(取自 陳阿發-台灣鄉土寫實派油畫家 臉書，微雨秧田)
《A life of anguish and hope》
Life filled with torment, where if given the chance to start anew, regrets would vanish.
In this stifling atmosphere, happiness is scarce, overshadowed by soaring prices, political turmoil, self-deception, and the devaluation of familial bonds. The future seems obscured! What kind of days are we living in? People sigh and lament, daring to be angry but not to speak out. Thus, emotions suppressed, once unleashed, lead to catastrophic consequences.
Facing the realities of life, marriage is evaded, and the abandonment of passing down to the next generation has become a global concern. Taiwan is facing an aging population, which is becoming increasingly severe.
Ajun gazes into the distance with misty eyes, observing his wife Ahua burdened with the weight of life, sitting slouched on a bench, disheveled and weary. A long sigh escapes him, carrying the weight of untold stories, expressing a tale of resignation and frustration!
The 1960s to 1970s marked Taiwan's beginnings. The older generation toiled diligently, while the younger generation pursued success, full of hope for the future. The elderly had support and joy in their grandchildren, without worrying about their own welfare or being sent to nursing homes.
On the other hand, as society progressed with technological advancements and widespread education, invisible barriers divided people.
Ajun was born in 1934 during the Japanese air raids. Taiwan lacked sovereignty; it was merely an island. Chiang Kai-shek retreated to Taiwan, establishing a temporary base, solely focused on retaking the mainland. The slogan was "Down with the Communists, Counterattack the Mainland." The common folk sought refuge from air raids, struggled to make ends meet, and longed for peace and stability.
During Japanese occupation, life was a struggle, with some days having enough to eat and others not. Communities were fragmented, relying on livestock and agriculture for sustenance. Life was simple and uncomplicated.
In times of war, the people are always who suffer the most. Ajun received Japanese education during his youth, enduring three years of Japanese occupation before Taiwan's recovery. He then underwent six years of national education. As the eldest son, Ajun continued his studies during a time when sons were favored over daughters. Despite only learning basic literacy in Taiwanese Mandarin during those years, it was considered impressive. In those days, everyone had to grow up quickly.
《苦悶人生與希望》
折磨的人生，如果大家都可以人生重來，就沒有悔恨中度過。
在這環境裡，大家不怎快樂。因為空間被壓抑，物價高漲。政治人物囫圇作怪，欺騙自我、親情賤價。看不到未來！到底是在過什麼日子？大家唉聲嘆氣，敢怒不敢言。因而情緒壓抑一旦失控，就滔天大罪。
現實生活中不敢面對婚姻。放棄傳承下一代，已經是國際課題。台灣面臨老年化，更是日趨嚴重。
阿俊兩眼迷濛遠視前方，看妻子阿花，背著厚重的一身，倚坐在板凳上，不修邊幅，邋邋遢遢的模樣。一聲長嘆，嗅出無痕的天書，訴說著一個無奈、又臭又長的故事！
1960 至 1970 年代，台灣起步。父母輩刻苦耐勞，子女輩向上求取功名，對未來充滿希望。祖父輩老有所依，含飴弄孫，更不用擔心沒老本，也不用怕被送到養老院。
反觀時代進步，科技先進、教育普及。人與人之間，卻砌堵了一道牆。
阿俊生於 1934 年，美日交戰空襲年間。台灣沒主權，它只是一個島。蔣中正撤退過來台灣，暫定基地，一心只想反攻大陸。口號「打倒共匪，反攻大陸」。當下百姓躲空襲、做稼糧，家徒四壁，一心只求安居樂業。
日本統治台灣期間，大家過著有一餐沒一餐。鄉間鄰里，離離落落。靠養家畜，增加收入，種莊稼餬口，單純簡單思維。
戰爭，百姓永遠是受害者。阿俊受日本教育期間，三年台灣光復，實行國民六年教育。阿俊生為長男。在台灣那時期，重男輕女年代，阿俊繼續讀書。再三年國民教育，識字能力只有一套台灣國語，就已經了不得。在那年代，個個早當家。