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The "Art Specialist Course Graduation Exhibition 2012-13", featuring artworks by 34 students who graduated from the art specialist course organised by the Art Promotion Office (APO) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), will be held at the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre (VAC) from tomorrow (January 25) until February 4, showcasing nearly 80 painting, printmaking and sculpture works.
The opening ceremony of the exhibition was held today (January 24). Officiating guests were the Assistant Director (Heritage and Museums) of Leisure and Cultural Services, Dr Louis Ng, and the three course co-ordinators of the Art Specialist Course, Mr Lee Chin-fai (sculpture), Mr Li Yau-mang (painting) and Ms Liu Siu-jane (printmaking), as well as the Chief Curator of the Art Promotion Office, Dr Lesley Lau.
Dr Lau noted that promoting professional art education has always been one of the missions of the APO, which is why it founded the Art Specialist Course in 2001.
"By utilising the well-equipped studios and facilities in the VAC under the LCSD, the Art Specialist Course aims to provide practical and intermediate training for those who aspire to artistic creation, and to nurture local talented artists and their audience," Dr Lau said.
"The course emphasises theory, practice, appreciation and criticism and is designed in a way that unlocks the creative potential of the students. The course also features a variety of learning formats, such as workshops, exhibition and studio visits, talks and tutorials. More importantly, experienced local artists are invited to be course co-ordinators, and such an arrangement enables interaction among students and artists. Through these exchanges, students' knowledge of local and contemporary art and the art industry can be enhanced."
The Art Specialist Course 2012-13 covered the three disciplines of painting, printmaking and sculpture, and was co-ordinated by experienced artists Mr Lee, Mr Li and Ms Liu. Established local artists were also invited to teach specific topics and take the students out of the classroom to visit exhibitions and artists' studios as well as work on outdoor creation. A group of enthusiastic art lovers from different backgrounds completed the intensive 10-month art training by attending three-hour classes twice a week.
In the graduation exhibition, the 34 graduates are not only presenting their concern for society and humanity through their artworks in diverse presentations, but are also sharing their thoughts on the relationship between individuals and the environment, as well as their self-exploration and self-reflection. The exhibition is a showcase of the students' fruitful learning over the past 10 months and also offers the public an opportunity to appreciate the brilliant contemporary art pieces created by young artists.
Stepping into a new year, the Art Specialist Course is taking further its development. Dr Lau said, "To allow previous graduates to pursue higher-level training in art creation and to strengthen their individual artistic styles, the APO is this year introducing an extended training programme for the Art Specialist Course - the Advanced Practice Course 2013-14 - covering the disciplines of painting, printmaking and sculpture. This new programme will enable students who have completed the Art Specialist Course to sustain their development in related media."
The Art Specialist Course 2013-14, which offers training in ink painting and ceramics under the instruction of course directors Mr Leung Kui-ting and Ms Yim Wai-wai, is now open for applications until February 24. Application forms can be obtained from the VAC or downloaded from the website of the APO.
For details of the "Art Specialist Course Graduation Exhibition 2012-13" and the upcoming Art Specialist Course, please call the APO at 2521 3008 or visit the website: www.lcsd.gov.hk/apo.
The Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre is located at 7A Kennedy Road, Central. It is open daily from 10am to 9pm and is closed on Tuesdays. Admission to the exhibition is free.
Ends/Thursday, January 24, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:45
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