“Huashan Park is like Taipei’s crown, and this trio of sculptures is like three beautiful pearls mounted on it,” Taipei Mayor Hao Lung-bin said at the ceremony. “City residents will now be able to appreciate these masterworks while relaxing on the lawn.”
Given the modern climate of public opinion, it is hard to imagine that one of the pieces, “Standing Jade” was refused public display 32 years ago on grounds of obscenity and sparked a furious public debate on pornography versus art. “Standing Jade” was to go on show at National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, but was rejected on account of the furor.
Undaunted by the conservative atmosphere at home, his son Pu Hao-ming, who had followed in his father’s footsteps and was studying sculpture in Paris, suggested the bronze be sent to France. It was accepted on its artistic merit by the Salon des Independants and first exhibited in its Salon d’Hiver in 1983. Another of the trio, “Mesmerizing,” was likewise accepted in 1984.
Pu Hao-chih, curator of the Pu Tien-sheng Memorial Museum and the artist’s younger son, said that the 2.4-meter-high figures were last on display in 2011 at the Pu Tien-sheng Centennial Exhibition in Kaohsiung.
Following that exhibition, the family decided to donate the trio to Taipei City. Since then, legislator Chen Bi-han, Mayor Hau and Minister of Transportation and Communications Yeh Kuang-shih have been working to find a permanent residence for the masterpieces.
Born in Chiayi, Pu Tien-sheng evidenced his artistic talent while still at elementary school, where he was taught by painter Chen Cheng-po. Pu went to Japan in 1931 and studied under renowned sculptor Asakura Fumio. After Pu returned to Taiwan, his style shifted from classicism to social realism and he soon became known as the nation’s leading proponent of Western sculpture.
Also at the unveiling were Lin Huoy-fen, deputy director of Taipei City Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs, and National Cheng Kung University professor Hsiao Chong-ray. (SSC-SDH)
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