2019 Life in Color
Objects of Stephen Peng 彭雄渾 Exhibition
Life in Color-Object of STEPHEN PENG
Stephen Peng independently published his autobiography Life in Color in 2019. With the critical acclaim for the book, the publisher Irwin Creative organized a mini-exhibition across five bookstores at Duzu in Taipei, Or Bookstore in Hsinchu, Bookstore for Beginners in Taichung, TaKaoBooks in Kaohsiung, and Dining Books in Taitung.
Stephen Peng’s paintings tell a story of a vibrant journey, a “life in color” which he continues to explore with excitement and curiosity. Displaying artist Stephen Peng’s personal objects in the reading space allow the readers to intimately interact with this unruly soul. The exhibition was a collaboration with exemplary independent bookstores in northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan. By displaying the artist’s personal objects in the reading space, readers are offered a chance to connect with this free spirit up close and furthermore, reflect on what kind of life in color they want for themselves.
Pro Player of Life: An Autobiography of Stephen Peng
It is challenging to define Stephen Peng's life. Prior to becoming an internationally renowned abstract painter, he was a young man from Qingcaohu, Hsinchu. From humble beginnings, Stephen taught himself English and started a trading company for bags and luggage. In 1974 he set off for Europe with little money and a suitcase full of product samples. Hopeful and determined, Stephen travelled around the continent for a month in search of customers who would give him orders for his bags. It was the beginning of House of Mercury, a company that would become one of the leading design, manufacturing and export businesses for bags, accessories and luggage in Asia. From 1990 to 1997 Stephen was invited to take on the prestigious role of Global Design Director for Benetton Accessories. All of this was only just the first chapter of his life.
From an adolescent athlete, English speech contestant and chef, to a entrepreneur, designer and inventor, to now, a painter and philanthropist, Stephen has never been constrained to one identity. His dynamic energy and talent have helped him realize his dreams and drive him to continuously embark on exciting new challenges in his life.
Stephen is not a stranger to the peaks and troughs of life. He remains curious and interested and is someone who always puts complete trust and commitment in his endeavors and in those around him. His courage, creativity and relentless hard work have brought him extraordinary achievements but also great loss, sometimes due to friends who did not have his best interests at heart. Despite this, Stephen remains grateful for his “rich and marvelous experiences and accomplishments, many which may not have been possible if not for the help from friends.”
This biography is like a movie that presents both the splendor of his heydays as well as an honest account of the darker side of life. Stephen Peng hopes that through the narration of his own life, more people would learn to appreciate, believe in themselves and empathize with those surrounding them in every instance of uncertainty.
Traditions, dedication, enthusiasm, and creativity are the values "Life in Color" seeks to convey. Hopefully, readers will find the courage to hold onto their happiness, fearlessly embarking on their own life in color.
