Through constant efforts over the past 20 years, Chao Hsiang has built up the largest and most systematic collection of modern Chinese paintings in the Republic of China. Local artists who recognize him as the earliest in the field, have been encouraged by his example to create more inspiring works. His collection in fact is a mirror of the development of modern Chinese art.

Born in 1935 in the Chingshui district of Taichung County in central Taiwan, Chao was the youngest of a family of eight girls and two boys. Lack of proper care from his parents helped him to build up a strong and independent spirit.

Chao spent most of his childhood outdoors. Though he wanted to paint the things he saw, lack of money prevented him from obtaining the necessary materials. At the age of 15, he arrived in Taipei with only the clothes he was wearing.

By doing menial jobs during the day and studying at night, he finally obtained his B.A. degree from the Department of History of the National Taiwan University. After working with the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group for 13 years, he started a timber and yacht business which eventually made him rich.

To show his gratitude to society, Chao bought his first painting 21 years ago at the Hong Ling Gallery. "I still recall that it was from an exhibition put on by an artist called Lee Yuan-heng. At that time, a low standard of living in Taiwan prevented most people from buying paintings. After talking with the artist, I learned that he needed money to further his studies in France. Remembering my own frustration at not being able to study because of a lack of resources, I bought two of his paintings for US$56, which was all I had in my pocket at the time," Chao said.

Today, he has 2,000 pieces in his collection. His wife sometimes says jokingly: "The money you have spent on art works is enough to buy half of the buildings in Taipei." His investment of US$14,000 for a single work by Liao Chi-chun shows amply his dedication to the field.

Chao excludes classical Chinese paintings and masterpieces by foreign artists from his collection, however, because so many others are engaged in these fields, "The National Palace Museum and the National Museum of History have systematically collected classical Chinese paintings from the past five thousand years. Works by foreign painters are of little significance to local art history. I hope me collection will provide encouragement to local painters in the pursuit of their ideals, and bring modern Chinese art to a new epoch," Chao said.

He explained that he never buys any painting directly from the artist. Though galleries charge a commission of 30 percent on all paintings they sell, they provide an essential service to artists in promoting their works, he explains. He further pointed out that by signing contracts with galleries, artists can improve their living conditions.

At one time, Chao bought all the paintings from one gallery so it would not have to close down. "Though I am not an artist, I can never live without art. The only way to express my ardent love for art is to buy more paintings from the profit I make from the trade."

Chao continued that though orthodox theories are a good basis for judging a painting, an art collector must still remain faithful to his own feelings, and acquire only the works he admires personally. Sometimes Chao buys what are regarded as "secondary art works" simply because he has an attachment to a particular painter.

Chao is preparing to sponsor an art exhibition next year to show the items he has collected so that more people will be able to see the works of new artists and the development of art history in the Republic of China. He has no intention of selling any of his treasures because, he says, if they are scattered, it would be difficult to build up a truly representative collection of modern Chinese paintings ever again. His ultimate intention is to establish a museum to provide a permanent home for his collection. If this is not possible, he plans to donate all the paintings to a public museum for the benefit of generations to come.

Based on his long-term involvement in the field, Chao intends to write a history of modern Chinese paintings. He is planning to start collecting materials when he retires from his present job at the age of 50.

Chao has no objection to people who build up art collections as an investment. He said that the prices of paintings, sculptures and other art treasures are likely to appreciate with time. The art "business" would be strengthened in Taiwan if an auction center was set up, he added. He emphasized, however, that it is a mistake to believe that only the rich can take up this hobby. Even ordinary workers have acquired works of art on an installment plan, and sometimes he himself has had to borrow money to satisfy his desire for more paintings.

Chao said that the only way to become a connoisseur of the fine arts is to read books, visit art exhibitions, and consult specialists. A collector must pay attention to the quality of canvas and paint as well as the structure and colors of a painting before he decides to buy.

In general, artists in the Republic of China adhere to the principle of art for art's sake in spite of the deprivation that this inevitably entails. As the number of collectors has grown, newer artists have tended to lack self-discipline. He divides artists into two types, those whose works have international appeal, and those who have difficulty in communicating with foreigners.

His unyielding devotion to art collecting caused the Chinese Communists to suspect he was an instrument of propaganda for the Republic of China. He points out: "I am convinced my lifetime devotion to the field will enable me to die without remorse."

