Looking through X-Rays: The study of underlying painting in the oeuvre of Chen Cheng-po

Abstract

X-ray photography is an essential tool for the understanding of an artist’s technique as well as creative processes. This paper will describe the working practice of Cheng Chen-po and go deeper into the knowledge of his artworks. This research has studied 74 oil paintings, and 25 of them have been revealed underneath layers. Having 34% of the artworks with different underlying composition paintings, Chen Chen-po becomes one of the most nonconformist painters in Taiwan. This study will also focus on the reasons why the artist decided to modify partially or completely the paintings, the nude female being the topic most changed while landscapes are almost unaltered. Economics, aesthetics, canvas availability and change of mind are the main reasons why the paintings were altered during his Japan, Shanghai and Taiwan periods. Furthermore, the reasons why the canvases painted in the studio were more modified rather than the ones painted outdoors will also be discussed.