One of the most famous artists in Taiwan, Wu Hsuan-san, owes his prominence to his bold, versatile style and his ability to promote his large output through the mass media. His humble nature enables him to get on well with people from all walks of life, and as incomes increase, more and more people in Taiwan are buying paintings.
Describing his devotion to art, Wu said: "Since I first learned to paint, I have not put my brush down for a single day." He has also traveled extensively to such countries as Spain, the U.S. and several times in Africa to seek inspiration.
"I'm a country boy at heart and have a bit of an inferiority complex. Because I started painting rather late in life, I need to have a better mastery of technique than other artists. I love to make friends. I believe that artists should make their works accessible to as many people as possible," he said.
Wu is the youngest member of a farming family from Ilan County in northeastern Taiwan. As a child, he was not particularly interested in learning, though his father sent him to study at a high school in Taipei. Like many country boys, Wu had a difficult time adapting to city life. He enrolled at a private high school because his grades were not good enough for him to enter public school. This was a turning point in his life, because art was an important subject at the school he chose.
His interest in art did not develop until his second to last year of high school, however. With help and encouragement from his teacher, Chen Chin-hui, Wu gained a place in the art department of the National Taiwan Normal University.
Describing another artist who influenced him, Wu said: "Liao Chi-chun encourages a free style and never criticizes other painters. I have the same ideals."
After graduating, Wu taught at the Taipei College of Art. Later, he went to the Royal Academy of Art in Spain to become familiar with western painting techniques.
Wu soon became preoccupied with an awareness of his Chinese roots, and his paintings at that time were simple and Chinese in flavor. His teacher pointed out that his works were similar to those of the New Realism School which was fashionable in New York at that time. After graduating, it was logical for him to move to New York.
During his first year in the city, however, Wu could not sell a single painting. His style fitted in with New Realism principles, but his subject matter did not. The New Realism School concentrated on the realities of urban life; such as Skyscrapers and busy street scenes, while Wu's subject matter was emotional and nostalgic. With his savings rapidly disappearing, Wu changed his style, and was soon able to sell paintings for between US$3,000 and US$6,000 each. Not satisfied with commercial success, however, Wu decided to return to Taiwan.
In 1978 he visited his hometown in Ilan to find that progress had brought many changes. He longed to return to his rustic roots and be close to nature. To find new inspiration, however, Wu headed off to a more exotic destination—Africa.
His first year in Africa took him to more than 30 countries. He spent time in the Sahara area on three occasions, was almost killed four times, and caught malaria twice. Living mainly on canned fish, Wu traveled around Africa with his cameras and canvasses.
Wu's love of sunshine is shown by the fact that he signs his works A-sun. After his trip to Africa, Wu's ability to represent light and shadow was enhanced. His pictures were influenced by sunlight, and he used bold colors to highlight the effect of the sun on the African landscape. Commenting on his portraits, a Japanese critic said he paints scenery on people's faces.
There were many opportunities to meet different tribal people in Africa. He found them pure at heart and with few worries compared to people in developed countries. This feeling is captured in his paintings. His experiences in Africa had a profound influence on his attitude toward people. He became even more open-minded, and found it easier to take criticism.
Wu has been accused of going to Africa merely to attract attention, and some feel he has lost his Chinese character through his trip. But the more generous view is that art knows no national boundaries. Many even admire Wu's courage in traveling to primitive areas.
On his return, Wu held successful exhibitions in Taiwan and Japan. A Japanese television station broadcast a 30-minute documentary on Wu and his art.
At present, Wu's paintings bring the highest prices in Taiwan, and he admits that mass media exposure has helped his career.
Wu takes a pragmatic approach. He explained that his motto, "Make money for progress," means that he must be able to cover his living costs while developing his own style. Although Wu's works sell well, he also pays attention to his personal artistic growth.
To commission Wu to paint a work costs between NT$50,000 and NT$1.5 million (US$1,250--37,500). But Wu does not permit money to interfere with his art. He recently turned down an offer of NT$4.5 million in advance for all his African paintings, since he believed the sale would stunt his creativity.
Wu believes that works of art must receive general acceptance before they can be considered great. He also believes that despite the popularity of his paintings, he is still learning. In the past he tried to shake off other people's shadows; now he is trying to break new ground.
Wu's wife has contributed to his success. She goes with him on all his trips overseas, and looks after him so he can concentrate on his art.
Despite his rise from country boy to rich and famous artist, Wu is still not satisfied. In June, he is going back to Africa.
[Picture Caption]
1. Wu A-sun's painting "King of Sun" from his African period recently sold for NT$550,000 (US$13,000). 2.5. These paintings from Wu's African period show his use of bold lines which render certain sculptural impressions. 2. "Central African Autumn Sun". 5. Another painting of the African period. 3. Wu never rests on his laurels and constantly strives for perfection. 4. Wu doing the portrait of popular singer Chuei Tai-ching. 6. Wu working in his studio.
1. "Summer Sailboats" from Wu's Spanish period. 2. "Tamsui Sunrise", done in Taiwan. 3. A landscape painted in Spain. 4. "Toro".
1. Wu's wife was the model for this painting "Chinese Woman". 2. Most of Wu's 100 works are from his African period. 3. Wu's latest work "E.T.". 4. "Sunny World" from his African period.
2.5. These paintings from Wu's African period show his use of bold lines which render certain sculptural impressions. 2. "Central African Autumn Sun".
3. Wu never rests on his laurels and constantly strives for perfection.
4. Wu doing the portrait of popular singer Chuei Tai-ching.
5. Another painting of the African period.
6. Wu working in his studio.
1. "Summer Sailboats" from Wu's Spanish period.
2. "Tamsui Sunrise", done in Taiwan.
3. A landscape painted in Spain.
4. "Toro".
1. Wu's wife was the model for this painting "Chinese Woman".
2. Most of Wu's 100 works are from his African period.
3. Wu's latest work "E.T.".
4. "Sunny World" from his African period.
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