Tzutsai Deh's Art Works

Preface to Tzutsai Deh’s Oil Painting Exhibition 2010-08-07

By Frank Fang

Assistant Professor, the Institute of Applied Design, Sou-Te Technical

University

General Manager of Contemporary Art Space, Taiwan New Arts

There abounds written discussion of the arts since ancient times. Usually, specialized, academic language is used to interpret art, through the execution and development of forms and colors, or how new materials and technologies have been applied to create innovative new pieces. All of these approaches enrich the content of the art world and make art more enticing to the ordinary art lover.

But the above mentioned are not the most valuable aspects of art, the kind of things that touch people most. Forms and colors rarely can compare with the change of seasons in nature, for example.

Art records the human condition, expresses the relationships between man and society, as well as the turbulent emotions felt by the artist. These are the most priceless aspects about art that draw us to it, and arguably the most valuable and respected – they are core issues that cannot be found in other trades. We can get closer to the truth of art and savor its taste fully only if we look at art from this point of view.

Tzutsai Deh’s oil painting embraces the land in Taiwan in its totality, both directly and passionately. He uses his painting as an idiom to praise or express grief about his homeland, which he loves most in this world, with his whole heart. One can see in his painting that he is beyond the entanglements of most men and material things, and devotes himself whole-heartedly to experiencing the intimate relationships between the land, nature and humanity in Taiwan.

Forty years ago, Tzutsai Deh was involved in an assassination attempt at Plaza Hotel in New York which shock the world and the people on Taiwan. Now he is using colors and forms in his life’s work to explore his passion for Taiwan, and it is clear that he has been most consistent in this pursuit of life, bravery, perseverance and love. These are the most valuable and touching things about Tzutsai Deh’s art: it’s direct, passionate and honest.

Looking at Deh’s artworks, we don’t have to search for art theories or compare with Paris, New York or Peking for a style reference. It seems there is always hegemonic thought behind the mainstream style of art, which Deh’s work easily transcends.

I think Deh’s art needs little to no explanation. There is no fixed style, no need to have any prior experience to understand or interpret. The depth of his art is shown in despair or praise, emotions felt when man boldly faces nature or his own fate, whether it be with love, hate, joy, sorrow, pity, prayer or despair.

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