“In the year 2026, as we celebrate both the 250th anniversary of American independence and over 400 years since the founding of Manhattan, New York, I feel a profound responsibility as a Taiwanese-American artist and a UN Cultural Ambassador for Tolerance and Peace. It is my duty and honor to host an art exhibition to commemorate these two historic milestones in human history through the power of art.”

“Therefore, while writing my doctoral dissertation in Paris in 1969, extensive research led me to establish the ‘Five-Dimensional World Culture’ vision and the ‘Neo-Iconography’ art movement, advocating for ‘Art for All Humanity’ to usher in a new era of artistic vision and purpose.

My artworks have been featured across 37 countries in over 300 textbooks and magazines, cited in global art history texts alongside masters such as Vincent van Gogh. I am deeply humbled and gratified by this recognition and my place in art history.”

“In 2001, I was honored with the Global Tolerance Award at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and appointed UN Cultural Ambassador for Tolerance and Peace. From 2003 to 2020, I embarked on a 17-year world tour titled ‘Art for All Humanity,’ leveraging my artwork to advance the principles of ESG and CSR championed by the UN. Indeed, since 1969, much of my creative output has remained deeply intertwined with environmental protection and social issues.”

“For example, No Smoking from my ‘Post-Van Gogh Series’—supported by former New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins—was featured in a anti-smoking initiative in partnership with the American Lung Association. Meanwhile, Urban Gleaners from the ‘Spirit of Liberty Series’ was featured on the cover of an American sociology textbook for its poignant reflection on environmental awareness and social inequality.

Therefore, beyond celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence and over 400 years of New York City’s history, I hope this exhibition will leverage art to promote social education and aesthetic living—inspiring people around the globe to integrate art into daily life and elevate life through art.”

Formal / Catalog Version (Ideal for Exhibition Catalogues & Grant Proposals)

“Through a non-political artistic language, this touring exhibition aims to reinforce the founding spirit of the United States—liberty, equality, democracy, and human rights—while welcoming a new era centered on love. At the same time, I wish to express my gratitude to American society through this exhibition. As an immigrant, I found my life’s vision and creative stage in this land, and I deeply appreciate the open society of the United States for providing the support and inclusivity that foster individual potential.”

“My artistic creations embody a global perspective while reflecting Taiwan’s unique cultural resilience, innovative vitality, and contribution to universal values—aiming to deepen the friendship between the peoples of Taiwan and the United States.

Deepening Cultural Diplomacy“

“Originating in Taiwan, this exhibition engages America through the language of art, showcasing Taiwan’s capacity for global cultural exchange while enhancing its international influence and cultural identity. By aligning with major U.S. historical milestones and universal values, it helps propel Taiwanese art further into the international mainstream.”

“Hope for America” Solo Exhibition by Dr. TF Chen

My solo exhibition, “Hope for America,” will take place on September 10, 12, and 13, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Event highlights include guided artwork tours, a book signing, VIP networking, and prize drawings featuring a rich array of artistic gifts—ensuring virtually every attendee takes home a prize.

“Leading up to May 2027, we aim to bring this touring exhibition to the following cities:”

Washington, D.C./Boston/Los Angeles/San Francisco/Miami/Dallas/Houston/Phoenix

“We earnestly invite fellow alumni to recommend friends, potential partner organizations, and suitable venue spaces in the aforementioned cities.

Our team has been preparing for this exhibition for two full years. In addition to hosting the ‘Dr. TF Chen 90th Anniversary Art Healing & Aesthetic Living Exhibition’ at National Taiwan University Hospital from March to April this year, we have also produced promotional short films and music videos in both Chinese and English:”

「Hope for America」by Dr. TF Chen

陳錦芳「Hope for America」中文版
Art for Humanity(為人類而藝術) MV Dr. TF Chen(陳錦芳) 20260806

Documentary Production Plan: “TF Chen: Art for All Humanity”

We are currently preparing for the production of the documentary film TF Chen: Art for All Humanity.

“In 1936, my artistic dream took root amidst humble beginnings. In 1955, I earned early admission to National Taiwan University from Tainan First Senior High School—choosing to enroll in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures despite having the opportunity to enter NTU’s School of Medicine. In 1963, awarded a scholarship from the French government (De Gaulle Scholarship), I ventured to Paris with just $100 in borrowed money, spending seven years pursuing advanced studies at the Faculty of Letters of the University of Paris and the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1970, I became the first painter in the world to earn a PhD in Art History from the University of Paris—breaking boundaries in Western academia for Asian artists and bringing honor to the Eastern art world.

Currently, our most monumental task is archiving my artistic output and historic materials spanning 76 years, from age 14 to the present. This includes original drafts, photographic records from 250 solo exhibitions, 24 published books, an extensive collection of manuscripts, and various rare archival documents.”

“We plan to donate artworks and cultural assets valued at approximately $100 million USD. This gift encompasses my own creations, archival documents, and the personal collection built by my wife and me—featuring Chinese and African antiquities as well as contemporary art.”

“The team at the TF Chen Cultural Center is diligently researching and refining our museum development plan. We envision the future TF Chen Museum of Art as an inclusive, world-class institution—bringing diverse artistic traditions together to elevate the standing of Asian art and foster future generations of creative talent. Above all, we aim to build this platform upon a solid, sustainable financial foundation to ensure its long-term impact and enduring legacy.”

“When the world is in turmoil, I choose to depict celebration. From ‘Neo-Renaissance’ in 1964 to the 250th anniversary of American Independence today, I have consistently strived to integrate major global events into my artistic creations—including the Centennial of the Statue of Liberty and the Van Gogh Centennial. To date, this journey has evolved into over 20 distinct series, forging my unique and irreplaceable artistic trajectory in world art history.

I firmly believe that the future TF Chen Museum of Art will stand as one of the most vital bridgeheads for Asian culture in global artistic and cultural exchange!

Dr. TF Chen

Alumnus, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, National Taiwan University (1955–1959)“