Hong Tong's Former Residence Introduction
The New Czu located in Kuanjiangli, Beimen District, is the former residence of the "Eastern Picasso," a non-professional painter named Hong Tong. Illiterate and self-taught, he devoted himself to painting at the age of fifty, known for his paintings featuring mysterious scripts and rich colors, infused with a spirit of mystique. His early experiences with folk rituals and beliefs profoundly influenced his artistic spirit, leading to a sort of religious hypnosis while painting, resulting in works filled with vibrant, supernatural, and religious imagery. Thus, his paintings possess both pictographic symbols and a familiarity with folk talismans. His abstract and childlike style, marked by bold and bright colors, drew attention both domestically and internationally; even the then-President Chiang Ching-kuo personally visited him. After achieving fame, despite living in poverty, Hong Tong refused to sell his paintings, adhering to three principles: first, "never sell paintings," as he believed selling would mean he could never replicate the same piece; second, "do not paint ears," as having ears means he would hear the world's gossip and criticism; therefore, many figures in his works lack ears unless adorned with beautiful earrings; third, "do not live in houses designed by others," preferring to create his own space, he painted a "Golden Luan Palace," aspiring to build his own studio. Due to his unique personality and reluctance to engage with the outside world, he passed away in 1978, leaving behind astonishing works and a mysterious life. The Yunjiannan Management Office has combined local characteristics and community imagery to paint Hong Tong's artworks on community walls, allowing visiting tourists to learn about Hong Tong's life and experience his imaginative world. In addition to his studio, visitors can see glimpses of past life in the village, with many walls of residential houses showcasing his art. Moreover, in the Xin'an Temple in Kuanjiangli, there is a regular exhibition of Hong Tong's works, welcoming interested individuals to appreciate them! The Yunjiannan Management Office notes that Hong Tong's legacy has gradually faded from public memory; however, he remains an irreplaceable legend of Beimen and one of the representative figures of the salted earth area's artistic literature, making his obscurity regrettable. They hope to build a cultural landmark at Hong Tong's former residence in Beimen, inviting tourists to explore its many corners. Beyond being a beautiful place for wedding photography, Beimen is also rich in artistic ambiance from the salted earth, and everyone is sincerely welcomed to discover the enchanting and imaginative world of Hong Tong together.