[Picture Caption]

Chao Hsiang has built up the largest and most systematic collection of modern Chinese paintings in the Republic of China. 1. "Springtime in Paris" is a work by Liao Chi-chun, a local artist who died in 1901. 2. "Huge Mountain" by 73-year-old painter Yan San-lang. After studying in Japan and France, Yang returned to Taiwan to inaugurate the Taiyang Arts Association. He is one of the pioneers of the local modern art movement, and has always been regarded as an impressionist master. 3. "A Glimpse of Hope" by Chang Yi-hsiung was completed in 1978, when his painting style changed from natural to expressionist. 4. "After the Bath" by Shen Che-tsai, an artist specializing in painting the human form. 5. Chao plays chess with his son as his wife looks on. 6. Chao said that abstract painting can serve as a decoration in the modern home. The walls of his lounge are hung with such works.

1. A work by Ting Hsiung-chuan, who specializes in oil painting and acrylic nude painting. 2. Chen Yin-huei, a professor of the Department of Arts of National Normal University, obtains his inspiration from Orchid lsland in creating this masterwork "Tong Wan Bay." 3. "Mining Pit" by Hung Ruei-ling, who spent 35 years working in the mines to understand the essences of miners' lives. 4. An acrylic work by Chuang Chieh. 5. A work by Chao Wu-chi, who is the first painter in China to use abstract methods to paint classical-style Chinese landscapes. He is regarded as one of the 10 leading abstract painters in the world.

1. An abstract painting by 42-year-old Yang Hsin-sheng. 2. "Bull Fight" by A. Sun, who made several trips to Africa to discover the primitive art forms on the continent. 3. Chiang Han-tung is a veteran local artist whose eyesight is so poor that he has to work under extremely bright lights. Even though he works largely from memory, Chiang has been praised by art critics who say the colors and structures in his paintings are almost perfect. Inspired by the fresco paintings in Tung Huan Cave, Chiang's works have a childlike simplicity. 4. "Mountain," an abstract painting by Chen Cheng-hsiung.

1. Trees are the most popular theme of Lin Hsin-yu, who has studied in Spain. 2. "Autumn in Paris" by Chiang Ming-hsien. 3. "Cock Crowing in the Morning." a work by Liu Chi-wei, who specializes in painting, primitive culture and architecture. 4. "On the Banks of the Love River" by Chen Rui-fu, whose paintings are marked by bold strokes and clear and bright colors. 5. An abstract work by Chao Chun-hsiang.

Chao plays chess with his son as his wife looks on.

Chao said that abstract painting can serve as a decoration in the modern home. The walls of his lounge are hung with such works.

A work by Ting Hsiung-chuan, who specializes in oil painting and acrylic nude painting.

Chen Yin-huei, a professor of the Department of Arts of National Normal University, obtains his inspiration from Orchid lsland in creating this masterwork "Tong Wan Bay.

"Mining Pit" by Hung Ruei-ling, who spent 35 years working in the mines to understand the essences of miners' lives.

An acrylic work by Chuang Chieh.

A work by Chao Wu-chi, who is the first painter in China to use abstract methods to paint classical-style Chinese landscapes. He is regarded as one of the 10 leading abstract painters in the world.

An abstract painting by 42-year-old Yang Hsin-sheng.

Bull Fight" by A. Sun, who made several trips to Africa to discover the primitive art forms on the continent.

Chiang Han-tung is a veteran local artist whose eyesight is so poor that he has to work under extremely bright lights. Even though he works largely from memory, Chiang has been praised by art critics who say the colors and structures in his paintings are almost perfect. Inspired by the fresco paintings in Tung Huan Cave, Chiang's works have a childlike simplicity.

Mountain," an abstract painting by Chen Cheng-hsiung.

Trees are the most popular theme of Lin Hsin-yu, who has studied in Spain.

"Autumn in Paris" by Chiang Ming-hsien.

"Cock Crowing in the Morning." a work by Liu Chi-wei, who specializes in painting, primitive culture and architecture.

"On the Banks of the Love River" by Chen Rui-fu, whose paintings are marked by bold strokes and clear and bright colors.

An abstract work by Chao Chun-hsiang.