Publication

Early Life and Influences

Born in 1931 in Jinan, Shandong, Tao-Ming Chen moved to Chengdu, Sichuan, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, where he lived in a temple for two years. The worn textures of the temple and the ancient Buddha sculptures there became a major inspiration for his later works.

Education and Early Career

After relocating to Taiwan in 1949 with his family, Tao-Ming Chen studied art at the Taiwan Provincial Taipei Normal School. He trained under the guidance of Li Zhongsheng, a well-known painter. In 1956, his abstract oil paintings, "Boat Song" (船歌) and "Mysterious Flutist" (神秘吹笛者), were selected for the "National Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition." That same year, he co-founded the "Eastern Painting Society" with other artists such as Ouyang Wenyuan and Xiao Qin, a group also known as the "Eight Great Masters."

International Recognition

Tao-Ming Chen's works were showcased at the São Paulo Biennial in Brazil twice, and he received an exhibition award at the Hong Kong International Painting Salon in 1960.

Marriage and Family Life

In 1964, Tao-Ming Chen married Mrs. Ke Amei. To support his family's financial stability, they opened a "Three Stars Tailor" in the Tianmu area of Taipei. Tao-Ming Chen also took charge of the store's architectural and interior design. Despite his commercial pursuits, he continued to participate in exhibitions, including those of the Eastern Painting Society.

Artistic Experimentation

Beginning in 1975, Tao-Ming Chen explored new media, particularly acrylics, to develop a fresh artistic language. In 1979, he held a joint exhibition with Yang Xing Sheng at the "Luo Fu Gallery" in Taipei.

Later Success and Recognition

In 1996, his work "Children and Horses" (兒童與馬) was acquired by the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. In 2012, he held his first solo exhibition at the Taipei Eslite Gallery, re-entering the public art scene. That same year, his piece "26102010-1" was acquired by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts.

Artistic Style and Legacy

Tao-Ming Chen's works have been described as having "musical, harmonious colors." He is known for his ability to create a sense of three-dimensional space in his abstract paintings. His works feature delicate textures, lively thick paint strokes, and rich, harmonious colors. His later works radiate a light that reflects the vitality of life, leaving a colorful mark in Taiwanese art history.

Artistic Approach

Tao-Ming Chen's work combines abstract painting with a sense of space and texture. He uses intricate brushstrokes and a dynamic composition that feels both energetic and peaceful, akin to the flow of music. His later works particularly highlight his exploration of light and color, creating a vibrant and emotional resonance in his pieces. His dedication to blending form and feeling has left a lasting impact on Taiwanese modern art.

This biography portrays Tao-Ming Chen not just as an artist, but as a significant figure who shaped Taiwan's cultural landscape through his distinctive approach to both art and life.