– Impossible bottle artist Hsu Huang-yin
– Hsu Huang-yin dies at 88.
**Nantou-based Artist Hsu Huang-yen Passes Away at 88**
Taipei, Feb. 7 (CNA) – The art community mourns the loss of Hsu Huang-yen (許煌烟), a talented artist known for his intricate architectural models housed within glass bottles. Hsu passed away in late January at the age of 88. His children confirmed the news and revealed their decision to donate over 100 of their father’s artworks to his close friend and folklore expert, Liao Ta-yi (廖大乙).
In an official statement to the press on Tuesday, Liao expressed his plans to organize free exhibits to showcase Hsu’s remarkable creations. He aims to share with the public the “determined, persevering spirit” that fueled his friend’s artistic journey.
Born and raised in Nantou’s Yuchi Township, Hsu embarked on his artistic career relatively late in life, dedicating the past two decades to perfecting his craft. He attributed his unique style to his experience as a construction engineer at the Taiwan Power Company’s Mingtan Power Station.
Using only bamboo sticks, glue, and long chopsticks, Hsu meticulously assembled intricate architectural models within glass bottles. His repertoire included famous landmarks such as Taipei 101 and the 85 Sky Tower in Kaohsiung, as well as transmission towers, sailboats, and pagodas. The delicate process required Hsu to constantly adjust the angle of the bottle, often resulting in neck and eye strain. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a calm and patient mindset during his work, as frustration or anger would hinder the process.
In a lighthearted interview before his passing, Hsu shared that he had never witnessed anyone attempting to replicate his unique art form. He humorously remarked, “Without patience, it’s really hard to stick to” something like this, highlighting the level of dedication and commitment required.
Hsu’s passing leaves a void in the artistic community, but his legacy will live on through his incredible artworks. His family’s decision to donate his creations ensures that his talent and passion will continue to inspire others.
While the cause of Hsu’s death is yet unknown, his remarkable artistic journey and the impact he made on the art world will be remembered for years to come. His ability to transform ordinary materials into extraordinary masterpieces captured the imagination of many.
The art community and his fans are left with a deep sense of loss, but also with gratitude for the beauty and inspiration Hsu brought into their lives.
In his memory, Liao and Hsu’s family are working together to organize exhibitions of his artwork, allowing the public to admire and appreciate the dedication and skill that went into each piece.
Hsu Huang-yen’s passing marks the end of an era in the art world, but his contributions will forever be cherished. His intricate architectural models within glass bottles will continue to captivate audiences, reminding us of the power of creativity and the beauty that can be found in even the most unexpected places.
(By Hsiao Po-yang and Matthew Mazzetta)
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1. Impossible bottle artist Hsu Huang-yin dies at 88
2. Impossible bottle artist Hsu Huang-yin passes away at 88.
