such as mountains, the land, rivers, deities, and visages, his paintings blend Christian narratives—such as “leaving the Garden of Eden” and “searching for the Promised Land of Canaan”—with the Han Chinese history of “crossing the Black Ditch” and the worship of “land”. They also incorporate indigenous animism surrounding “sacred trees” and “trees of life,” alongside the “heroic souls” of politically oppressed groups during post-war upheavals. Through these elements, Cheng crafts a spiritual “variation” inspired by the “mountain and sea spirits” of Taiwan.

Reflecting on Cheng’s artistic career for over 40 years, the exhibition is organized into four thematic sections: “Shan Hai Jing Series,” “Tree Spirit Series,” “Icon Series,” and “Da Kuai Series”. Although these individual series were created during overlapping periods, their starting points illustrate the broader shift and development in the artist’s creative philosophy. We invite you to step into the gallery and explore Taiwan’s intricate, rich, and diverse spiritual heritage through Cheng Chien-chang’s historical paintings.

Curator｜Hsiao Chong-ray
Artist｜Cheng Chien-chang

Supervisor | Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Kaohsiung City Government
Organizer | Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts
Sponsor｜Dimensions Art
Exhibition Installation｜Crown Van Lines Co., Ltd
Appointed Deformaldehyde Coating Sponsor | HOPAX

Opening Event
Saturday, 19 September, 2026
Gallery 404 of Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts

14:00-14:30 Opening
14:40-16:00 Gallery Forum

Moderator: Hsiao Chong-ray (Curator)
Guest speakers: Chen Kuang-yi (Director of National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts), Shih Jui-jen (Former Director of MoCA Taipei ) , Chen Shui-tsai (Artist)