洪天宇（1960-2023）
我們必須說，生長在台灣的藝術家洪天宇，他的生命歷程是一路荊棘，他是棄兒，生命的展啟便充滿無奈，他無權選擇也不知父母是誰，他在一處墳場邊被一名廟公發現、收養，廟公姓「洪」，所以給了他一個有著美好想像的名字，叫「洪發財」；長大之後，他自己更名為「洪天宇」，字出易經中的「天地玄黃，宇宙洪荒」，期待可以天地為家，以宇宙為天，豪邁瀟灑過生活，卻忽略了易經所指出「世間混亂，失衡生活」的真義。
洪天宇一生孤寂（有妻兒，但他選擇離開），個性誨澀暗黑（他看似開朗，卻變化難測），但作品卻是熠熠發光，「大悲宴」系列啟發觀者討論生命，「空白風景」提供願景關心環保，「塑膠雕塑」的實驗性則又大大展現他的放浪不羈和勇於挑戰，創作即是他的生活，也是生命…他在過了耳順之年後未幾，被發現獨自一人在工作室中死亡。朋友們都覺得悲傷難過，但也或許這正是他個性使然，是他選擇離開的方式，安靜離席（是必然），不必相送；也一如他的生，飄然抵達（是偶然），倉皇失措。生命的來去皆非所願，一切是無常，也是尋常。
生命的重量一直不是洪天宇所在乎的，他在乎自己可以是一個獨佔鰲頭的藝術創作者，他創作不輟，他閱讀不停，他觀看不斷…。但生死是老天做的決定，他的作品仍有待世人的觀看，再做判斷。
We must say that the life journey of Hung Tienyu, artist who was born and grew up in Taiwan, had been paved with adversities. He was an abandoned child, and the beginning of his life was full of helplessness. He had no choice and didn’t know who his parents were. He was found and adopted by a Taoist shaman near a cemetery, whose surname was “Hung.” Thus, he was given a name with fantastic imaginations – “Hung Facai.” (literally meaning “to get rich”) As he grew up, he later renamed himself “Hung Tienyu,” derived from the Book of Changes, representing “heaven and earth profound and yellow, the universe vast and chaotic.” He hoped to make the world his home, the universe his heaven, living life with boldness and freedom. However, he overlooked the true meaning of the Book of Changes, which warns of the chaos in the world and the imbalance in life.
Hung Tienyu’s life was lonely (despite having a wife and children, he chose to stay away). His personality was profound and dark (seemingly cheerful, yet unpredictable), but his works shone brightly. “The Mercy Feast” prompted viewers to contemplate life, “Blank Landscapes” envisioned a future focused on environmental concerns, and the experimental nature of “Plastic Sculptures” vividly showcased his adventurous spirit and willingness to challenge norms. Artistic creation was not just an aspect of his life but his very essence. After entering the twilight of his years, he was found deceased alone in his studio. Friends mourned the loss, yet perhaps this was a testament to his character – choosing a quiet departure, without the need for farewells, much like his life, which arrived unexpectedly and departed in a rush. The ebb and flow of life are unpredictable, both extraordinary and mundane.
The success of life was never Hung Tienyu’s primary concern. He aspired to be a unique and influential artistic creator. Constantly creating, perpetually reading, and ceaselessly observing – these were his passions. However, life and death are decreed by fate. His works linger, awaiting the scrutiny and judgment of the world.