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Museum of Art receives another donation of Wu Guanzhong paintings (with photos)
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     The Hong Kong Museum of Art has been offered a further 25 paintings by the internationally acclaimed master of Chinese art history Wu Guanzhong, the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, announced today (December 23). This is the fifth donation of Wu's paintings to the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the most valuable contribution of works of art received by the museum in recent years.

     Speaking at today's press briefing, Mr Tsang said the Hong Kong Museum of Art had been honoured to receive various donations of Wu's paintings over the years. On this occasion Wu's family generously donated 25 paintings to the museum, which now holds 77 of Wu's works.

     The works donated by Wu's family this time comprise 16 oil paintings and nine ink paintings. They were created from the 1990s to the early 21st century, a period regarded as the heyday of Wu's artistic journey. These works are much larger in size than his earlier works, with some vibrantly coloured and some abstract and minimalist. The strokes and colours used give viewers a glimpse of the powerful emotions and expressions in Wu's work, and shed light on his strenuous attempts to explore art.

     "Wu Guanzhong has passed away for four years already, however, his works are timeless. Today, we can still experience the authenticity, virtues and beauty of art through appreciating his masterpieces. The Hong Kong Museum of Art also plans to reserve a permanent exhibition area for displaying Wu Guanzhong's works in the future," Mr Tsang said.

     These paintings make a significant contribution towards the permanent collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art. To provide an opportunity for the community to appreciate these precious gifts, the museum has selected six paintings for exhibition at its Chinese Fine Art Gallery on the fourth floor, namely "Leaping", "A lotus pond (Double stamping)", "Remaining lotus flowers in ice and snow", "A fishing harbour", "Puzzlement" and "A quadrangular yard".

     A figure of extraordinary significance in Chinese art history in the 20th century, Wu Guanzhong made a great contribution to the genre of integrating Chinese and Western art. From 2000 onwards, Wu generously donated his works to public museums at home and abroad, hoping that viewers would learn more about art and its beauty through the appreciation of his works.

     Wu Guanzhong made four donations of his works to the Hong Kong Museum of Art. In 1995, the museum received its first gift of two ink paintings from the artist. In 2002, Wu offered 12 oil paintings as well as ink works and sketches to the museum, including the important masterpiece "Two Swallows" and the on-site sketch "Victoria Harbour". In 2009, the museum received a further 33 oil and ink works from Wu. Taken together, the artworks offer a broad illustration of Wu's artistic development and achievements. Finally, shortly before his death in 2010, he donated five more paintings to the museum, emphasising his deep affection for Hong Kong.

     Other guests at the press briefing included the son of Wu Guanzhong, Mr Wu Keyu; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li; and the Museum Director of the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Miss Eve Tam.

Ends/Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:13

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