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An exhibition entitled "Tempting Touch - the Art of Tong King-sum" will be held at the Hong Kong Museum of Art from tomorrow (August 8) to December 31. The works demonstrate the late artist's appreciation of life and reflect his charisma.
The opening ceremony of the exhibition was held today (August 7). The officiating guests included the Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Ms Florence Hui; the widow of Tong King-sum, Mrs Tong Chiu Wai-yee; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li; the Museum Expert Adviser, Mr Chu Hing-wah; and the Museum Director of the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Miss Eve Tam.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms Hui said that Tong King-sum was not only a famous local sculptor, but also a respected figure who fought adversity. Having suffered illness in childhood, Tong had difficulty in walking. Nevertheless, difficulties did not prevent him from pursuing and exploring art. With strong willpower and perseverance, he spent decades engaged in the creation of art. He participated in many local and overseas exhibitions and won numerous awards. In 2008, he was given the Award for Best Artist (Visual Arts) by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council in recognition of his achievements and contributions in artistic creation.
Ms Hui also noted that Tong created around 50 wooden sculptures throughout his life, and 23 of these have been selected for display in this exhibition to pay tribute to him and review his great achievements in sculpting.
Born in Hong Kong, Tong King-sum (1940-2008) spent his childhood in Lantau, where he developed his love for nature. The human body, fruit and plants were his favourite subjects for his works. He learnt sculpture under Cheung Yee in 1971 and his works are set apart by their sleek form and texture, attracting viewers and appealing to their senses. His torso sculptures depict the structure of the human body as well as the textures of bones, flesh and skin with refinement and precision. Whether portraying the human body or a plant, his works are filled with the harmony of nature and the beauty of form and reflect the artist's subtle yet strong inner vitality.
The exhibition uses a reverse chronology to narrate Tong's life story, beginning with work that was not finished before the artist's death and culminating with his very first wood carving, and tying in with episodes from his daily life, so that visitors can travel back in time to witness the master's creative journey.
The Hong Kong Museum of Art is located at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. For further information, call 2721 0116 or visit the Museum's website at www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Arts/en_US/web/ma/exhibition.html.
Ends/Thursday, August 7, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:15
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