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Known by the courtesy name Gan Hou, and made his mark in the world using this appellation.
Liu, Han-Chieh
Founded Chun Shui Tang in 1983
Founder of the Chun Shui Tea Group, taking on the courtesy name “Gan Hou”. Gan Hou immersed himself in the study of the Six Arts and excelled particularly in cursive calligraphy. Takes delight in experiencing the four seasons, frequently embarking on excursions during the auspicious days of spring and autumn to photograph the captivating beauty of nature, meticulously documenting the landscapes and terrain. With over 40 years of passion dabbling in various mediums, he has navigated seamlessly through the era of traditional film and the digital age.
Lin, Yu-Tang famously said, “This earthly world is the only paradise”.
To which Gan Hou adds, “Teahouses serve as sanctuaries in the human realm”.
Having participated in numerous international photography exhibitions, Gan Hou has consistently garnered praise for his work. His unique style is evident in both his personal ink paintings and photographic creations, all of which are employed to enrich the cultural ambiance of teahouses, imbuing them with a distinctive human touch. Amidst the bustling demands of a career, Gan Hou ardently dedicates himself to the Photographic Society of Taichung, aiding in steering Taiwan towards the global stage of photography. Additionally, the establishment of the “Chun Shui Enterprise Collection Award” serves as a beacon for talented artists from around the world, fostering a platform for cross-cultural exchange, thereby solidifying its status as a pinnacle event within the realm of photography.
Mastery in Tea Artistry|Under the tutelage of Chang, Hung-Yung, specializing in the pedagogy of Gongfu tea ceremony, delving into the art of tea brewing, and advocating the culture of teapot brewing.
Passions|A connoisseur and avid collector of antique artifacts, delving into the realms of calligraphy, particularly adept in cursive script, and expressing creativity through the mediums of ink wash painting and visual storytelling.
Photography Journey
- 1978 Introduction to photography, sparking a lifelong passion
- 1987 Defined focus: Salon Aestheticism, Eastern Zen
- 1988 Began extensive travels to Mainland China and Japan
- 1994 Solo exhibition at a Taipei gallery
- 1996 Solo exhibition at the First Exhibition Hall of Taichung Cultural Center
- 1997 Solo exhibition at a Taichung gallery
- 1998 Initiated the publication of photography calendars, totaling 8 editions until 2005
- 2006 Transitioned to digital photography
- 2010-2012 Participated in international photography exhibitions, winning multiple awards from the Photographic Society of America (PSA) and the Asahi Shimbun Prize in Japan
- 2013 Art photography solo exhibition - “A Record of Glorious Time in Digital Photography”
- 2019-2021 Served as a judge and chief consultant for the Taichung International Exhibition of Photography (Taichung Salon)
- 2022 Released debut photography anthology, “Extraordinary Journey of Tea”
Past Experience
- Honorary Chairman, Photographic Society of Taichung
29th Session Chairman, Photographic Society of Taichung
Chief Consultant, Photographic Society of Taichung
Director of Judging Committee/Chief Consultant, Taichung International Exhibition of Photography (Taichung Salon)
Honorary Scholar, Photographic Society of Taichung
Dissertations
- 1994 Current Status of Tea Drinking Culture in Taiwan
1995 Breaking Free from the Constraints of Gongfu Tea
2011 Examining the Formation of Taiwan's Creative Market through the Perspective of Historical Tea Drinking Culture
Publications
1982 The Art of Chinese Tea
2013 When Boba Meets Tea
2023 Amongst the Tea Leaves: Embracing Various Flavors