In the crisp season of late autumn, I had the privilege of viewing a new body of work by Hsu Hui-Chih. Displayed against pristine white walls illuminated by a gentle, warm light, these tea-dyed artwork showcased a remarkable range of hues—from rich amber and ochre to deep charcoal gray. Despite their diverse tonalities, each piece radiated a consistent elegance and tranquility.

At first glance, I was stunned. It never occurred to me that Hsu, with his mastery of ink and brush for many years, would abandon an artistic approach that he was familiar with to embrace the unpredictable medium of natural dyes. Took a closer look, however, it became evident that this shift to using tea as both pigment and metaphor stemmed from a profound shift in his mindset—a serene detachment from the burdens of the past, embracing a newfound sense of purpose. 
Hsu Hui-Chih_Lava Transforms Into Precious Bells_Tea on Paper_210 × 97.5 cm_2023.© Ever Harvest Art Gallery

Hsu’s earlier ink work was characterized by the traditional Chinese concept of “five shades of black,” crafting compositions of stark monochromatic beauty. His brushstrokes were dynamic yet harmonious, creating layers that were both vivid and deliberate. In contrast, his new tea-dyed pieces, though were made of natural pigments, exude a sophisticated subtlety. They strike a balance between allowing organic processes to unfold and maintaining the refined precision of an accomplished hand.

The art of tea-dyeing is steeped in history. During the Southern Song dynasty, a Zen monk known for his paintings inspired a government official to compose a poem praising the painter’s use of natural stains: “Wisps of mist stain azure clouds, dispensing with bold pigments to transform the canvas.” This sentiment resonates with Hsu’s approach, where tea replaces ink to achieve a similarly ethereal quality. Perhaps it was this tradition that inspired Hsu to explore tea as a medium, steering art into uncharted waters.

Hsu Hui-Chih_Moss Marks Fill the Entire Garden_Tea on Paper_216 × 95 cm_2023.© Ever Harvest Art GalleryHsu Hui-Chih_The Traces of the Heart Were Originally of One Color_Tea on Paper_153 × 72.5 cm_2023.© Ever Harvest Art Gallery

The residual tea from a shared cup becomes the foundation of a new artistic journey. Through soaking, brewing, and dyeing, the once unmarked canvas is imbued with layers of meaning. Where ink once left its distinctive aroma, now a delicate tea fragrance lingers. The techniques of steeping and oxidizing replace traditional ink shading, giving rise to works that are as fragrant and ephemeral as they are visually compelling.

Unlike Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi, who sought spiritual clarity through rigorous ascetic practices, Hsu’s creative process is meditative in its own right. Like a tea farmer tending to his craft with dedication—from harvesting leaves to roasting and fermenting—Hsu’s meticulous methods yield works of quiet profundity. Each step of tea-dyeing mirrors the patient labor of brewing the perfect cup of tea, where every infusion unveils a new depth of flavor.

Plants, regardless of their size or form, hold an inherent energy drawn from the cosmos. Hsu’s work taps into this vitality, allowing nature to dictate its course without interference. In this, his art captures the harmony in the natural world, where simplicity and authenticity emerge from a state of non-attachment.

To stand before Hsu’s tea-dyed paintings is to resist the temptation to draw too close, lest the delicate fragrance and quiet essence be disrupted. Like the subtle taste of tea that lingers long after the last sip, his work invites viewers to reflect and savor their understated beauty.

Hsu Hui-Chih_One Ripple, One Lifetime_Tea on Paper_141 × 74 cm_2023.© Ever Harvest Art GalleryHsu Hui-Chih_Dye_Ink on Paper_35.2 × 36.8 cm_2021.© Ever Harvest Art Gallery

In Tang dynasty China, Zen monks famously used tea to aid their meditation. As poet-monk Jiao Ran wrote, tea clears the mind, refreshes the spirit, and leads to enlightenment. Hsu’s work, similarly, invites contemplation and a moment of stillness, offering viewers an experience akin to sipping a fine brew: calming, profound, and transformative.
Hsu Hui-Chih_Smelted Stones to Mend the Sky, No. 1_Tea on Paper_176.5 × 134.5 cm_2023.© Ever Harvest Art GalleryHsu Hui-Chih_Smelted Stones to Mend the Sky, No.7_Tea on Paper_219 × 101.5 cm_2023.© Ever Harvest Art Gallery

As I ponder Hsu’s journey, I recall the Tang poet Li He, who, in his poem Song of Heyang, wrote of the act of dyeing as a metaphor for life’s fleeting beauty. Li lamented the difficulty of achieving vibrant colors with aging dye plants, drawing a parallel to the passing of youth. Yet, even as the vibrancy of youth fades, wisdom and artistry endure—a sentiment that resonates deeply with Hsu’s evolution as an artist.

Through his tea-dyed work, Hsu Hui-Chih reveals himself as a consummate craftsman. With every layer of stain, he imbues his work with depth and meaning; with every unmarked space, he preserves the purity of his intention. In the interplay of the stained and unstained, Hsu achieves a harmonious balance that is at once an homage to tradition and a bold stride into the future.

Hsu Hui-Chih_Smelted Stones to Mend the Sky, No.8_Tea on Paper_136.5 × 70 cm_2023.© Ever Harvest Art GalleryHsu Hui-Chih_Poem and Blessing_Ink on Paper_148 × 37.6 × 1.5 cm × 5_2021.© Ever Harvest Art Gallery

Hsu Hui-Chih_Guanyin_Ink on Paper_207 × 50.2 cm_2022.© Ever Harvest Art Gallery

▌Immersed in Monochrome Hues：Hsu Hui-Chih's Tea Dye and Ink Trace
Dates    ｜ December 14, 2024 (Saturday) - January 11, 2025 (Saturday)
Curator ｜ Hsieh Pei-Ni
Artist    ｜ Hsu Hui-Chih
Venue   ｜ Ever Harvest Art Gallery
               （1F., No.90, Songqin St., Xin-yi District, Taipei City 110, Taiwan）
Opening Hours｜ 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM（Closed on Mondays & Sundays）

Links：
Website：www.everharvestart.com.tw
Facebook：www.facebook.com/EverHarvestArtGallery
Instagram：www.instagram.com/ever.harvest.gallery