Ceramic Artist Chen Jinwang's Solo Exhibition 'You Xi Wang' Opens with Charity Auction – NT$60,000 Donated to Mennonite Foundation

Ceramic artist and Guangfu mud researcher Chen Jinwang, inspired by the gentle and compassionate qualities of soil from Guangfu Township in Hualien County, has created a series of artworks. His solo exhibition 'You Xi Wang' opens on the 26th at Zhongyou Department Store, featuring the special charity auction of 'Guangfu Xi Wang'—a piece crafted from Guangfu soil. All proceeds will be donated to the Hualien Mennonite Foundation's Guangfu Station, fulfilling the vision of 'Soil from Guangfu, blessings return to Guangfu.' Chen emphasizes that this journey—from researching post-disaster sedimentary soil, to artistic creation, and finally giving back to the land and local community—completes a meaningful cycle from earth to art to compassion.

The exhibition's theme, 'You Xi Wang,' not only continues Chen Jinwang's iconic 'Xi Wang' series but also cleverly echoes the 'You' (friendship) in Zhongyou Department Store, reflecting the spirit of 'connecting through art' and 'prospering through friendship.' The exhibition showcases 33 exquisite works from his recent creations, including the Xi Wang, Oil Can Pot, and Iron Fix Pot series. These pieces seamlessly blend clay sculpture, functional vessels, and aesthetics reminiscent of bronze and rusted iron, expressing a deep connection to the land and contemporary sculptural beauty.

Chen Jinwang has long dedicated himself to artistic research using regional materials such as Dadaocheng red soil and Guangfu mud. His works do not pursue mechanical precision but instead preserve the natural traces of handcrafted clay. Through fire, oxidation and reduction, and composite media like lacquer, he achieves textures resembling aged bronze and rusted iron. In recent years, he has focused on creating a series using sedimentary mud from Guangfu, Hualien—transforming what was once considered disaster debris into vibrant ceramic artworks imbued with life and land memory. This body of work was supported by the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute's 'Guangfu Rebirth – Ceramic Art Research and Creation Grant Project.'

On the exhibition's theme, Chen explains: 'Rhinoceroses are known as forest firefighters. I've lived in the Dadaocheng area for years, where hill fires are common, so I naturally associate them with rhinos. Dadaocheng's red soil can be used as glaze, clay, or slip, and it can also mimic the look of rusted iron—perfect for rendering the rhino's armor. This inspired my rhino series, symbolizing vigor, prosperity, and the flourishing of the earth.'

Jimmy Chien, Planning Manager at Zhongyou Department Store, stated: 'Zhongyou has long been committed to bringing life aesthetics and contemporary art into everyday life. Mr. Chen's highly recognizable 'Xi Wang' rhino series is widely known. This exhibition at Zhongyou Fashion Art Gallery also features a unique wabi-sabi style teapot series, showcasing Mr. Chen's distinctive and masterful artistry.'

To demonstrate corporate social responsibility and the warmth of art, Zhongyou Fashion Art Gallery will host a special charity auction event on July 26. Manager Chien emphasized: 'The purpose of charity is not only material aid but also emotional resonance. Mr. Chen has transformed useless sedimentary mud into a profoundly spiritual and compassionate artwork, 'Guangfu Xi Wang,' perfectly embodying the Daoist philosophy of 'the usefulness of the seemingly useless.' Upholding our original mission of promoting humanistic public welfare, Zhongyou Department Store has taken the lead in purchasing this piece, donating the full auction proceeds—approximately NT$60,000—to the Mennonite Social Welfare and Charity Foundation, hoping to bring more warmth to society through the power of art.'

During the exhibition, visitors can participate in interactive activities such as taking photos for free exhibition postcards or posting on social media to enter a raffle for a cute 'Xi Wang Mini Lamp.' Additionally, on August 2 at 3:30 PM, a special art talk will be held at Eslite Bookstore on the 11th floor of Building C, featuring artist Chen Jinwang and guest speaker Lin Min-Cheng (senior media professional and Deputy General Manager of Lishan Hotel), exploring the captivating artistry born from earth and fire.