Taipei opens a major exhibition celebrating Shi Jin-hua, a late Taiwanese conceptual artist. The show highlights his meditative and spiritual approach, drawing widespread attention from the art community. Shi Jin-hua’s work transformed personal rituals into universal expressions of life and faith.
The exhibition takes place at Taipei’s Mind Set Art Center, marking the gallery’s 15th anniversary. Additionally, visitors will see a wide range of pieces, including works never previously exhibited. Organizers emphasized the event’s significance in honoring an artist who merged body, mind, and art.
Shi Jin-hua was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 17. Therefore, he turned daily insulin injections and blood tests into artistic practice. His “Insulin Journal” series mixed doses with pencil strokes, creating rhythmic lines that mapped his life’s journey. Experts note this work blends science, health, and meditative reflection.
Furthermore, the artist continued exploring these themes in “One Thousand Days.” He marked blood drops on paper while integrating Buddhist rituals, demonstrating the link between spiritual dedication and daily routine. Critics describe it as a powerful fusion of personal discipline and universal meditation.
Another highlight is the “Pen Walking” series, begun in 1994. In this work, Shi drew continuously until ink ran out, reflecting impermanence and mindfulness. Meanwhile, the practice culminated in “Pencil Walker,” where he walked across a nine-meter wall reciting Buddhist scriptures. The wall transformed into a dark reflective surface, symbolizing karma converted into art.
Art historians explain Shi Jin-hua’s work reshaped conceptual art in Taiwan. By integrating illness, spirituality, and time, he created pieces that inspire both reflection and dialogue. Additionally, the exhibition underscores how personal experience can resonate widely in contemporary art.
Mind Set Art Center officials emphasized that the exhibition fosters deeper engagement with spiritual practice in art. They also hope visitors leave with both intellectual insight and emotional reflection.
The exhibition runs through September 20. Therefore, visitors can explore Shi Jin-hua’s meditative practice, gaining insight into the intersection of life, ritual, and artistic expression. Experts anticipate that this retrospective will strengthen Taipei’s reputation as a hub for innovative contemporary art.
