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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, called on master artist Wu Guanzhong in Beijing today (February 2).
Mr Tang conveyed the heartfelt gratitude of Hong Kong people to Mr Wu for generously donating, for the third time, his masterpieces to the Hong Kong Museum of Art.
"Mr Wu is one of the most important master artists in China in the 20th century. His artworks feature the artistic conceptions of both Chinese and Western paintings with strong personal style. Mr Wu is respectfully admired for his relentless pursuit of creativity and breakthroughs in art while leading a simple and unassuming life," said Mr Tang.
Mr Tang added that following his previous donations of 14 paintings and manuscripts to the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Mr Wu had kindly offered another 33 paintings last year. "Like many Hong Kong people, I have a great admiration for Mr Wu's works. We are profoundly grateful for his kind donations which will become a highly treasured art collection kept in Hong Kong," said Mr Tang.
On behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Mr Tang presented a bronze plaque to Mr Wu as a token of appreciation for his donations.
Mr Wu donated two ink paintings to the Hong Kong Museum of Art in 1995, and 12 artworks and manuscripts in 2002. The 33 paintings he donated last year were mainly his new works between 2005 and 2009. The Hong Kong Museum of Art will organise an exhibition entitled "Lofty Integrity: Donation of Works by Wu Guanzhong" from March to July this year for the public to appreciate Mr Wu's works.
Mr Tang also visited the National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature. He was briefed by Mr Chen Jiangong, curator of the museum, on the museum's collections, exhibitions and activities. The National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature was established in 1985 and the new venue opened in 2000. It maintains a wide-ranging collection of works, manuscripts, letters, photos, etc of modern Chinese authors.
Mr Tang concluded his visit to Beijing and returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.
Ends/Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:22
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