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The sixth exhibition in the "Chao Shaoan Student Exhibition Series" by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, "The Art of Ho Fung-lin", will be on display at the museum from tomorrow (April 17) until January 30, 2012, offering visitors a new perspective on the art of Chao Shaoan's students as well as their continuing efforts to explore new horizons beyond the confines of traditional schools of art.
Officiating at the opening ceremony of the exhibition held today (April 16) were the Assistant Director (Heritage and Museums) of Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), Dr Louis Ng; LCSD Literary Arts Adviser, Professor Ho Man-wui; LCSD Museum Adviser, Professor Mayching Kao; Dr Ho Fung-lin; and the Acting Chief Curator of Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Mr Chau Hing-wah.
Ho Fung-lin, who enrolled as a student of Professor Chao Shaoan in 1979, has dedicated much of her career to learning about the different genres of Chinese painting. Since 1983 she has held numerous exhibitions and has represented Professor Chao at the opening ceremonies of overseas museums and art galleries on many occasions. To further her exploration of Chinese art, Ho devoted herself to studying poetry under the tutelage of local poet Poon Siu-poon, which led to the incorporation of this literary form into her own artwork. Ho went on to read history of art and obtain a doctoral degree at the Nanjing University of the Arts. Her tireless endeavours have contributed enormously to the legacy of the Lingnan School.
Professor Chao's art was nurtured from his observations on nature and his own experiences in life. These are also the abiding principle of Ho's art. In the work "Flowers of the seasons", which is an album-series of 24 paintings, different kinds of flowers are depicted to illustrate the four seasons of a year. This reflects the cyclical view of the Chinese on the changes in nature and it is a revelation of the nature of life. Examples can be found in the works of former masters in the history of Chinese painting, as well as in the works of Ju Lian, a predecessor of the Lingnan School. Apart from inheriting the legacy of her teacher, Ho's work also allows her to use delicate brushwork and to fully express her personal sentiments towards nature or on a specific theme. In addition, the poems written on the album leafs offer an understanding of Ho's inner feelings. In her own words, the painting of these works is a way for her to experience the joy of harmony between nature and the self.
This exhibition, which includes 40 works by Ho, is not only a display of her personal sentiments towards nature, but also of her continued efforts to explore new horizons beyond the confines of the various schools of art. Although inheriting her teacher's legacy, she refrains from slavish adherence to the old ways on the pretext of respect, and freely develops her personality in order to open up new paths in Chinese painting.
To coincide with the exhibition, a special programme titled "The Lingering Image: A Chinese Painting Demonstration" will be held on June 25 at 2.30pm at the museum. Ho Fung-lin will demonstrate the art of Chinese painting in the format of the album leaf and the intricate craft that lies behind her lingering images. Fifty seats will be available for the demonstration on a first-come, first-served basis. For details and seat reservations, please contact the museum's Education Team at 2180 8260.
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is located at 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin. It opens from 10am to 6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays to Saturdays; and from 10am to 7pm on Sundays and public holidays. The museum is closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays). Admission is $10 and a half-price concession is available to full-time students, senior citizens and people with disabilities. Admission is free on Wednesdays.
For details of the exhibition, please visit the Heritage Museum's website at hk.heritage.museum or call 2180 8188.
Ends/Saturday, April 16, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:31
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