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By
C. Donovan Smith
In
Makung I was fortunate to meet one of the most interesting
and exciting sculptors in Taiwan, Penghu native Chen Fu Chi.
Visiting his workshop is a startling experience. His work
has extreme range both technically and emotionally.
Some of his more famous works are the huge and humorous figures
made of industrial scrap. Down near the docks in Makung several
of these figures, in this case huge leaping basketball players.
At his workshop are two interesting figures made in the same
style, but in this case representing the fierce traditional
guardians of the goddess Matsu. The effect is a striking mix
of old and new, with the angular metal giving these traditional
figures more immediacy.
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Another
series of works that seem popular are his ants made
of stones and metal and mounted on wood, like his famous
stream of ants climbing up a pole on Wang An.
At his workshop are several less natural but humorous
ant scenes featuring ants at a traditional wedding,
carrying the bride and playing instruments.
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Scattered around his shop are contorted faces in stone,
with some of the most amazing expressions. Some are
more abstract, some very vivid and real. The faces and
figures range from warm to angry to anguished to erotic.
Some feature faces melting into other faces, often flowing
with the natural seam or shape of the stone.
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A constant theme that appears is that he is completely
unpredictable. Previously having worked as a fisherman,
martial arts weapons instructor, oyster 'farmer', restaurant
owner as well as working for the power company he adapts
and uses whatever materials he finds in ways that seem
completely unrelated from item to item. From chainsaw
carved wooden totem pole-like statues to carefully polished
and carved stone, from delicate wood carving to bolted
and welded metal, from the traditional to the completely
modern, there is no way to categorise or classify his
'style'. Visiting his workshop is like visiting a random
collection of sculpture from range of artists.
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Scattered throughout his collection are real antiques,
collected from around Penghu. Sometimes they are incorporated
into his work, other times he leaves them standing on
their own. Often, broken pieces of old buildings, ships
and rice grinding stones are used as the base material
for his sculptures, often adding an interesting new
dimension once that is explained to this ignorant foreigner.
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Personally, Mr. Chen has a striking personality. I
was initially shocked to discover he only took up sculpture
five years ago. His keen mind, interesting personal
history and enthusiasm quickly convinced me this was
perfectly natural and normal. He has that quality of
making something difficult look easy. Also, be forewarned
- he has a very sharp wit. Don't let his serious looking
demeanor fool you!
If you are an art collector or lover, be sure and include
his workshop on your tour. Located on the outskirts
of Makung, it is suggested you call ahead. He is located
in Makung City, Shi Chuen Li No. 3-5 and can be reached
at: (06) 921-2368. If you are an English speaker, ask
for his charming daughter Billie (Chen Bi Li).
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Some
of his work is displayed around Taiwan, and in Taichung can
currently be seen at No. 323-16 Wen Hsin S. 5th
Rd.
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