Taipei, April 1 (CNA) For fine art lovers in Taiwan, Max Liu never left. A memorial exhibition and a underway animation are trying to make the legacy of the famous Taiwanese painter who passed away four years ago live on for many more years to come.
A total of 30 never-before-seen color paintings are being displayed in a month-long memorial exhibition starting Saturday in Capital Art Center (CAC) to commemorate Max Liu, one of the most celebrated painters in Taiwan modern art.
An animation which features an adventure of Liu and animal figures, his favorite painting theme, are also under way. The film that reflects Liu's love of animal and adventure is due to be released in 2008.
"As passionate as he has always been for painting, Liu was even more dedicated to giving lectures. He said that a painting can only be owned by one person, but a good speech can make much more impact to people, " CAC President York Hsiao recollected in the opening ceremony.
"He has never been an artist who looks for making money from his works. What he cares is what art can do and impact people's life, " said Hsiao.
Lin Ding-san, Liu's student at Chung-yuan Christian University and an architect, decided to remember his mentor in a different way, launching an animation project in 2002.
"It's a story that talks about Mr. Liu and all these animals he painted go on to a journey and save an island from environmental crisis. This is a best way to remember him and carry on his legacy to the next generation, " Lin said.
Max Liu (1912-2002) was an engineer throughout the first 38 years of his life. Picking up his paint and brush at 39 years-old, Liu's career as an artist boomed in the next 50 years. An adventurous and open-minded man, Liu spent a large part of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s traveling around the world, learning cultures and studying the art.
Later in his life, Liu also devoted himself in environmental protection and many charity programs.