News Title｜Taichung City Seaport Art Center

The Taichung City Seaport Art Center is currently showcasing “The Lin, Hsuan-Yu Art Exhibition” in Exhibition Room A, the largest venue of its kind in Taiwan (1798.5 m2). Running until May 18, 2025, the exhibition features both Lin’s earlier works and her more recent, refined creations. Her works, rendered in Eastern gouache techniques, represent her reflections on life in different phases. Art lovers are encouraged to come and explore the exhibition.

Lin Hsuan-Yu, a recipient of multiple top-three awards at the Da Dun Fine Arts Exhibition (2007–2009) and a gold medalist at the 2016 National Art Exhibition, holds a master’s degree in Eastern Gouache painting from Tunghai University and currently teaches liberal education part-time at Overseas Chinese University. According to Zeng Neng-Ting, Deputy Director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Lin's works stand out not only for their rich thematic expression but also for her integration of mixed media—a bold step away from the traditional purity of Eastern gouache art. Through her pieces, she reflects on changing times and personal introspection, telling vivid stories that draw viewers into the intricate and profound world of Eastern gouache painting.

Lin Hsuan-Yu shared that her exhibition is organized into four series. The “Card Series” captures snapshots of changing times—each card is not just a painting, but a story in itself. The “Figure Series” reflects moments when she faced setbacks in her creative process or challenges in life, placing herself within the imagined space to wander. The “Landscape Series” brings together the majesty of nature and the richness of human culture, inviting viewers to feel both the serenity and strength of the natural world. Lastly, the “Garden Series” highlights the resilience of flowers and plants, reflecting a calm, mountain lifestyle and a return to spiritual tranquility.

Lin Hsuan-Yu recalled that among all her works, the one that left the deepest impression on her was Tears of the Madonna, created during her time in Rouen, France. The painting was inspired by the collective shock surrounding the Notre-Dame de Paris fire, which she captured through the symbolic image of a tearful Madonna. She described a striking moment when, just as the artwork was completed, church bells unexpectedly rang out nearby—“as if the Madonna herself sensed the painting was finished.” That moment, filled with emotion, moved Lin to tears. The Madonna’s tearful expression, combined with the uncanny timing, made the experience profoundly touching and shocking.

Reflecting on her artistic style, Lin Hsuan-Yu shared that her background in fashion design gave her a strong grasp of form and color—skills that continue to influence her work today. While studying Eastern gouache painting at Tunghai University, she was deeply inspired by her mentor, Professor Ni Zai-Qin, who once told her, “It’s not about what you paint, but how you paint it.” Revealing a distinctive artistic style has become an important direction of thought during the creative process, and it is also a challenge that every artist must face. One strives to develop a painting style that can be instantly recognized at a glance.

For more information about the exhibition, please visit the official website of the Taichung City Seaport Art Center (https://tcsac.taichung.gov.tw/). Art lovers are warmly invited to explore Lin Hsuan-Yu’s creative philosophy and experience this visual and emotional feast of art.