With the multiple layers of saturated color hues by way of color processing, the unique esthetics of oriental folklore is fully represented in his depiction with themes, whether characters, landscapes, houses, animals, or flowers are all breathed into life with vigor; likewise, the lines simultaneously convey a sense of plainness, delight, simplicity, childlike joy as well as a sophisticated charm. The printmaker is highly recognized and acclaimed in the art scene for his explicitly bold, unstrained and overwhelmingly exhaustive strokes which are suggestive of a subtle power of delicacy and grace. WU Hao’s artwork with themes mainly adopted from life experiences is imbued with profound nostalgia for homeland. Through dialogues with his hometown in the artwork, he transforms certain elements into his artistic creation, such as dazzling colors within a picture while flower planting and gardening in his childhood and the bucolic kaleidoscopic tints with boisterous festive totems. Against the contrast backdrop of cornucopian, unrestrained composition, the flowing lines converge and result in a distinct style with strongly individual formation and language of arts. WU Hao has his artistic career lasted over sixty years. This exhibition presents a complete collection of his prints created over the years. Apart from the highly popular representatives such as Old House among the Reeds and Twelve Musicians, there are a lot of magnificent prints that are first displayed to the public; meanwhile, the artwork comprises and well reflects the quintessence of the artist’s lifelong art. At this exhibition, it is expected to witness the purified immaculate beauty conveyed through WU Hao’s artistic creation after all the vicissitude experienced in his life, as well as the sublimated lofty full self at one with nature after transcending the earthly prosperity.
About Wu Hao
WU Hao was born in Nanjing in 1932. After crossing the strait to settle in Taiwan, he served in the army and learned painting under LI Chun-Sheng’s instruction when off duty. In 1956, he co-founded the Dong Fang Art Association with other artists; altogether they are addressed as the Eight Pioneers. In addition, he is a founding member of the Modern Printmaking Society and takes up the position as chairman of LI Chun-sheng Modern Painting Foundation. He is a recipient of various awards for honorary accomplishments, such as Duke Award in British International Print Biennial, Gold Seal Award, Taiwan Society of Printmaking, and Gold Noble Award, Art Society of China. In recent years, along with the persistently constant artistic creation, he has established the LI Chun-sheng Modern Painting Foundation Award so as to contribute to nurturing young talents of arts. WU Hao is renowned for his printmaking and oil painting. His oil paintings contain the interest of prints while the grains and texture of oil painting are revealed through his prints. He acquires knowledge concerning modern painting under the tutelage of LI Chun-sheng, and inspirationally absorbs the essences derived from Dunhuang grottoes, new year pictures and embroidery. He highlights the important configuration of lines through delineation of Chinese painting techniques such as ink and wash, fine brushwork and outline drawing. As a result, he successfully initiates his own distinctive artistic style. In his artwork, the oriental spirits and colors are the focal point and converged with the singular formation and composition of folkloric arts.
