On October 1, the “Majestic Landscapes: A Joint Exhibition of Artists from Both Sides of the Taiwan Strait” opened its doors in Taipei, featuring over 110 works created by 20 artists from mainland China and 31 artists from Taiwan.

In an interview, Wang Zhengdian, chairman of the Taiwan Cultural and Creative Development Association, emphasized that this collaboration is more than just a visual journey through stunning landscapes; it is also a profound cultural exploration. He expressed his optimism that the exhibition would unveil the richness and complexity of Chinese culture to those who attend.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is a collaborative piece titled “Majestic Landscapes.” This artwork employs traditional Chinese composition techniques to depict iconic sites such as Dawang Peak, Yunu Peak, and Tianyou Peak along the picturesque Nine-Bend Stream, complete with bamboo rafts gliding across the water.

Luo Zhenxian, an honorary professor at National Taiwan University of the Arts and the leader of the Taiwanese delegation that visited Wuyishan for inspiration, shared insights about how the artists harmonized their differing styles. In our conversation, he noted that the collaboration transcended mere creation; it was a valuable process of mutual learning and observation as artists adapted to one another’s techniques and palettes.

The Taiwan Cultural and Creative Development Association has a history of organizing joint exhibitions, previously showcasing renowned locations like Huangshan, the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, Taishan, Yandang Mountain, and Shennongjia. This year marks a significant milestone as they invited six young students from Taiwanese art institutions to join the Wuyishan project, aiming to nurture the next generation of artistic talent.

Luansonghan, a student specializing in ink painting at Chinese Culture University in Taiwan, reflected on her experience of being mentored by distinguished mainland artists during her time in Wuyishan. She highlighted the unique artistic philosophies of both groups, noting that while mainland artists often embrace a sense of grandeur, Taiwanese artists tend to focus on intricate details.

The exhibition is set to run until October 15.