“Eastern Characters, Western Characteristics,” a display of paintings by Shuchen Udden contemplating Eastern themes rendered in Western art forms, is on display daily at the Majestic Theater’s art gallery now through the end of May.
Born and raised in Taiwan, Udden has lived most of her adult life in the United States, where she also self-trained in art. The oil paintings Udden selected for this show represent Chinese script or Asian architecture, but rendered by Western means rather than more ephemeral methods typical of Chinese calligraphy and arts.
“Every time I return to Asia, I become more aware of certain things that I once took for granted,” explained Udden of the inspiration for her work. “ Certain things make me mindful pf my own cultural hybridity, something Taiwanese are particularly prone to. This is especially true when I look at architecture and the Chinese script,” said Udden.
Udden explained Chinese calligraphy and painting processes often involve fast-drying ink on silk or paper, and often leave little room for revision. Working in oils, however, means a work can take much longer to complete, are slow to dry, and enable subtle modifications to details over time.
“These express where I truly am in my life: always two places at once,” concluded Udden.
“The Majestic Theater is honored to share Shuchen Udden’s colorful and fascinating paintings with our patrons and visitors,” said Founding Executive Director Jeffrey Gabel. “Her artwork gives us a glimpse of Taiwan which is so often in the news, but so few of us have had the privilege to visit.”
The exhibit is open to the public daily during regular box office hours, Monday through Saturday, 12 – 7 p.m. and Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m. Admission is free. The Majestic Theater is located at 25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg. Metered parking is available at the Gettysburg Borough Parking Garage in Race Horse Alley as well as along Carlisle Street.
The Majestic Theater at the Jennifer and David LeVan Performing Arts Center is owned and operated by Gettysburg College as a gathering place for its campus and community to celebrate the arts together.