Celebrating the 103rd birth anniversary of Chen Chi-kwan (1921-2007), Tainan Art Museum presents its feature exhibition Chen Chi-kwan: A Duet—Art and Architecture to memorize the great architect’s life and artistic journey through its four major topics: “Life,” “Sight,” “Cosmos,” “Architecture and Family.”  Meanwhile, the “World Map” section demonstrates Chen’s imprints in real life and architecture across Europe, Asia, America, and Africa, exploring how Chen developed a unique artistic signature as a modernist in the post-war world throughout his experiences of studying abroad, work, travel, and creation.  

The “duet,” as the exhibition title suggests, not only symbolizes Chen’s unparalleled achievements in both architecture and ink-wash painting, but also echoes the modern architectural practice of thin shell hyperbolic paraboloid which became trendy in the 1950s around the world.  The visually and acoustically evocative narrative of the exhibition thus invites viewers to experience the resonance between his architectural and artistic work, while the deployment of space—with elements such as Chinese-garden doors, windows, white walls, and moving landscape—creates a responsive relationship between viewers’ movement and the changing scenery to reveal the hidden charm of Chen’s cultural and artistic genius.

With the support of Chen’s family and close friends, Chen Chi-kwan: A Duet—Art and Architecture displays precious artworks on loan from Hawaii, Hong Kong, Singapore, and domestic collections.  Apart from the exhibition, it collaborates with the College of Fine Arts and Creative Design as well as the Department of Architecture at Tunghai University to organize a series of educational events, including forums and campus walking-tour to visit the buildings and sites designed by Chen during his first years in Taiwan, illustrating his unique spatial aesthetics and clever arrangement.  The exhibition is a tribute to the great architect and a new exploration of his iconic works.  Embarking on the artistic journey, we sincerely invite viewers to the world of Chen Chi-kwan and to discover the extraordinary personality and pioneering practices of Chen as a literatus architect and artist.