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Opening and Book Launch of Hui-Hua Chang’s Art Collection Exhibition
Starting today, Professor Hui-Hua Chang, a world-renowned art collector, is holding a personal collection exhibition at the Art Center of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU). The exhibition features over 30 masterpieces by celebrated artists such as Qi Baishi, Zhang Daqian, Pu Xinyu, and Fan Zeng. The opening ceremony of "The Insightful Eye: The Art Collection of Professor Hui-Hua Chang" and the launch of his new book were held today, drawing numerous distinguished guests. On November 6, a special lecture titled "The Insightful Eye" will be conducted to share the power of art with NCKU faculty and students.
Born in Hong Kong, Professor Chang pursued higher education in the United States, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a master’s degree in Anatomy and Histochemistry from Tufts University School of Medicine, and a Ph.D. in Pathology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine. He is a globally renowned neurocytologist, pathologist, toxicologist, and environmental health scientist. Currently, he serves as an Emeritus Professor of Pathology and Pharmacology/Toxicology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and as a Visiting Chair Professor at NCKU’s College of Medicine, where he actively supports educational transformation and internationalization efforts. In 1999, he was invited to Taiwan to assist Academician Cheng-Wen Wu in establishing the National Health Research Institutes.
Although highly accomplished in medical research, Professor Chang is also a passionate art collector who believes art should be shared with the public. Since 2011, he has collaborated with various cultural institutions in Tainan and Taiwan, hosting exhibitions that allow audiences to appreciate both domestic and international artworks.
“I may specialize in medicine, but my passion lies in art collection,” Professor Chang remarked in his speech. He credited divine blessings for giving him the “opportunity” to collect masterpieces, viewing it as a responsibility to share these treasures with the public. “Art is not just about collecting; it belongs to everyone.” He expressed hope that the exhibition’s works will inspire the younger generation, who represent the future. He encouraged students to take advantage of the enriching environment at NCKU and to experience the transformative power of art through the exhibition.
The exhibition showcases 36 works, including depictions of Zhong Kui, bodhisattvas, arhats, and historical legends. Each piece holds profound meanings that invite contemplation and self-discovery. Professor Chang likened The Insightful Eye to the joy of understanding, where both the visual and emotional experiences are equally beautiful. He shared, “A flower is not merely a flower; wisdom resides within. A Buddha is not simply a Buddha; essence is revealed through insight.” He hopes the underlying messages of the artworks will inspire the audience and awaken their sense of aesthetics and morality.
President Meng-Ru Shen of NCKU highlighted the close connection between Tainan and NCKU, noting that the university’s history is intertwined with the city’s cultural heritage. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to host Professor Chang’s exhibition, welcoming local residents to explore the Art Center and engage with the displayed collection. President Shen emphasized that NCKU values not only professional expertise but also life and aesthetic education. He praised Professor Chang as a role model for students, blending his accomplishments as an internationally renowned pathologist with his passion for art appreciation.
“If even 1% of the 500-600 students who visit are deeply moved, it will be enough,” President Shen said, reflecting on Professor Chang’s impactful participation in last year’s 2023 Art Lecture, which resonated strongly with the campus community. He expressed his hope for ongoing collaboration with Professor Chang, including annual exhibitions at the NCKU Art Center.
Deputy Mayor Ze-Shan Yeh of Tainan City acknowledged the remarkable blend of rationality and artistic passion in Professor Chang. Despite his scientific background as a world-renowned pathologist, Professor Chang seamlessly integrates a romantic appreciation for art. Yeh expressed gratitude to President Shen for facilitating the publication of The Untold Stories of Picasso & Zhang Daqian, which offers unique insights into the two masters through Professor Chang’s perspective. Yeh also noted the significance of the exhibition and book launch as cultural milestones for Tainan during its 400th anniversary celebration.
Shang-Chia Chiu, President of Tainan National University of the Arts (TNNUA), emphasized the vital role of national universities in shaping cities. She expressed hope for increased collaboration between TNNUA and NCKU in promoting art and culture, as well as the possibility of showcasing Professor Chang’s collection at TNNUA in the future.
Professor Emeritus Chiung-Jui Hsiao from NCKU’s Department of History humorously remarked, “It’s because Professor Chang, an artistic talent, was drawn away by medicine that I had space to develop.” He expressed deep admiration for Professor Chang and gratitude for his contributions to the university and the city. Hsiao commended the collective effort behind the exhibition and the publication of the book, calling it a moving testament to the greatness of Tainan and its people. The exhibition runs until December 21, offering visitors a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich collection of world-class masterpieces.
"The Insightful Eye: The Art Collection of Professor Chang Hui-Hua"
Exhibition Period: November 2, 2024 (Saturday) – December 21, 2024 (Saturday) (Open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Closed on Sundays)
Venue: NCKU Art Gallery (1st Floor, Student Activity Center, NCKU Art Center, Kuang-Fu Campus)
Opening Ceremony and Book Launch: November 2, 2024 (Saturday), 9:00 AM
"The Insightful Eye" Lecture
Date and Time: November 6, 2024 (Wednesday), 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Room 893S1, South Wing, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Li-Hsing Campus, NCKU
Born in Hong Kong, Professor Chang pursued higher education in the United States, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a master’s degree in Anatomy and Histochemistry from Tufts University School of Medicine, and a Ph.D. in Pathology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine. He is a globally renowned neurocytologist, pathologist, toxicologist, and environmental health scientist. Currently, he serves as an Emeritus Professor of Pathology and Pharmacology/Toxicology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and as a Visiting Chair Professor at NCKU’s College of Medicine, where he actively supports educational transformation and internationalization efforts. In 1999, he was invited to Taiwan to assist Academician Cheng-Wen Wu in establishing the National Health Research Institutes.
