The CTBC Painting Prize, Taiwan’s only art award dedicated exclusively to contemporary painting, has reached a new milestone in its second edition with a record 802 submissions. After two rigorous rounds of judging, the First Prize was not awarded this year. Instead, three Merit Awards were given to the following artists (in order of surname strokes): Wu Yi-Han (Madonna and the Whore), Hung Hsuan (Breakthrough), and Hsiao Pei-I (Treasure Boat II). Two additional Merit Awards were added: Tseng Ting-Yu (23 Lao Geng-Sky View) and Luo Jr-Shin (Paint Snail With Snail Paint). All five Merit Award works will be acquired for the CTBC Foundation for Arts and Culture’s collection. The 17 shortlisted works are on view at the Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts from March 15 to June 9.

Feng Ji-Tai, Chairman of the CTBC Foundation for Arts and Culture, stated:
“This year’s competition was incredibly fierce—only 2% of submissions made it to the final exhibition. Each piece is outstanding. Through this award, we aim to support artists and build a platform for the exchange of ideas around contemporary painting.”

Tsai Shih-Ping, Commissioner of the Taipei City Department of Cultural Affairs, visited the exhibition with in-depth knowledge of each work. He emphasized the crucial role of corporate support in sustaining cultural initiatives:
“Public resources are limited. It’s essential that the private sector engages with the arts. I hope the CTBC Painting Prize continues long-term—over time, it will subtly shape the trajectory of Taiwanese contemporary painting.”

Lin Ping, CEO of the Taiwan Fine Arts Foundation and Jury Chair, noted that the consistently high number of submissions (700–800 per edition) reflects the strong presence of young painters under 40 in Taiwan. Each edition introduces unique works and diverse critical perspectives, reinforcing the prize’s core values while expanding the scope of painting in Taiwan.
This year’s finalists address a wide range of topics—from everyday life and social critique to historical reflections, technological commentary, and cross-strait identity. Through deconstruction, reinterpretation, and artistic experimentation, these works investigate the relevance of painting in today’s world.

Yao Jui-Chung, artist and jury member, recalled the intensity of the selection process:
“It got so heated we nearly had a falling out! The works were too good—it was incredibly difficult to decide. What stood out this year was the strength of the female artists. Their use of delicate techniques, material experimentation, and refined presentation really resonated with the entire jury. I’m thrilled to see female creators gain more visibility. This prize is groundbreaking—it gives young artists who are committed to painting a valuable opportunity.”

All of this year’s selected artists used painting to interpret contemporary issues, engaging critically with the past and present systems of the medium. Despite many strong contenders, the jury could not reach a consensus on a First Prize winner. They unanimously agreed on the Merit Prize, thus opting to withhold the First Prize. Lin Ping emphasized:
“The real value of this award lies not only in financial support or encouragement, but in cultivating excellence that embodies the spirit of the times. The decision not to award the First Prize reflects our high aspirations for the future of the prize, rather than a lack of merit among the participants.”

The jury proposed reallocating the NT$800,000 originally reserved for the first Prize to fund two additional Merit Prize. The CTBC Foundation responded positively, hoping to encourage more artists to pursue contemporary painting.

Hsiao Pei-I’s Treasure Boat II was widely praised by the jury. Incorporating foil, painting, and printmaking, the work invites viewers to consider: If a derelict boat seen as ruin by humans could be a treasure vessel for animals, might disasters offer a chance for renewal?

Wu Yih-Han’s Madonna and the Whore, the only figurative nude among the Merit Award winners, critiques the societal construction of female identity and duty, resonating with the #MeToo movement.

Chen Hsiao-Peng, associate professor at Taipei National University of the Arts and jury member, commented:
“The artist is asking: Do we really need to look a certain way to be seen as either a Madonna or a whore? That’s a provocative and necessary question.”

This year also saw a notable increase in ink-based works, with three selected pieces using ink and mixed media, up from the previous edition. Hung Hsuan’s Life Will Finds Its Way Out fuses construction-site imagery with Go game strategy, reinterpreting ink techniques and symbols. Tseng Ting-Yu’s 23 Lao Geng-Sky View combines ink with copper foil to express the shifting emotional and cultural landscapes of cross-strait life.
Curator and jury member Wang Chia-Chi observed a trend:
“Ink and printmaking are increasingly prominent. They’re moving beyond repetitive traditions and becoming exciting mediums for contemporary experimentation. Artists are introducing new materials and methods—like integrating video or 3D elements—exploring conceptual depth and new dimensions of painting.”

Yao Jui-Chung also noted that as digital tools evolve, many artists are reclaiming the value of handcraft and imperfection. This “human touch”—unpredictable, flawed, and deeply expressive—is producing work that no machine can replicate. Luo Jr-Shin’s Paint Snails With Snail Paint, made with snail shells and Taoyuan red clay, is a perfect example.

While many public and regional art awards in Taiwan are categorized broadly, painting as a medium has been gradually marginalized. The CTBC Painting Prize fills that gap with an open call—no theme, no material restrictions, and no size limits—to encourage creative freedom in painting.
Lin Ping emphasized that each edition’s selected works and jury discussions reaffirm the value of contemporary painting and explore its evolving possibilities. This spirit of openness and inquiry is exactly why CTBC established the award in the first place. The Merit Award-winning works will enter the CTBC Foundation’s permanent collection, continuing to promote contemporary painting through corporate support.