Description/
In 1946, a year following the retrocession of Taiwan by Japan, Chen Cheng-po served as a reviewer at the 1st Taiwan Provincial Art Exhibition. This painting was exhibited together with Amusement Park and Lumber Plant. Set in front of the former Chiayi Police Station, the work depicts the public celebrating Taiwan's Retrocession Day and features Chen's hallmark technique of framing a composition with two trees in the foreground. Above a two-and-a-half-story brown building, a national flag in the pattern of a blue sky, white sun and red base flutters against the azure sky and white clouds. Reveling crowds on the roof are immersed in the jubilant atmosphere and raise their arms in cheers, a small flag in hand. On the path in the foreground, clusters of civilians in vivid clothing are holding a parasol or a small flag, with a roadside vender selling more small flags. Small figures along the lane or in the windows enrich the colors and layering of the picture to highlight the merry occasion.
Bibliography/
- Yuchun Lin, Oil‧Passion‧Chen Cheng-Po (Taipei City: Lion Art Publishing, 1998), 139.
- Suchu Li, Something that Reflects the Era—A Study of Paintings by Chen Cheng-Po ( Taipei City: Art & Collection Group Publishing, 2012), 46-51.
Celebration Day
1946
Materials & Techniques：Oil on canvas
Dimension：72.5x60.5 cm
Private Collection
Location:Chiayi Police Station (today's Chiayi City Police Bureau, No. 195, Zhongshan Road, Chiayi City, Taiwan)
