Flora of formosa

The composition and format of Whisper in the Night are inspired by the refined aesthetics of traditional Chinese literati culture — a small, elegant folding screen that once stood upon a scholar’s desk, quietly accompanying tea, poetry, and contemplation. It evokes not only the taste of classical elegance but also a way of living that values stillness and grace.

The imagery on the screen derives from the Qing dynasty painting Hundred Butterflies (now in the collection of the National Palace Museum, Taiwan). Through the artist’s reinterpretation and reconstruction, the work transforms the historical motif into fluttering butterfly shadows that dance within the depths of an ink-dark night.

The translucent black paper fibers represent a new breakthrough in watermark papermaking. Beyond using fiber density to form imagery, the artist has achieved delicate gradations within the dyed black pulp itself. Crafted from watermark handmade paper, acrylic, and red copper foil, the folding screen transforms the elegance of the past into a contemporary expression — a tranquil nocturnal whisper that can be appreciated from both sides.