Pomelo and mandarin orange
The starting point of Shu-ching’s work was in fact his older brother, Yang Shu-sen. His first essay to be published was called “My Elder Brother,” and his brother finished it for him. His excitement at seeing his name for the first time in the Kinmen Daily News propelled him to continue writing.
In contrast to his younger brother’s early commitment to literature, Shu-sen’s path to painting was bumpier. As a youth he loved drawing, but for practical reasons he chose to study in a STEM department, and the long-term stress caused him to suffer from psychological problems. He went into isolation for many years.
After his recovery, Shu-sen held his first solo exhibition in a hospital. Originally the show was simply an opportunity to display his works, but the vitality exhibited in the paintings attracted attention. Meanwhile, Shu-ching was by Shu-sen’s side all the way, curating exhibitions, writing articles, and navigating for him as they built a deep and enduring friendship, like Theo and Vincent van Gogh.

Yang Shu-ching published his first work, Soliloquy of a Young Reporter, at age 19. The cover portrait was drawn Yang Shu-sen. (courtesy of Yang Shu-ching)

Yang Shu-sen’s studio in Sanzhi, New Taipei City.

Witnessed by Pastor Hu Min-yueh (right), calligrapher Chen Kun-chien (center) presents a calligraphy to Yang Shu-ching (left). The inscription reads: “Literature is my faith; suffering is the nourishment of my writing.” (photo by Chung Yung-ho)

Yang Shu-sen uses his paintbrush to give new life to driftwood; his art is therapeutic for him.