Taiwan Power veteran Li Shengmao paints vivid portrait of frontline power workers' perilous repairs.

In the development of Taiwan's modern arts and culture, artists' creative inspiration often stems from daily life and lived experiences. Lee Sheng-mao, who served at Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) for four decades, is a representative figure who transformed industrial work sites into traditional Chinese ink paintings. Lee's career at Taipower spanned the golden age of Taiwan's economic takeoff and the rapid expansion of infrastructure. This long journey not only established his expertise in the field of electrical engineering but also became an inexhaustible source of inspiration when he later picked up the paintbrush. After retirement, Lee did not slow down; instead, through ink art, he continues to unveil the untold hardships and greatness of electrical maintenance personnel to the general public.

The core of Lee's creation focuses on the realistic scenes of Taiwan's frontline electrical maintenance personnel rushing to repair facilities in treacherous mountain forests. With Taiwan's mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather, whenever typhoons strike or heavy rains cause damage to power facilities, electrical engineering workers are always the first to venture deep into the mountains, conducting repairs amidst severe weather and perilous terrain. Drawing upon his decades of personal practical experience in the power industry, Lee deeply understands the dangers and challenges faced by these frontline personnel. His paintings are not merely visual depictions; they carry a strong documentary nature and a deep sense of respect for his colleagues.

In terms of expression technique, Lee chose traditional ink painting to interpret modern industry and labor sites. Ink painting emphasizes dynamic spirit resonance, the contrast of light and shade in brush and ink, and the creation of artistic conception, which shares a subtle resonance with the imagery of power workers shuttling through mountain forests and clouds. Through fluid lines and layers of ink tones, he seamlessly integrates colossal transmission towers, intertwined ancient mountain trees, and small yet resolute maintenance workers into a single frame. This artistic expression not only showcases the magnificent yet perilous natural landscape of Taiwan's mountains and forests but also highlights the tenacious vitality of humans in an environment intertwined with nature and heavy industry.

Lee's artistic practice reflects Taiwanese society's reassessment of labor value and grassroots artisans. For a long time, the general public has mostly taken the convenience of electricity supply for granted, rarely pondering the sweat and risks behind every kilowatt-hour of electricity. With his paintbrush, Lee has preserved precious historical images for these silently dedicated unsung heroes. His works hold profound social and educational significance, allowing viewers to appreciate ink art while also fostering a deeper empathy and gratitude toward Taiwan's infrastructure and frontline workers.

Lee stated that in the future, he will continue to paint his decades of work experience, which is not only his personal artistic mission but also an emotional sustenance for his years at Taipower. In his long retirement, the canvas has become a bridge for him to converse with his past career. Through continuous artistic endeavors, he has transformed personal memories of labor into public cultural assets. Lee's creative journey proves that art is not aloof and out of reach, but deeply rooted in the land and labor, adding a unique and profound chapter to Taiwan's cultural landscape.

(Source: Central News Agency)