The important role of cultural exchanges in boosting bilateral relations has long been recognized by governments around the world. Political and economic issues might prove challenging at times, but a universal love of art and appreciation of creative pursuits often have a knack for smoothing out wrinkles and creating new and interesting opportunities for people-to-people exchanges.
For British painter Andrew Festing—a respected artist who has painted over 750 portraits in his 30-year career, including Queen Elizabeth II, the House of Commons and House of Lords—a recent six-day visit to Taiwan accompanied by wife Virginia Fyfe opened his eyes to the potential that exists for both countries to investigate novel ways of expanding cultural exchanges.
“Painters in Taiwan and the U.K. could benefit tremendously from more contact and exposure to their respective artistic traditions,” Festing said in an interview with Taiwan Today on the final day of his trip Nov. 8 in Taipei City.
“What I envisage is a program of some sort that would bring Taiwanese artists to areas in northern England where they could learn about Western painting in a relaxed environment conducive to creativity,” Festing said. “London is a busy city and it is easy to get lost in the pace and size of the place.”
It comes as no surprise then that Festing, a born and bred Geordie whose accent lacks the broad tones of those from the Tyneside region of northeast England, believes the city of Newcastle could be an ideal host for such an initiative.
“I have contacts at Northumbria University and will look into the idea with them once back home,” he said, adding that the size of the city and the university matches well with most of Taiwan’s metropolises and tertiary institutions.
But Festing said the biggest hurdle with such a program is funding. “Securing state support for painters is a challenge in any part of the world. The Taiwanese and British governments would have to put their heads together and devise a way of assisting in the matter. Perhaps the Taiwan Representative Office in London could take up the torch.”
During his visit, the former president of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters between 2002 and 2008 delivered a lecture at National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei and met with students majoring in Western painting. He also visited National Palace Museum and various cultural landmarks and traditional craft centers outside of Taipei.
Although Festing was “immensely impressed” by the NPM and its extensive collection of priceless artworks, it was the sight of a virgin forest landscape in the mountains behind Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County, central Taiwan, that will remain seared in his memory for years to come.
“It reminded me of Lake Como in northern Italy near the Alps. Areas like these are almost impossible to find and access in Europe. They are usually privately owned and off-limits to the public. A place such as this in Taiwan would undoubtedly be of enormous interest to British landscape painters.”
Another memorable part of Festing’s trip was a tour of late ROC army Gen. Sun Li-jen’s home in Taichung. Sun, who served with great honor and courage throughout his career, is renowned for achieving a string of victories against Japanese forces in northern Burma during World War II. He lived out his final years in the central Taiwan city, with his former residence now a memorial hall and museum attracting visitors from Taiwan and abroad.
“It was a special experience to visit the general’s residence and see how he lived. The guides, who are all older volunteers, possess a deep knowledge of the man and his life. They are a credit to his memory.”
The visit to Sun’s home was also special for the artist because of the general’s ties to his late father. Field Marshall Sir Francis Festing fought alongside Sun against the Japanese, and was awarded the Order of Resplendent Banner by the ROC government in recognition of his contributions to military cooperation between the two countries.
“My father rarely spoke about the war,” Festing said. “He would say it was best not to get started on the topic as the talking would never stop. But I have long been aware of what he did in the Far East and his involvement with Sun during the conflict.”
The relationship between Festing’s father and Sun also served as a starting point of sorts for the portrait painter in learning about Taiwan.
“The wartime exploits of Chiang Kai-shek and his life are of interest to me,” Festing said referring to the late ROC president. “I am reading an interesting biography on him at present and was surprised at the size of his memorial hall in Taipei during my tour.”
Eager to return to Taiwan and enjoy more of the sights, sounds and delicious cuisines and teas, Festing said he would take a greater interest in developments concerning Taiwan and continue swotting up on the country’s history.
“I will definitely keep an eye on what is happening here and look forward to my next trip to Taiwan.”