Although this oil painting was created at the end of the 20th century, the painter used 17th-century Dutch techniques instead.
It is because the Netherlands was the first foreign civilization the Taiwanese encountered.
At that time, the Dutch painters mixed ivory black and lead white to acquire a black-and-white surface first, when the surface dried, they then applied transparent colors in order.
Said technique makes the painting feel transparent and full of antiquity, you can also see such transparency in the boy’s trousers clearly.
In this painting, the bullseye of the boy’s target is a map of China, which is derived from the flag of the Japanese Navy. Yes, to the Chinese, the Japanese Navy flag is a symbol of invasion. However, the painter changed the sun specifically into a map of China to tell everyone that Japan has changed, but China has become an aggressive country in the new age.
This painting was awarded for ‘Artisit Showcase Award 1999 ‘ of the International Annual Competition of Manhattan Arts to Aven Chen, an achievement that has made him famous in the international art world.
Aven Chen
Aven is a Taiwanese painter who specializes in oil paintings of figures and landscapes. His painting techniques combine classical and modern painting schools. Aven has been awarded the International Arts Competition Manhattan 1999, an achievement that has made him famous in the international art world.
How to purchase a reproduction or a oil painting?
Step-by-Step Illustration of Aven’s Work ‘A Smiling Taiwan Boy’ | Oil Painting
See other oil paintings by Aven:
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Art publications about Aven’s work:
Step-by-Step Illustration of Aven’s Work ‘A Smiling Taiwan Boy’ | Oil Painting