Chao Kai Chih showcases unique art in Penang

Renowned artist Chao Kai Chih launched his solo exhibition, Material.Quality.Aggregation, at The Courtyard at Beach Street on 13 July, part of the George Town Festival‘s July programme.

The exhibition highlights Chao’s innovative blend of Eastern and Western art, showcasing his visionary approach.

East meets West in artistic expression

Chao Kai Chih, a Taiwanese artist and PhD candidate at the University of Seville in Spain, is celebrated for his bold exploration of cultural synthesis.

“I like to incorporate Eastern materials like paper and calligraphy and infuse them with Chinese characters and Western brushstrokes,” said Chao.

His art bridges disparate worlds, combining flatness with sculptural elements and abstraction with reality.

This fusion creates a delicate yet powerful visual experience, inviting introspection and offering a fresh perspective.

Before pursuing formal art education, Chao honed his skills in a ceramics factory, merging traditional Chinese themes with Western artistry.

His works span classical to contemporary forms, integrating sound and light technology, reflecting the duality of yin and yang.

Chao Kai Chih’s influences and inspirations

“Chao’s works are largely influenced by the sea. There is a resemblance between Chao’s birthplace and Penang Island,” stated Wong Hon Wai, the Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy, who officiated the event.

Wong praised Chao’s exceptional skills, emphasising the importance of understanding an artist’s background to fully grasp their work.

Born in Matsu in 1957, Chao hopes to transform his birthplace into an island museum.

The Matsu archipelago, near China’s Fuzhou City, is a stronghold of Taiwan’s Nationalist Party and a “front-line” zone for Taiwan’s armed forces.

“We want peace, we don’t want war. We can turn Matsu into an art island,” Chao said.

Chao’s use of mixed media, particularly discarded items, showcases his versatility and creativity.

The exhibition features 17 artworks created during his short stay in Penang and 26 smaller pieces contained in used cigar boxes.

One notable piece, “No Longer Drifting” (2024), uses driftwood to symbolise perseverance and success despite criticism.

“Generation after generation, the stories of martial heroes and rural legends remain consistent. From now on, the driftwood will no longer drift,” Chao said.

This artwork, measuring 122 cm by 366 cm, has already been sold.

International recognition and future exhibitions

Chao has captivated audiences at various prestigious venues, including the Sala Zuabarán and the Fine Arts Exhibition Hall of Seville.

His work is also featured in “Sentiments of Returning Home” at Taiwan’s Lienchiang County Social Education Centre.

A highlight of his career was his exhibition at Taipei’s Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall during its centennial celebration, showcasing his acclaimed oil painting collection, “Northernmost Impressions: Matsu Sceneries in Oil.”

Since moving to Spain, Chao has further explored the fusion of Eastern and Western art, evident in pieces like “Cultural Exchange Between China and the West,” where cultural boundaries dissolve.

Reflecting on his time in Spain, Chao said, “‘Toothless’ symbolises my struggles as a stranger in a foreign country.” This artwork depicts a dragon stripped of its essential attributes.

Chao’s latest works are priced between RM1,500 and RM55,000, with the cigar box miniatures at RM600 each.

George Town Festival director, Chin Teo, attended the exhibition, noting how it aligns with the festival’s theme, “Here and Now.”

She said, “The George Town Festival 2024 aims to reflect on the importance of celebrating the present moment and the rich tapestry of cultural expressions that define it.

Chao’s work perfectly embodies this theme, resonating deeply with the festival’s spirit.”

Material.Quality.Aggregation will be displayed until 28 July. Chao will be available at The Courtyard on 19 July from 12 pm to 7 pm. The Courtyard is a new F&B and exhibition area on Beach Street.