Lin Chuan-tsu is regarded as a pioneer in the development and creativity of early color photography in Taiwan. His color photos are simple and elegant in composition, with rich tones and distinct color layers. The color photos one can see today feature mainly rural scenery and are supplemented by some urban portraits.
It is understood that as early as in 1949, Lin Chuan-tsu had acquired his own color processing equipment. The color films were all processed manually, and the tones and effects were controlled by the photographer, which shows the professional and dedicated attitude of the early years. The rich chroma and luster of his works are very unique. In addition, Lin Chuan-tsu excelled at presenting the artistic conception and atmosphere of his works with his arrangement of color tones, such as the use of warm and cold tones or elegant scale changes in color.
Washing beside the Pool has soft and rich colors and a harmonious composition, showing the faithful condition of the people’s life in the lake and mountains. The main figure is placed in the foreground burying his head to wash the crops attentively, forming an interesting contrast to the carefree birds in the water. The sparkling water surface adds to the dynamics of the photograph. The dark reflections of the mountains in the water enrich the general light and shadow arrangement, and also set off the reposed mountains and the sky in the distance.
Sun Wei-xuan, “2021 Compilation and Research Project of Metadata in Photography.”