By Stephanie Liu (劉正廷)
Photos by Brooke Tseng (曾若璇)
The Lunar New Year is a time for reunion, making it a perfect opportunity for fostering friendships and cultural exchange. Thomas Chen(陳秋貴), Chairman of Crystal Window & Door Systems, Ltd.(協和門窗集團), traveled from Manzhou Township, Pingtung County, to Tainan on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year to visit the culturally rich Asia Art Museum(甘樂阿舍美術館). This visit was not only an in-depth discussion on artistic philosophies but also a rare gathering where friendship and culture intertwined.
The museum’s founder, Ying-Tung Tseng(曾英棟), and its director, Brooke Tseng(曾若璇), personally welcomed their distinguished guest. As the museum marked its 10th anniversary, they engaged in discussions ranging from artistic philosophies to the differences between Eastern and Western cultures, exploring how Taiwanese art could gain international recognition. They also delved into the deeper spiritual values behind artistic creation.
The gathering was also attended by Pang-Hao Hsu(徐邦浩), President of Excellence Media Group, and Stephanie Liu(劉正廷), Editor-in-Chief of Excellence Education Network. This meeting went beyond formal pleasantries, sparking new possibilities for the development of art and the preservation of culture while expanding Taiwan’s artistic vision on the global stage.
A Dialogue of Artistic Souls
Having lived in the United States for many years, Chairman Thomas Chen has made a name for himself in the aluminum window and door industry with his unwavering determination and keen business acumen. His success is not only a result of precise market judgment but also stems from a deep appreciation of life and aesthetics. This visit to the museum allowed him to once again experience the power of art in familiar surroundings.
Ying-Tung Tseng, who holds a master’s degree from New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts, shared his experiences studying in New York and how its diverse cultural environment inspired artists to adopt different perspectives on the world. Thomas Chen resonated with these sentiments, affirming:
“Art is not merely a display of technique but a manifestation of vision and perspective.”
He emphasized that regardless of location, art serves as a vessel for culture and should be seen, understood, and even integrated into everyday life.
Stephanie Liu, who returned to Taiwan after years in the United States to focus on media and cultural development, highlighted Thomas Chen’s long-standing dedication to promoting culture and the arts despite his business commitments. Having known each other for years, their reunion was especially meaningful. Through this exchange, they hoped to introduce Taiwan’s artistic talent to a broader international audience and create more opportunities for collaboration.
The Fusion of Art, Friendship, and Cuisine
Beyond the stimulating artistic discussions, the group also indulged in a chef’s specially curated menu arranged by Ying-Tung Tseng. Tainan, a city renowned not only for its rich history but also for its vibrant culinary culture, provided the perfect setting for a feast that blended local flavors with exquisite craftsmanship. This gathering was not just an intellectual exchange but also a sensory experience where art and gastronomy intertwined to create a memorable Lunar New Year celebration.
Looking Ahead: Elevating Taiwanese Art to the Global Stage
This rare Lunar New Year gathering may have planted the seeds for future collaboration, allowing Taiwanese art to establish deeper connections with the world. During the discussions, a consensus was reached: Excellence Media Group, with its 40 years of experience, will take the lead in promoting Taiwanese art internationally, further expanding its cultural influence.
Both Thomas Chen and Ying-Tung Tseng expressed their enthusiasm for future collaboration, hoping to take concrete steps to bring Taiwanese art onto the world stage, allowing local creations to shine in the international arena.
“Art is not just personal creation; it is a cross-cultural dialogue that should be accessible, understood, and resonated with by more people,” Ying-Tung Tseng emphasized.
This meaningful encounter during the Lunar New Year has already opened doors for future partnerships, enriching the value of artistic exchanges and broadening Taiwan’s global artistic vision while fostering deeper cultural connections.
