23 Taiwanese artists featured in French art exhibition

Paris, Feb. 18 (CNA) Art Capital 2025, an art exhibition being held in Paris from Feb. 19-22, has invited a record number of 23 Taiwanese artists to showcase their works, according to the Taiwan Academy of Fine Arts (TAFA).

Taiwanese artist A-Sun Wu (吳炫三) is displaying his "Michel et ses parents," which depicts the relationship between parents and children on an tropical island.

Wu told CNA that he grew up in rural Yilan County, playing with Indigenous children.

Despite living in France for over three decades, Wu still has deep connections with Taiwan. "The culture of a tropical island provides me with sustenance and nature is the flavor of the mother. I am an artist cultivated by Taiwan."

Having participated in the exhibition for almost 20 years, Wu told CNA that it allows artists to "meet with their art."

Visitors to the exhibition including artists, collectors and art institutions. Artists can view works by other artists as can potential sponsors, he added.

"Some galleries come to me because they have seen my works here [at the exhibition]," Wu said

Other Taiwanese artists showcasing their works include 19 from TAFA.

Liang Yung-fei (梁永斐), the director of the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts as well as a TAFA fellow, told CNA that Taiwanese art is rooted in localism combined with elements from overseas, blending tradition and modernism.

He expressed hope that the event will convey the spirit of Taiwanese artists to the world, as well as be seen by Taiwanese living in France.

Diplomacy is more effective when it is led by culture, Liang said.

"Taiwan is a free and democratic country with open, diverse and unrestricted ideas," he added.

Huang Chin-lung (黃進龍), an executive officer at TAFA, told CNA the academy has promoted international dialogue and worked to enhance the visibility of Taiwanese art since its establishment in 2010.

It is the first time works by TAFA artists have been displayed in Paris and it is hoped Taiwanese characteristics and artistic energy will be seen and enjoyed by as many people as possible, he said.

"We have been steeped in Taiwanese culture since we were young. When we portray things utilizing our aesthetic base, they are infused with the background and traits of Taiwanese culture," he said.

Art Capital is sponsored by the French Ministry of Culture and incorporates four arts fairs, including Salon des Indépendants, Salon Comparaisons, Salon des Artistes Français and Salon Dessin & Peinture à l'Eau, according to its official website.

It exhibits 2,000 artists from all disciplines and attracts 40,000 visitors each year.