If art is a reflection of life, then caricature is a reflection of human experience. Humorous and satirical cartoons are created, not only to make people laugh, but also to make them think.

Over the past few years, Taiwan's caricaturists have founded a "Cartoon Magazine Society," published a collection of cartoons, and held exhibitions. They want to remind people that caricature is an art, and that cartoons have an important place in children's education.

The staging of the New Era Cartoon Exhibition is a milestone in the progress of caricature in Taiwan. From Jan. 31 through Feb. 28, 28 professional and amateur artists displayed 36 of their best works (both Western and Chinese, as well as style and mood radically different from both), including oils, spray paintings, crayons and conventional water colors. Last August a number of Taiwan artists held a cartoon exposition, which received good reviews and was a great inspiration to everyone in the field. They hope the public will show concern for cartoons, and take them seriously. Since at one time, newsstands were overflowing with Japanese cartoons, people in Taiwan came to believe that they were a lightweight form of art. The group of caricaturists put on the exhibition to demonstrate the creativity of Chinese artists in the field.

Lin Wen-i, who draws children's cartoons, said: "Art reflects life; cartoons should reflect it even more." Wang Ting-tai, whose works are based on society's economic problems and are widely followed in various newspapers and magazines, also insists on the artistic content of cartoons. He will hang them on walls for people to see and enjoy, in order to enhance their artistic value.

Hung I-nan, 20-year veteran cartoonist, says a cartoon should be based on firsthand experience and wide knowledge. He spends considerable sums gathering materials and buying books. After absorbing the information they contain, he uses it in his drawings. Each of the cartoonists, in fact, has a small library.

Wang said the cartoonist's place in society was never fully recognized in Taiwan 10 or 20 years ago. Now, at 30, he is proud of the cartoons he draws. He believes it to be a great career, and one which brings his talent fully into play. Seeing his works published in newspapers and magazines is an inspiration for him. He considers that cartoonists must not only have skill in drawing, but also should be endowed with natural talent and a fertile imagination.

Amateur cartoonist Dr. Chao Ning says: "Cartoonists are the artists of journalism." Wang also believes that humorous or satirical drawings can cultivate democratic tolerance of dissimilar viewpoints. Both agree that cartoonists play an essential role in a democratic nation.

The New Era Cartoon Exhibition was sponsored by the Cartoon Magazine Society, which was established last June to celebrate the 70th year of the Republic, as well as affirm the unity of the nation's caricaturists.

In August this year, this ambitious group will hold another exposition. They realize that through their own efforts, they must systematically upgrade their art and their position in society. These efforts are already being made, and deserve wide support from the public.

[Picture Caption]

1. A sample of Niu Ko's style, entitled "A sword of justice goes a long way." 2. Lin Shih-chun pokes fun at modern obsessions. 3. Wang Ting- tai's idea of what water pollution may lead to. 4. Ku Seng portrays the exorcist Chung Kuei discovering the limits of his power. 5. Lin Wen-i's "Gate Guard."

1. A candid look at Hung I-nan's Buddhist morality. 2. Co Co's longing look at the bright sun. 3. Lee Pei's sentries caught "off-guard." 4. Ya-tze's "Eight Immortals" in modern style. 5. "Street", by Lo Chin-chung.

Lin Shih-chun pokes fun at modern obsessions.

Wang Ting- tai's idea of what water pollution may lead to.

Ku Seng portrays the exorcist Chung Kuei discovering the limits of his power.

Lin Wen-i's "Gate Guard.".

A candid look at Hung I-nan's Buddhist morality.

Co Co's longing look at the bright sun.

Lee Pei's sentries caught "off-guard.".

Ya-tze's "Eight Immortals" in modern style.

Street", by Lo Chin-chung.