The Light Beyond Shadows exhibition aims to explore the painting practices and artistic propositions of three Taiwanese senior artists: KUO Tong-jong, CHEN Yin-hui, and CHAN Fu-yun. It also features a work by Amuse, a contemporary art group, to foster cross-generational artistic dialogues, hoping to reconnect with audiences. The title of the exhibition, “Light Beyond Shadows,” bears a dual meaning: (1) The three senior artists were mostly inspired by the concept of plein air painting during the Japanese colonial period, which nurtured their aesthetic development in painting. (2) “Light Beyond Shadows” further implies that, in the darkness and adversity of the times, the three artists carried the “light” of artistic mission to bravely move forward, passing on the light of art to the next generation. The three painters, KUO Tong-jong, CHEN Yin-hui, and CHAN Fu-yun, were all born in Chiayi in the 1930s. Early mentored by the painters of the previous generation, they specialized in oil painting, and each developed a distinct artistic style. This exhibition attempts to delve into their creations and understand how they responded to the challenges of the times, including the innovation of painting from modern art perspectives, the deconstruction of limitations on images and forms, the exploration of abstract expressions, and the capturing of light through layered paints. Additionally, they also experienced the changes and shadows of the times, such as the history of colonization, the ravages of war, and the turmoil of society. The turbulent era projected dark backgrounds for their paintings, which not only became the conditions for their artistic practices but also prompted them to create fascinating and brilliant works. In the end, through a work by the contemporary art group Amuse, it is noteworthy to observe the possible dialogues between different artistic generations. It is also hoped to create a connection with contemporary audiences and thus keep the light glowing.

Born LIN Ying-gui, and known by aliases such as Cloud Woodcutter, Zhuluo Shanren, and Taocheng Sanren, Lin was raised in the Fengyaxuan framing store on Mei Street (now Chengren Street) in Chiayi. His early passion for painting was sparked by local folk artists. Lin later pursued further studies in Tokyo, specializing in Eastern gouache and ink painting, and was a frequent awardee since the first Taiten, 1927. He founded a painting society in Chiayi and was active in poetry society, playing a key role in promoting art and literature in the region during the colonial era. After the 1950s, Lin relocated to Taipei, where he taught at National Taiwan Normal University and dedicated himself to the teaching of ink-wash painting, profoundly influencing the post-war development of ink art in Taiwan. Since the 1920s, LIN Yu-shan has been a dedicated sketcher, amassing a vast collection of sketches throughout his life. Initially, his work focused on the rural landscapes of his hometown, but after moving to Taipei to teach and develop a passion for travel, his subjects expanded across Taiwan. As Taiwan became more open and overseas travel more common, Lin’s stature in the art world and academia led to numerous overseas exhibitions and lectures. His journeys took him across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, broadening his artistic scope. LIN Yu-shan often stated that travel was his main source of inspiration. Regardless of the mode of transportation—whether on a bumpy boat, car, or airplane—he consistently captured scenes through his brushstrokes. Over decades, these sketches have become a vivid tapestry of the artist’s travels. His extensive sketching practice laid the foundation for the compositions and techniques seen throughout his work. The exhibition begins with life drawings and sketchbooks from the Chiayi Art Museum’s collection, supplemented by works from the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and the online exhibition LIN Yu-shan: sketching works. A total of 77 works are on display, including 33 original paintings, 7 physical sketchbooks, 1 digital sketchbook, and 35 digitally reproduced works. Through the exhibition layout, LIN Yu-shan’s ink paintings are displayed alongside his sketches, allowing viewers to explore the deep connection between his finished works and the foundational sketches that shaped them. The exhibition title, Silhouettes of Nature, reflects LIN Yu-shan’s dedication to sketching throughout his travels and his habit of capturing scenes quickly along the way. The term "silhouette" symbolizes the way in which Lin conceptualizes and composes the perfect landscapes in his mind through extensive sketching, reflecting both his commitment to faithfully representing the natural world and his pursuit of ideal beauty in his art. The exhibition’s three themes—Beginning in Zhuluo (Chiayi), Wandering Beyond Horizons, and Glimpses Along the Journey—trace LIN Yu-shan’s artistic journey which began with sketches of the rural landscapes of his hometown, Chiayi, and gradually expanded across Taiwan. Over time, his travels took him beyond the island, where he captured the diverse scenery and cultures of the wider world.