The National Chung Cheng University (CCU) Library held the “Brushstrokes of Time: An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Artist-in-Residence Ting-Se Liu” tea reception and art donation ceremony on October 13. Faculty members, students, and guests gathered to celebrate the artist’s achievements and her official appointment as CCU’s Resident Artist.
Ting-Se Liu, an alumna of CCU’s Graduate Institute of Political Science, received her Certificate of Appointment as Artist-in-Residence from President Shaw-Jenq Tsai. Her two-year term was set to run from September 1, 2025, to July 31, 2027. During the ceremony, Liu generously donated her oil painting, Bird Shop III, to CCU’s permanent art collection. President Shaw-Jenq Tsai accepted the artwork on behalf of the university, and Library Director Cheng-Hsun Ho presented a Certificate of Appreciation for Art Donation and a commemorative gift to express sincere gratitude.
Curator Yu-Ming Chuang, Secretary-General of the Tai-Yang Art Association, opened the ceremony by introducing the concept of the exhibition and Liu’s artistic journey. In his remarks, President Shaw-Jenq Tsai praised Liu for her courage in transitioning from the judicial profession to the art world, describing her as a symbol of the creative and interdisciplinary spirit that CCU encourages.
Several distinguished guests, including CCU Alumni Association President Yi-Chen Chen and former Director-General of the Ministry of Justice’s Department of Protective Services Jung-Chien Lo, offered their congratulations and admiration. In her speech, Liu reflected on her transformation from a court clerk to an artist, thanked her alma mater for its support, and expressed her wish to share the warmth and vitality of art with others through her paintings.
The donated work, Bird Shop III, was inspired by a bird shop on Cheng-Ren Street in Chiayi City. The semi-figurative painting portrayed lively birds in a cheerful and vibrant atmosphere. The contrast between caged and free birds symbolized humanity’s internal struggle between comfort and freedom—a metaphor that resonated deeply and invited reflection.
The exhibition, “Brushstrokes of Time,” remained on view at the Exhibition Hall (1F) and Art Corridor (B1) at the CCU Library from September 8 until November 19. Liu’s impressionistic style blended elegance with Eastern humanistic sensibilities. The exhibition featured her award-winning Bird Shop series—recipient of the Tai-Yang and Yang San-Lang Art Awards—as well as new works inspired by everyday life, such as her “Milk Bottle” series, showcasing her creative vitality and artistic exploration.
Following the ceremony, guests gathered for afternoon tea and lively conversation. Through Liu’s sharing and her expressive works, the event once again reflected the vibrant intersection of art, creativity, and academic life at CCU.