2021 Life in Color

Stephen Peng returns to Taichung
to hold an exhibition solo exhibition

Internationally renowned artist Stephen Peng returns to Taichung to hold an exhibition,
donating a painting valued at 1 million to the city government “Taichung Prefecture Hall”.

Stephen Peng, an internationally renowned designer of brand bags and luggage, returned to painting in 2008 and held exhibitions globally. His greatest wish is to return to Taichung where he first held a solo exhibition in his early 20s. The Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taichung City will hold Peng’s "Life in Color" solo exhibition at the Dadun Cultural Center from now until February 3. Peng has expressly donated his new acrylic painting "Taichung Prefecture Hall" valued at NTD1.24 million to Taichung. At the opening ceremony today (16th), the Director of Cultural Affairs Bureau Zhang Dachun received the gift on behalf of Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, which was given as a blessing ahead of the completion of the restoration of the century-old monumental Taichung Prefecture Hall.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taichung City held the opening ceremony of the "Life in Color"  exhibition at the Dadun Cultural Center today. Former Mayor Jason Hu, Taichung City Government Municipal Advisor Lin Hui-tang, and friends of various backgrounds who love Peng's works attended the opening ceremony. Director Zhang said that Mr. Peng's works are vibrant, rich, bright, and warm. He admires the master of bags and luggage who started from nothing and created a world without limits in abstract painting through a carefree and admiring mindset. He looks at the paintings as though he is also influenced by the artist's spontaneous and passionate vibes.

Director Zhang pointed out that the Taichung Prefecture Hall began the restoration project in August last year and is expected to be completed by the end of next year. In the future, the Taichung Cultural City will be built together with the Cultural Heritage Park, Taiwan Connection 1908 Green Railway Park, and the Taichung Cultural City Historical Site Reconstruction Project. Peng generously donating his new work ‘Taichung Prefecture Hall’ not only continues the 107-year historical significance of the Prefecture Hall, but also offers an early blessing to its future restoration. 

The Cultural Affairs Bureau explains, Stephen Peng who was born in 1947 is 75 years old this year. At the age of 20, he worked at the American Army Housing in Taichung. Influenced by Western culture and painting style, he discovered the freedom and creativity of abstract oil painting; he was sponsored by the American Army Women’s Association to hold his first painting exhibition at the American Officers’ Club in Taichung (now Taichung Meicun Road) in 1969. It was highly appreciated and led him to feel deeply encouraged and inspired. He always believed that painting could become his sense of belonging in life and that painting can allow him to pursue his true spirit.

However, in order to support his family, Peng had to temporarily set aside his dream of painting and boldly devoted himself to working in a shopping mall for more than 40 years. During the era of Taiwan’s economic boom, he was the first Taiwanese businessman to establish his own industrial chain in China and set up a multinational branch in Australia. He was a leader in Taiwan’s luggage industry at that time. Most of the well-known women’s handbags and suitcases were manufactured in his factory in China and exported worldwide.

Later on, he gained the trust of many renowned international brands in the manufacturing and turned to design development. He became a luggage designer for the international brand United Colors of Benetton and traveled to Italy to mentor other designers, leaving his footprint globally. It wasn’t until 2008 when he handed over the baton and retired, before once again returning to art and painting.  He has since held solo exhibitions in Singapore, Italy, and Taiwan among other places.

Returning to Taichung to hold a solo exhibition this time, Stephen Peng’s paintings demonstrate his consistent composition of Eastern landscapes combined with Western abstract geometric techniques and colors which result in a unique artistic style. His works reveal his majestic, magnificent personality, as well as years of accumulated experience. In addition to his personal collection of paintings, this solo exhibition will also feature crossover products in collaboration with major international brands, including classic Italian brand leather shoes, suitcases, silk scarves, and women’s handbags that showcase his design expertise and multitude of talents. For event details, please visit the Dadun Cultural Center official website.
Culture Affairs Bureau
Contact Person: Ms. Liu of the Taichung Culture Affairs Bureau
Contact Number: 04-23727311 Extension: 306