Kuo Hsueh-Hu is one of the most representative and influential artists in Taiwan from the Japanese colonial period to the present day. He is also a pioneer of Taiwanese gouache painting, known as one of the ‘Three Youths of the Taiten’ alongside Chen Chin and Lin Yushan. The Taiwanese scenery he painted is outlined with heavy colors and light ink. The avant-garde and innovative colors of Taiwanese style continue to inspire contemporary artists today.

Liang Gallery tries to provides a channel of time through ‘generative art,’ using a contemporary aspect to view Kuo’s work. Besides exhibiting Kuo Hsueh-Hu’s wonderful original works, it also includes generative artists such as Aluan Wang, Lin Jingyao, Newyellow, Chen I-Chun, Chen Pu, Liu Naiting, and others to complement Kuo’s classic artworks. Combining still life and modern motion effects, as if a dialogue throughout centuries.

Generative artists use programming algorithms or AI to create artworks, evolving from simple geometric shapes and lines to the present day. The rise of blockchain technology is opening up a new ecosystem and perspective in the art world. This collaboration brings together Taiwanese new media artists and generative artists to engage in a dialogue with Kuo Hsueh-Hu, one of Taiwan’s most representative and influential artists from the Japanese colonial period to modern times, known for his gouache paintings. Exploring Kuo Hsueh-Hu works from various angles, including themes, materials, composition, and color tones, provides generative artists with more creative possibilities. At the same time, algorithms and AI technology reinterpret Kuo’s artistic world, showcasing the connection between history and the contemporary era.

The works in this exhibition are cast on the blockchain, ensuring the security and authenticity of the artworks, while also opening up new possibilities in the art market. Blockchain technology ensures the authenticity and ownership of artworks, establishing transparency in the value of art. In addition, based on the exhibition and lectures, proof-of-attendance (POA) events will be issued to deepen the interaction between the audience and the exhibition, extending the impact of the exhibition beyond the venue.

In the past few years, there has been excessive focus on discussing and promoting the popularity of NFTs. However, returning to the essence of creation, NFTs and blockchain serve as mediums and platforms for emerging artists. It is precisely because of these mediums that emerging artists are beginning to explore more possibilities.

Apart from being a prominent Taiwanese gouache painter in Taiwan, Kuo Hsueh-Hu during his lifetime, passionately dedicated himself to experimenting with various new media, including photography and computer-simulated perspectives compositions, making him a pioneer in Taiwan’s art history.

The dialogue between generative artists and Kuo Hsueh-Hu holds profound significance, representing the shared exploration of unknown territories by artists across different eras. This allows Taiwanese generative artists to seek their roots and nourishment in the global generative art culture and ecosystem, developing a unique artistic path for Taiwan.

Furthermore, we will organize lectures during Taipei Blockchain Week and artists’ events. Liang Gallery sincerely invites your participation.

Kuo Hsueh-Hu and Generative Artists: Landscape Across Centuries

Duration: December 9, 2023 (Sat) – January 14, 2024 (Sun)

Opening: December 9, 2023 (Sat), 15:00

Lecture and Artist Talk “From Ecology to Artwork: The Mutual Gaze between Painting and Blockchain Art": December 23, 2023 (Sat), 15:00

Venue: Liang Gallery, 2F (No. 366 Ruiguang Road, Neihu District, Taipei City)

Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00-18:00; Closed on Monday.