Born in 1941 in the Philippines to Chinese parents, Wen-Hui Huang came to Taiwan to study after being encouraged by his father. He graduated with a degree in architecture from NCKU in 1964 and embarked on a remarkable journey in architecture. In 1967, he earned his master's degree from Pratt Institute in the United States, working at several renowned architecture firms in New York and Honolulu, ultimately becoming a partner and design director at Media5 Architects in Hawaii.
"If it weren’t for NCKU, I would never have met my lifelong partner," Huang shared during an interview. It was at NCKU where he metLi-Jian Lin, a fellow student from the Department of Mathematics, whom he began dating in their second year and has now been married to for nearly 60 years. Huang recalls fondly their time at NCKU, including romantic memories of participating in Valentine’s Day events, riding bicycles around campus, and enjoying local delicacies together. After graduation, the couple moved to the United States to live.
Huang said that his time at NCKU not only led him to meet his wife but also helped him discover his life goals. During his studies, he was given ample resources, including the opportunity to read architectural masters' works and intern at an architectural firm during the summer between his sophomore and junior years. These experiences deepened his love for architecture. He encourages students to pursue their passions and get to know and like themselves, as this is essential in finding their true calling and work.
As both an architect and artist, Huang explained that the creative process in art—transforming something from nothing—is arduous but rewarding. "Once the work is completed, there’s great happiness because it’s something I truly enjoy. There's no pressure, and it’s even therapeutic. That sense of achievement, of creating something from nothing, is why I always emphasize to my students: You must first like and affirm yourself before others will do the same."
In his remarks, Shih-Hong Yang, Director of the NCKU Art Center, noted that Wen-Hui Huang’s creative forms span painting, collage, printmaking, sculpture, and digital art. Huang is known for his whimsical artistic style, transforming everyday objects and recycled materials into vibrant, playful works. This exhibition aims to bring a diverse, artistic atmosphere to NCKU.
"We are very pleased to kick off the 93rd Anniversary celebrations with Wen-Hui Huang’s solo exhibition," said NCKU Assistant Vice President Bing-Sheng Wu. This is the first exhibition in the anniversary series. After Huang graduated from the NCKU Architecture Department, he spent many years in the United States, where he also engaged in artistic work and spatial design in his spare time. His diverse talents make him an excellent model for cross-disciplinary learning. The exhibition features over 140 pieces, hoping to bring art closer to the NCKU community.
Cheng-Lun Xue, Chair of the NCKU Department of Architecture, mentioned that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the NCKU Architecture Department. In early November, a series of activities will follow this exhibition, beginning with a forum. He expressed great joy in inviting Wen-Hui Huang, who graduated over 60 years ago, to hold this exhibition at NCKU. The playful nature of Huang's works, many of which feature basic architectural elements, serves as excellent reference material for students. Xue hopes that Huang’s creative world will lead viewers into a space filled with creativity, fantasy, and surrealism, offering a glimpse into the pure joy and limitless possibilities of artistic creation.
NCKU 93rd Anniversary Exhibition – Wen-Hui Huang Art Exhibition: THE WHIMSICAL ARTWORKS OF BONHUI UY
Exhibition period: October 26, 2024 (Saturday) to November 14, 2024 (Thursday), 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on November 3 and November 10)
Location: Future Exhibition Room, 2F, Future Hall, Sheng-Li Campus, National Cheng Kung University
At the age of 83, artist Wen-Hui Huang, a 1964 alumnus of National Cheng Kung University, is holding a solo exhibition showcasing over 140 of his works.
Artist Wen-Hui Huang (left) and his wife, Lin Li-chen (right), who are both alumni of the Department of Mathematics at National Cheng Kung University, met, fell in love, and have been married for nearly 60 years.
The works of artist Wen-Hui Huang are highly playful, aiming to guide viewers into an artistic world filled with creativity, fantasy, and surrealism.
Artist Wen-Hui Huang's diverse body of work includes various forms of creation, such as painting, collage, printmaking, sculpture, and digital art.
Artist Wen-Hui Huang is skilled at using whimsical artistic styles to transform everyday objects and recycled materials into vibrant and playful works of art.
Opening tea party group photo (from right to left): Cheng-Lun Xue, Chair of the Department of Architecture at NCKU; Lin Li-jen, NCKU Mathematics alumnus; Artist Wen-Hui Huang; Bing-Sheng Wu, Assistant Vice President of NCKU; Ma Min-yuan, Art Director of NCKU Art Center; Architect Xie Guo-zhong; Yang Shi-hong, Art Director of NCKU Art Center.