Although highly accomplished in medical research, Professor Chang is also a passionate art collector who believes art should be shared with the public. Since 2011, he has collaborated with various cultural institutions in Tainan and Taiwan, hosting exhibitions that allow audiences to appreciate both domestic and international artworks.
“I may specialize in medicine, but my passion lies in art collection,” Professor Chang remarked in his speech. He credited divine blessings for giving him the “opportunity” to collect masterpieces, viewing it as a responsibility to share these treasures with the public. “Art is not just about collecting; it belongs to everyone.” He expressed hope that the exhibition’s works will inspire the younger generation, who represent the future. He encouraged students to take advantage of the enriching environment at NCKU and to experience the transformative power of art through the exhibition.
The exhibition showcases 36 works, including depictions of Zhong Kui, bodhisattvas, arhats, and historical legends. Each piece holds profound meanings that invite contemplation and self-discovery. Professor Chang likened The Insightful Eye to the joy of understanding, where both the visual and emotional experiences are equally beautiful. He shared, “A flower is not merely a flower; wisdom resides within. A Buddha is not simply a Buddha; essence is revealed through insight.” He hopes the underlying messages of the artworks will inspire the audience and awaken their sense of aesthetics and morality.
President Meng-Ru Shen of NCKU highlighted the close connection between Tainan and NCKU, noting that the university’s history is intertwined with the city’s cultural heritage. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to host Professor Chang’s exhibition, welcoming local residents to explore the Art Center and engage with the displayed collection. President Shen emphasized that NCKU values not only professional expertise but also life and aesthetic education. He praised Professor Chang as a role model for students, blending his accomplishments as an internationally renowned pathologist with his passion for art appreciation.
“If even 1% of the 500-600 students who visit are deeply moved, it will be enough,” President Shen said, reflecting on Professor Chang’s impactful participation in last year’s 2023 Art Lecture, which resonated strongly with the campus community. He expressed his hope for ongoing collaboration with Professor Chang, including annual exhibitions at the NCKU Art Center.
Deputy Mayor Ze-Shan Yeh of Tainan City acknowledged the remarkable blend of rationality and artistic passion in Professor Chang. Despite his scientific background as a world-renowned pathologist, Professor Chang seamlessly integrates a romantic appreciation for art. Yeh expressed gratitude to President Shen for facilitating the publication of The Untold Stories of Picasso & Zhang Daqian, which offers unique insights into the two masters through Professor Chang’s perspective. Yeh also noted the significance of the exhibition and book launch as cultural milestones for Tainan during its 400th anniversary celebration.
Shang-Chia Chiu, President of Tainan National University of the Arts (TNNUA), emphasized the vital role of national universities in shaping cities. She expressed hope for increased collaboration between TNNUA and NCKU in promoting art and culture, as well as the possibility of showcasing Professor Chang’s collection at TNNUA in the future.
Professor Emeritus Chiung-Jui Hsiao from NCKU’s Department of History humorously remarked, “It’s because Professor Chang, an artistic talent, was drawn away by medicine that I had space to develop.” He expressed deep admiration for Professor Chang and gratitude for his contributions to the university and the city. Hsiao commended the collective effort behind the exhibition and the publication of the book, calling it a moving testament to the greatness of Tainan and its people. The exhibition runs until December 21, offering visitors a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich collection of world-class masterpieces.
"The Insightful Eye: The Art Collection of Professor Chang Hui-Hua"
Exhibition Period: November 2, 2024 (Saturday) – December 21, 2024 (Saturday) (Open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Closed on Sundays)
Venue: NCKU Art Gallery (1st Floor, Student Activity Center, NCKU Art Center, Kuang-Fu Campus)
Opening Ceremony and Book Launch: November 2, 2024 (Saturday), 9:00 AM
"The Insightful Eye" Lecture
Date and Time: November 6, 2024 (Wednesday), 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Room 893S1, South Wing, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Li-Hsing Campus, NCKU
"The Insightful Eye: The Art Collection of Professor Hui-Hua Chang" hosted its opening ceremony and book launch, with a group photo of the distinguished guests. Photo provided by the Art Center.
Professor Hui-Hua Chang believes that art is not just for collection, but belongs to everyone.
President Meng-Ru Shen expressed gratitude to Professor Chang for providing NCKU with the opportunity, and hopes for continued collaboration in the future, with annual exhibitions at the NCKU Art Center.
When Vice Mayor Tse-Shan Yeh of Tainan City delivered his speech, he specially thanked President Meng-Ru Shen of NCKU for facilitating the publication of the book "The Untold Stories of Zhang Daqian and Picasso."
When President Shang-Jia Chiu of Tainan National University of the Arts gave his speech, he thanked Professor Chang for the invitation and expressed hope that the exhibition could also be held in the northern part of Tainan at the university in the future.
Emeritus Professor Chiong-Ruei Hsiao of the Department of History at NCKU welcomed everyone to the exhibition, assuring that the rich collection would offer a visual feast and be a truly rewarding experience for all.
The Untold Stories of Picasso & Zhang Daqian was co-authored by Professor Hui-Hua Chang and Professor Chiong-Ruei Hsiao.
The NCKU Art Center is hosting "The Insightful Eye: The Art Collection of Professor Hui-Hua Chang" from November 2 to December 21, showcasing a precious collection of artworks curated by world-renowned art collector, Professor Chang.
