The Tainan City Government will put up a sign in Chen Huidong’s former residence on the 15th to commemorate the late painter.

The Tainan City Government will hold a listing ceremony at Chen Huidong’s former residence on the 15th. (Provided by Tainan City Government)

[Reporter Ling Mei-Xue/Report from Taipei] In order to honor deceased sages who have made significant contributions to local and national society, the Tainan City Government regularly selects representative historical figures in various fields through strict review and places a memorial plaque in their former residence. In addition to serving as a memorial, it also enriches the city's sense of glory. The late painter Chen Huidong was designated as an art historical celebrity this year, and the city government will hold a listing ceremony at his former residence on the 15th.

Chen Huidong (1938-2024) was born in Tainan and is one of the most representative Western painters in post-war Taiwan. He regarded creation as the most sincere expression of his life, and he created unremittingly throughout his life, leaving behind rich artistic achievements. As a self-proclaimed cultural worker, his concern for public affairs and his efforts in cultural construction also made him an important sower of art and culture in Taiwan.

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Chen Huidong has known President Lai Ching-te for decades. When President Lai was the mayor of Tainan, Chen Huidong actively initiated and devoted himself without hesitation to promote the Tainan City Art Museum project, building an international art museum for Tainan City. Two of the museums were upgraded to the National Art Museum last year. Chen Huidong once said that giving birth to the South American Pavilion was the most meaningful thing in his life. President Lai once said that Chen Huidong's heart is full of love. Everything he does in his life can be seen in his deep love for this land. He loves his family, friends, art, and the city of Tainan.

The former residence where Chen Huidong lived for 40 years is a residence full of memories and love. His works are displayed on the first floor; his studio is on the second floor, which still retains his commonly used painting tools and albums. In the smell wafting in the air, one can still imagine the artist's spirit of swaying oil paint late at night and thinking about society and life.

The Tainan City Government put up a commemorative plaque in Chen Huidong's former residence, which is not only an affirmation of his artistic achievements in his life, but also a tribute to his selfless dedication to the city. As President Lai said, "The days of philosophers are far away, but the models are long gone." His extraordinary life left Tainan City with unlimited cultural assets and also left a role model for artists.

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