The “Fifth Moon Group” and the “Ton-Fan Art Group” were two painting groups founded in the late 1950s, and respectively presented their first exhibitions in the May and November of 1957. Both groups changed the developmental trajectory of Taiwan’s art scene, and have become major indicators in the post-war Taiwanese art history and key forces that brought about the “Modern Painting Movement” in Taiwan.
Established in 1955, the National Museum of History (NMH) was the most important art institution and exhibition venue in Taiwan at that time. Through the open call for the São Paulo Art Biennial (巴西聖保羅雙年展), the NMH responded to the international wave of “modern art,” which led to the emergence of the “Fifth Moon Group” and the “Ton-Fan Art Group.”
Upon its re-inauguration after renovation in 2024, the NMH presents this special exhibition under the guidance of the Ministry of Culture and with the cooperation and support of various agencies and institutions. This exhibition aims to trace and acknowledge this historical period that has created a lasting impact. Meanwhile, the exhibition pays tribute to the established artist teachers and art critics, who provided mentorship and support back then, and to all the devoted artists, who participated in this part of the history.