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Taiwanese Modernist Poet Ya Hsien Passes Away at 92

Taiwanese modernist poet Ya Hsien, born Wang Ching-lin in 1932 in Nanyang, Henan, China, has passed away at the age of 92 in Vancouver. After joining the military during a period of significant upheaval in his homeland, Ya Hsien arrived in Taiwan with the retreating Kuomintang forces. He pursued higher education, graduating from the Film and Drama Department of Fu Hsing Kang College, and later earning a master’s degree in East Asian Studies from the University of Wisconsin.

In 1954, Ya Hsien co-founded the “Epoch Poetry Society” in Kaohsiung with poets Luo Fu and Chang Mo. The society published the influential “Epoch Poetry Quarterly,” which played a crucial role in igniting a new wave of poetry in the 1950s. Known for advocating surrealism and educating the younger generation in literature, Ya Hsien dedicated nearly four decades to editorial work, encouraging submissions from Chinese-language writers worldwide and organizing literary awards to support emerging talents.

After retiring, Ya Hsien relocated to Vancouver, where he received the Taipei Culture Award in 2023 for his significant contributions to the literary world. His legacy as a poet and editor will continue to inspire generations of writers to come. Ya Hsien’s impact on the literary landscape remains profound, and his work will be remembered for years to come.

Rest in peace, Ya Hsien. Your words will continue to resonate with readers around the world, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of those who cherish the beauty of poetry.

Who was Ya Hsien?

Taiwanese modernist poet Ya Hsien, born Wang Ching-lin in 1932 in Nanyang, Henan, China, passed away at the age of 92 on Saturday, October 12, in Vancouver. He joined the military during a period of significant upheaval in his homeland and arrived in Taiwan with the retreating Kuomintang forces.

What was Ya Hsien’s Educational Background?

After moving to Taiwan, Ya Hsien pursued higher education and graduated from the Film and Drama Department of Fu Hsing Kang College. He later served in the Navy before earning a master’s degree in East Asian Studies from the University of Wisconsin.

How did Ya Hsien Contribute to Poetry in Taiwan?

In 1954, Ya Hsien, along with poets Luo Fu and Chang Mo, co-founded the “Epoch Poetry Society” in Kaohsiung. The society published the influential “Epoch Poetry Quarterly,” which ignited a new wave of poetry in the 1950s. The magazine advocated surrealism and aimed to educate the younger generation in literature.

What was Ya Hsien’s Role in the Literary Community?

Ya Hsien dedicated nearly four decades of his life to editorial work, encouraging submissions from Chinese-language writers worldwide. He also organized literary awards to support and recognize emerging literary talents, leaving a lasting impact on the literary world.

How was Ya Hsien Honored in his Later Years?

After retiring, Ya Hsien relocated to Vancouver, where he was honored with the Taipei Culture Award in 2023 for his significant contributions to literature, marking a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.

Sources: Taiwan News