Taiwanese artist Chung Tun-hao reflects on two decades of art
Today, we take you to meet Taiwanese artist Chung Tun-hao. He graduated from the St. Petersburg State Repin Academy of Fine Arts after undergoing seven rigorous years of training. FTV reporter Stephany Yang spoke to Chung about his latest exhibition in Taiwan, which traces his 20-year artistic journey.
Chung is a graduate of the prestigious St. Petersburg State Repin Academy of Fine Arts, where he completed seven years of intensive classical training. Chung says the academy greatly shaped his artistic foundation. The first section of the exhibition features works created during his time as a student, featuring his realist portraits and landscapes rendered with meticulous detail.
Chung Tun-hao
Artist
During this period, I underwent seven years of training under the St. Petersburg State Repin Academy of Fine Arts, beginning with the fundamentals: sketching, anatomy, and composition. I studied the human body, portraiture, and color theory. I also sketch landscapes, and upon returning, I used those landscape studies and my travel experiences around the world to deepen and shape the core themes of my work.
Chung’s solo exhibition showcases the works he created during his seven formative years in Russia, alongside pieces inspired by his travels across Taiwan and the globe. Chung relies entirely on memory and observation, instead of modern tools like phones or cameras. He says he has never owned a phone before, as he hopes to rely solely on his memory and conversations with people to capture the story and scenes he encounters.
Chung Tun-hao
Artist
In my personal time, I often travel to European countries like France, Germany and Italy, mainly to absorb the visual language of Western painting. I also see the works of the great masters. I believe that the better the tools that assist me, the weaker my abilities become. That’s a belief I’ve always held. I do appreciate the convenience of technology, such as airplanes can take me all over the world. But I want to be the person least influenced by it. We have many sensory organs: the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and skin. It’s only by experiencing things firsthand through my body that I can truly feel, and bring those feelings back into my paintings. So, for me, not using tools like smartphones and computers is more beneficial than harmful. It allows me to connect with more strangers in a meaningful way.
This work was inspired by his student, Shu-rong. Chung says Shu rong’s unwavering determination and dedication to the craft are an inspiration to him.
Chung Tun-hao
Artist
The artwork with the blue background behind me features one of my students, Shu-rong, who passed away. At the age of 3, she developed a vascular tumor that caused her right leg to grow two to three times larger than normal. Her body was frail, and she also lost both of her parents. She couldn’t hold a job, but she remained deeply devoted to painting. She followed me to many different places and held numerous exhibitions. A few years ago, she passed away from cervical cancer. Despite the physical pain and financial hardships, it didn’t affect her or discourage her from her original passion for painting with me. If her story could inspire me, my other students, or anyone who loves painting, then I believe we should take a moment to reflect. Shu-rong’s presence left a profound impact on all of us.
Chung’s solo exhibition will be held at the Art Space in Taipei until Aug. 24.
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2025-07-30
