Huang Chun-pi
Huang Chun-pi, born Yunzi, originally named Yunxuan, also known as Chunpi, Junweng, and later respectfully addressed as Elderly Mi Shou, was a Chinese ink painter and educator born in Luchow, Guangdong, China. After 1949, he moved to Taiwan, becoming part of the trio known as the "Three Masters Crossing the Strait " alongside Chang Dai-chien and Pu Xinyu.
Early life and education
Born in Guangzhou in 1898, Huang came from a family with a long history of business. His father, an avid collector of antiques and calligraphy known as Yang Xun Gong, had a profound influence on Huang's artistic development.He began his education in a private school at a young age and, in 1914, entered the Art Department of Guangdong Public School, where he received instruction from Li Yaoping and learned both Eastern and Western painting techniques. After graduating in 1919, Huang continued his studies with Li Yaoping, focusing on the appreciation and imitation of ancient paintings. In 1922, Huang Chun-pi joined the Chu Ting Art Institute to study Western painting, winning first place in the Guangdong Provincial Art Exhibition that same year, marking the beginning of his career as an ink painter and educator. He completed his studies at the Chu Ting Art Institute in 1923, recommended by Li Yaoping, and began teaching at Peizheng Middle School in Guangzhou.
Career
From 1927 to 1936, he served as the Director of Education at the Guangzhou Municipal School of Fine Arts. In 1937, under the leadership of Xu Beihong, he became a professor in the Department of Fine Arts at the National Central University, where he taught for 11 years. Before moving to Taiwan, Huang Chun-pi traveled extensively throughout China, sketching landscapes in places such as Guilin, Nanjing, Sichuan, the Jialing River, and Mount Hua. These observations and sketches contributed to the evolution of his painting techniques and style.Taiwan period
In 1949, Huang Chun-pi moved to Taiwan, succeeding Mo Dayuan as a professor and the second director of the Art Department at National Taiwan Normal College. He retired in 1971. During his time at National Taiwan Normal College, Huang also taught in his private studio, "Bai Yun Tang." Additionally, he served as the personal ink painting teacher for Soong Mei-ling, the wife of Chiang Kai-shek. Outside of his teaching duties, Huang Chun-pi also explored various scenic spots in Taiwan, including Wulai, Alishan, and Xitou [Nature Education Area|Xitou]. In 1969, he personally visited three of the world's largest waterfalls – Victoria Falls, Iguazu Falls, and Niagara Falls. Through methods such as car rides, boat trips, and plane rides, he observed the various forms of waterfalls. Upon returning to Taiwan, he transformed his observations into artworks, which were exhibited at the Provincial Museum in December of the same year. Huang Chun-pi's brushwork depicted the dynamic flow of waterfalls, developing techniques such as the " v-shaped lines," and "shaking brush work " to portray waterfalls.Apart from holding exhibitions in Taiwan, Huang Chun-pi, in 1957, was dispatched by the Ministry of Education to Europe and the United States to study art education, tour famous landscapes, sketch, hold exhibitions, and give lectures. In 1968, he received the Academic Excellence Medal from St. John's University in New York City. Huang Chun-pi traveled to Asia, Europe, America, and Africa, making significant contributions to the promotion of cultural and artistic exchanges. He received notable awards, including the first "Chinese Literary and Artistic Award for Fine Arts" from the Ministry of Education, the "Literary and Artistic Award Medal" from the Chinese Literary and Artistic Association, the "National Literary and Artistic Special Contribution Award" from the Council for Cultural Affairs, Executive Yuan, and a plaque reading "Master of the Art World" presented by the art community in 1967.