“Appreciation Ceremony for Donation of Prof. Guo Tong Jong’s Oil Paintings” was held at the Library of National Chiayi University on Oct. 28th. President Han-Chien Lin, on behalf of the university, presented a certificate of appreciation to Mrs. Chen Xiu-Yeh, widow of Prof. Guo Tong Jong. The ceremony aimed to express their gratitude to Mrs. Chen for donating six oil paintings (width: 259 cm), two sculptures, painting tools, and art books by Prof. Guo to NCYU for collection and exhibition. Their market value is estimated to exceed NT$60 million in total.
President Lin said he was grateful to Ms. Chen for her generous donation, which provides NCYU’s teachers, students, and the public with a glimpse of the master’s original works through the precious collection. An artistic encounter can cleanse the mind and alleviate the stress from schoolwork or work. Thus, Library Director Jui-Chang Liao was appointed as curator of “Permanent Exhibition of Prof. Guo Tong Jong's Works” on the first floor of the Library. The exhibition showcases the cultural assets of Taiwan's post-war modern art movement that are of great historical significance and value.
Born in Chiayi in 1927, Prof. Guo graduated from Kagi Agricultural and Forestry School in 1945; and in 1950, he was admitted to the Department of Fine Arts, Taiwan Provincial Teachers College. In 1956, he founded the Fifth Moon Group jointly with classmates including Lee Fang Chie, Liu Kuo-Sung, and Guo Yu-lun, which opened a new chapter in Taiwan's post-war modern art. In 1962, recognized for his outstanding academic performance and artistic talent, he went to Japan for further studies. In 1966, He earned a master's degree from Waseda University and Tokyo University of the Arts. He was the only Taiwanese painter to be admitted to the Oil-Painting Department, Tokyo University of the Arts in the post-war era, and enjoyed a high reputation in Japan. In 1990, he was invited back to Taiwan to serve as Head of the Fine Arts Section, National College of Arts. Prof. Guo was Lifetime Chair Professor at NCYU, where he served as Distinguished Chair Professor at the Department (and Graduate Institute) of Visual Arts. He was also honored as a Distinguished Alumni of NCYU.
Throughout his life, Prof. Guo had been a passionate art lover and a
tireless creator. His works reflect themes such as war and chaos, changes in
the times, and humanity. His creative spirit of innovation and change
demonstrates an open-mindedness in the field of art and culture, making him a
role model for Taiwanese artists and a pride of NCYU. One and all are invited
to visit the Library on the Lantan campus and feast their eyes on the master's
original works.
Photo 1: Everyone is welcome to see the collection of oil paintings and
other masterpieces by alumnus Guo Tong Jong at NCYU.
Photo 2: President Han-Chien Lin presented a certificate of appreciation to Mrs.
Chen Xiu-Yeh (in the middle), widow of Prof. Guo Tong Jong.
Photo 3: Dr. Zhang Yong-Lin delivered his remarks.
Photo 4: A display of Prof. Guo Tong Jong's sculptures, painting tools,
and art books.
Photo 5: A display of materials used by Prof. Guo Tong Jong in his
artistic creation.
Photo 6: Family members of Prof. Guo Tong Jong and NCYU faculty members
posed for a memorable photo in front of his work “The yearling.”