Speech by CS at opening ceremony of Zeng Fanzhi's "BEING" solo exhibition (English only) (with photos/video)

Speech by CS at opening ceremony of Zeng Fanzhi's "BEING" solo exhibition (English only) (with photos/video)
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     The following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, at the opening ceremony of Zeng Fanzhi's "BEING" solo exhibition at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (May 26):

Mr Zeng Fanzhi, Mr François Pinault, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     It is my great pleasure to be here this evening to celebrate the art of Mr Zeng Fanzhi.

     As many of you know, Fanzhi is a pioneering figure in Chinese contemporary art. He is also highly successful on the international art scene. His global reputation sets him apart from many of his peers.

     I thank Christie's and the Rockbund Art Museum for bringing Fanzhi's latest and most powerful works to our city. It is a wonderful opportunity for local citizens and our visitors from around the world to enjoy this truly exceptional exhibition.

     I am looking forward to touring the exhibition a little later. In particular, I look forward to seeing the magnificent painted landscapes, as well as Fanzhi's new experiments in sculpture.

     The artist has a reputation for bringing his own unique style and his concept of space and harmony with the environment to a diverse range of subjects. His work often makes a passionate commentary on China's fast-changing society.

     An over-arching focus of this exhibition is the environment, which is appropriate for this day and age.

     The 30 representative works on display present a more holistic view of the world that we live in. Through the combination of visual narratives and expressionist brushwork, they take us on a journey of memories and imagination.

     I congratulate Fanzhi on his exceptional career. His works have had a profound influence in shaping the current art scene in contemporary China. He also sets an example for young artists in China and elsewhere who wish to dedicate themselves to the enriching goal of art.

     Ladies and gentlemen, staging this remarkable exhibition in Hong Kong demonstrates strong co-operation between private institutions in Hong Kong and the Mainland in the arts and culture.

     Chinese contemporary art has a huge role to play in transforming Hong Kong into an internationally recognised arts hub.  And we are equally proud to serve as a unique window to introduce to the world the great works of China's talented artists.

     As we continue to make progress on the West Kowloon Cultural District Project, and with closer cross-boundary collaboration, I look forward to more cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and artists from the Mainland of China and throughout the world.

     I wish this exhibition a great success.

     Thank you.

Ends/Thursday, May 26, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:44

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