Chu Ko (1931-2011), whose real name is Yuan Te-Hsing, was born in Hunan, China. He moved to Taiwan in 1949. He was a poet, painter, art critic, historian, literati artist and also a legend in Taiwan’s art and culture circle. Chu spent over thirty years researching works of bronze at the National Palace Museum. His profound artistic and cultural connotations have led him to become one of the main spokesmen of Taiwan modern art movement in the 1970s, and known as an “art revolutionist of modern ink painting.” His concise but intense brush strokes derived from ancient Chinese knot-pattern, create an abstract yet distinctive composition. He often wrote modern poetry and prose in his works; reading the words along with the painting became an intriguing way of appreciating Chu Ko’s works.

His life was rich with artistic and literary achievements. He is recognized as one of the most significant ink painters in the 20th century in Taiwan and China. His works have been exhibited in China, the United States, Canada, various countries in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea, and collected by many museums and international private collectors. His works had been exhibited in Art Basel Hong Kong from 2017 to 2020.