Artwork Appreciation
TU Pei-Shih often adopts a narrative filled with fantasies to respond to the conflicts and ridiculous nature of the real world. Good Luck is a montage of various crystals and plants that symbolize good fortune and luck ubiquitous throughout Taiwan. These lush plants are kept in brilliantly colored vases and some are even decorated with red ribbons for added fortune, creating a brightly colored composition against a gold-colored background. Yet the painting is devoid of people, and the fallen leaves scattered on the ground accentuate the sense of emptiness. TU Pei-Shih uses these icons of good fortune to highlight the people’s desire for a good life while reminding us of our spiritual poverty.