Taiwanese artist Lin Guihua held her first overseas solo exhibition “Let’s Have a Fight, OK?” at the Thomas VanDyke Gallery in Brooklyn, New York, from September 6 to October 4. Using her unique knife painting technique, the exhibition depicts scenes of Taiwan’s political landscape and daily life, attracting a large number of visitors.
On the opening day of the exhibition, Ambassador Lee Chih-chiang from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, Director Kuei Yeh-chin from the Taipei Cultural Center, and several representatives from the Taiwanese community attended to show their support. Ambassador Lee praised Lin Guihua for showcasing Taiwan’s diverse society and democratic spirit through vibrant colors and layered brushstrokes. He described her works as encompassing both freedom of speech and everyday life, reflecting the diversity of Taiwan.
With over 15 years of dedication to artistic creation, Lin Guihua, who initially started her career on the West Coast of the United States, eventually abandoned her corporate job to pursue her childhood dream of art. Through self-study, she developed a distinctive style, becoming renowned in Taiwan and Asia for her use of color knives, innovative techniques combining screen printing, and highly personalized themes. This exhibition in New York marks her official entry onto the international stage.
Drawing inspiration from daily life, such as the ubiquitous phoenix trees, society’s reliance on electronic products, and moments spent with family, Lin translates these experiences into colors and symbols on canvas.
The most eye-catching piece in the exhibition, “Supporting Taiwan,” is inspired by the moment when Chen Chieh-Hsien, captain of the Taiwanese baseball team, made the “Team Taiwan” gesture during this year’s championship win, capturing the passion and collective glory of the nation. Another piece, “Legislative Yuan Brawl,” uses vibrant colors to recreate scenes of conflicts in the Taiwanese parliament, aiming to provoke reflection on the operation of democracy among viewers.
Chen Jingyi, the gallery director of Thomas VanDyke, noted that Lin Guihua’s works not only document daily life in Taiwan but also touch upon democratic issues, combining realism and criticality. By capturing children playing in the park and showcasing conflicts in the parliament for freedom, Lin’s artworks depict essential aspects of contemporary Taiwanese life. Chen emphasized that Lin’s knife painting technique adds depth and impact, bringing a fresh stimulant to the New York art scene and elevating the visibility of Taiwanese culture on the international art stage.
In addition to the attendance of several Taiwanese representatives, the exhibition also welcomed participation from figures in the corporate and academic sectors, including Chen Qiugui, Chairman of Concord Window and Door Co., and Vincent Tzu-Wen Cheng, a professor at the Manhattan Community College in New York. Together, they witnessed the advancement of Taiwanese art onto the global stage.