Arthur: Faith Chang
Photographer: Summer Tien, 江賢二藝術文化基金會/ Studio Millspace
Editor: Julien Huang
From Paris to East Hampton, now shining ever brighter in Jingzun, Taitung, Taiwan, the Paul Chiang Art Centre is a newly established landmark that cannot be missed by art lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Nestled between lush mountain slopes and the vast blue sea, the Paul Chiang Art Centre is quickly becoming a beacon of art and culture in Taiwan. “I always believe that art can purify the soul,” Paul said with a smile, standing in front of the serene Serenity Pond, one of Paul Chiang’s awe-inspiring creations.
Paul Chiang, an iconic and internationally renowned abstract artist, dedicated the design and creation of this Art Centre in Taitung County to embrace the freedom of mind. Moreover, Paul Chiang regards this creation as the most complete and significant work of his life.
Paul Chiang and Standley Yen have been friends for decades, like brothers. From their youth to now, they have realized their dreams from the West to the East, from ideas to grand realizations, from reflections to ever-expanding horizons. After decades of collective collaboration, Paul Chiang Art Centre finally opened its door to the public on 15th March, 2025.
Born in 1942, Chiang resided in Paris and New York for over three decades. Since his early days, light has been his inspiration. In early work, Chiang uses black and gray shades and stresses the layering and texture of paints. Works created during this era were known as the series created in darkness, and reflected the artist’s gloom and the ultimate pursuit of art. After returning to Taiwan in 1998, Chiang successfully completed his classic Hundred Year Temple and Silver Lake series.
From a closed window dimmed lights to an open window of the great Pacific rays, colours shifted. After moving to Taitung in 2008, Chiang has been inspired by the natural beauty of his surroundings, lights, colors and creativities shifting once again, reflecting Pisilian, On the Wings of Song and Afternoon of the Faun series. There, Standley Yen, the Chairperson of Alliance Cultural Foundation International, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing education and broadening the opportunities for the children. Paul and Stanley sowed the dreams of creating an international Art Centre ever since befriended each other. Through obstacles, they work tirelessly together. A long journey towards light now is finally blooming!
The Paul Chiang Art Centre features a breathtaking curten steel building that stands tall, reflecting Chiang’s six decades of creativity and innovation. Visitors are welcomed by the words: Compassion, Hope, Mercy, Peace, Humanity, Sympathy, Purifying, and Love, cast on the structure, an extension of his sculpture named Farm House.
Visitors are encouraged to start their journey from the First Gallery, Chapter I: The Pursuit of Freedom. Along the way, they’ll encounter Henry, a bright yellow installation inspired by Chiang’s young grandson, radiating the irresistible brightness of the morning sun. The multi-shades-of-blue installation from Chiang’s Afternoon of the Faun series is a must-see on the path to the first gallery. The internationally renowned “Silver Lake” shines over the pavement of music—one of the cores of Chiang’s creativity—heard, seen, and felt throughout the centre.
Initially serving as Chiang’s studio, the first gallery mimics his Paris studio’s attic environment. It is divided into three wings: the Entrance Hall, the Secondary Exhibition Hall through an oddly shaped path, and a meditation space almost hidden by the entrance but brightly telling the stories of Chiang’s Paris days.
“Moonlight by Debussy, is the music that inspires me along my journey of art. I do listen to other genres such as jazz, blues and latin music nowadays,” he says with a beguiling smile.
Right after visiting the first gallery, I cannot help but sit here for a while, soaking myself into this tranquility, Serenity Pond, a window that transforms the seascape into a living landscape painting. Moonlight by Debussy plays automatically in my head.
Photo credit: Paul Chiang Art Centre / Photographer: Summer Tien
Chapter II: Music and Nature, evoke musical echoes through the artwork. Mahler, Debussy, Arnold Schoenberg, and Beethoven’s influences are experienced through imagery of forests, trees, sky, air, spirits, and Taitung’s rich indigenous culture.
With seven tribes, Taitung is the hub of Taiwanese Indigenous Culture. Located about 30 kilometers from Taitung City and known as a surfing spot since the early 90s, Jinzun, where the Paul Chiang Art Centre is located, epitomizes Chiang’s shift in colors, integrating music, nature, and art in a harmonious landscape.
Exploration leads to the Third Gallery: Chapter Three: Spirituality and Hope. Following a unique path, visitors arrive at a rusted structure that is more a piece of art than a building. This gallery, the final part of the opening exhibition, offers a space for discovery and acknowledgement.
Upon entering, visitors are encouraged to take a deep breath and absorb the environment. Chiang believes that one must be a human being before evolving into an artist, educator, community builder, or any other figure.
Gallery III: Spirituality and Hope is covered in rusted corten steel, with a unique shape that holds Chiang’s transformation towards light. “To me, art is the pursuit of light in despair—reflecting purity of darkness, seeking truth, and goodness in life,” Paul Chiang has declared, manifesting this philosophy in the Art Centre where all infrastructures were funded by self-motivated and like-minded entrepreneurs.
The gallery features dimmed yet shining rays of light, capturing the universe’s essence. Every piece is otherworldly unique, from the architecture to the natural lights and reflective imagery. The first floor, connected by the Hundred Year Temple, offers a haven of different dimensions, akin to a rabbit hole come to life.
Moreover, Taitung itself is a destination worth exploring. Known for its rugged coastline, picturesque mountains, and vibrant indigenous culture, Taitung offers a diverse range of activities and experiences. From surfing at the renowned Jinzun Beach to hiking in the lush forests of the East Rift Valley, the natural beauty of Taitung is sure to captivate visitors. The region’s rich indigenous heritage is also celebrated through various cultural events and festivals, such as the Makapahay, Amis Harvest Festival, and the Taitung International Balloon Fiesta. These events provide an authentic and immersive experience for tourists, allowing them to connect with the local culture and traditions. By integrating art, culture, and nature, the Paul Chiang Art Centre perfectly complements the enchanting allure of Taitung.
Before leaving, visitors should stop by the Tourists Center to grab a piece of this magic, whether it’s a postcard, a book, or a reusable bag. Remember to look back, smile, and carry on, as this experience is sure to make a lasting difference.
If you’re searching for an unparalleled cultural experience, as I do, look no further than the Paul Chiang Art Centre in Taitung. From the brilliant blend of natural landscapes and innovative architecture to the heartfelt art that purifies the soul, this centre stands as a testament to the transformative power of art. Make it a must-see destination on your next trip to Taiwan. Dive into an inspiring journey and leave with memories and mementos that will keep the magic alive.
Location: 132-2 Jinzun, Donghe Township, Taitung County, Taiwan’
Contact: [email protected]
Website: https://paulchiang.org
Transportation: Self-drive along Highway 11 northbound from Taitung city.
Bus 8101, 8102, 8103, 8109 and 8120 northbound from Taitung city.
Opening hours: 10:00-17:00, Wednesday to Monday; last entrance at 16:30.
