Hualien hospital stages mouth painting exhibition

2015/09/15

A special mouth painting exhibition showcasing a decade of endeavors by disabled members of the community is underway in eastern Taiwan’s Hualien County.

Staged at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, the event runs for three weeks and features 33 pieces by three former patients. The artworks underscore the value of creative pursuits in helping those facing tough medical challenges return to normal after treatment.

Hospital Superintendent Gao Rui-he said the event also inspires courage in patients and instills a deep-seated respect for the miracle of life. “Art is a particularly effective avenue through which we can encourage greater achievement and sacrifice on the sometimes long and winding road to recovery.”

Echoing Gao’s remarks, Yen Hui-mei, vice director of the hospital’s Department of Social Service, recalled her first meeting with the artists Chou Yu-cheng, Jian Ching-dong and Jin Gen-hong.

“They could only move heads and spent most of the time staring at the ceiling, Yen said. “As a way of giving the trio hope for a better tomorrow, we invited Hsieh Kun-shan and local artists to teach them the basics of painting.”

Hsieh, an internationally renowned mouth painter, specializes in oil paintings of animals, landscapes and still lifes. He lost both hands and lower right leg during an industrial accident in 1972 at age 16, and has been a full member of Taipei City-headquartered Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists since 1990.

“At first, it was almost impossible for them to hold the brushes in their mouths,” Yen said. “But with support of their families and volunteers, they beat the odds to produce and array of impressive creations.”

Highlights of the exhibition include Chou’s painting of azalea blossoms under the setting sun. The rosy clouds and flowers provide complementary splendor and blend in perfect harmony.

After losing use of his limbs in a 1991 car accident, the 47-year-old Chou threw himself into art and qualified as a member of MFPA in 2001.

Another stunning piece is Jian’s self-portrait, which depicts the 55-year-old artist hugging his son using just the right leg—his only limb remaining after a high-voltage electric shock in 2000. It is based on a photo taken by his wife when he tried to comfort his son by pulling up a baby blanket with his mouth.

Equally eye-catching are Jin’s landscape paintings. Paralyzed in a 1995 car accident aged 15, the artist specializes in the mountainous coastlines of Hualien. His emotive work of a boy and buffalo in the field is also proving popular with showgoers.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=236578&ctNode=2194&mp=9)