Taiwan's first-ever hair art creation is now on display at the Gold Museum

By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported

Taiwan's first exhibition of artworks created using human hair as the medium is now on show at the "Golden Water Special Exhibition Room" in the Gold Museum, titled "Life as Art—Xu Yizong Hair Painting Exhibition." The exhibition runs until May 6. Don’t miss your chance to see the wonder of hair paintings for yourself.

Xu Yizong, the creator of hair paintings, worked in the hairdressing industry in his early years while also researching the use of human hair for artistic creation. In 1995, he successfully elevated hair styling into an art form, pioneering a globally unique hair painting technique. These artworks may resemble oil paintings from afar but reveal individual strands upon closer inspection. The preparation process is intricate—it involves sorting collected hair by texture and thickness, dyeing it, and more. Each painting demands complete concentration; once hair strands are embedded into the panel, there’s no room for correction or mistakes. Damaging the panel or misplacing a strand means starting over. After implanting a million strands, the artwork still requires trimming, blowing, and combing, with each piece taking over half a year to complete.

This exhibition showcases 14 carefully crafted pieces by Xu Yizong, including "Jiufen" depicting a city lit up at night, "Yin-Yang Sea" highlighting the contrast between mountains and ocean, "African Prairie" emphasizing the union of human and animal life, "Dance of the Spirit" inspired by a sudden burst of creativity, and the graceful "Sleeping Beauty," among others. Xu Yizong said hair painting is not about showcasing technical skill—he aims to promote the idea that "hair paintings are paintings of humanity." Each strand carries the DNA of its original owner, making it unique and full of life. Just as countless strands represent all living beings, a hair painting becomes a small universe. By using the element of life—hair—as the medium, he hopes to celebrate the true, good, and beautiful aspects of humanity through "people-centered" creations. He also hopes viewers will understand the original intention behind his work, avoid limiting themselves, and discover the true value of life.

● Read more: First Taiwan exhibition by Japan’s Living National Treasure, Nakagawa Mamoru

www.tripass.net/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=7172