Ink painting takes on new perspective at London exhibition

A unique selection of modern Chinese ink paintings from the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMA) went on show at a London art gallery today (July 9) as part of the three-month Hong Kong Festival in London.

The paintings on show include works by renowned artists Lu Shoukun, Wang Wuxie, Zhou Luyun, Fang Zhaoling and Chen Fushan.

The exhibition, 'Hong Kong Cityscapes: Ink Painting in Transition', at the Brunei Gallery, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, features 22 works by 21 established Hong Kong artists.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office in London, Mr Andrew Leung said the exhibition showed Hong Kong artists' experimentation with new technical devices and presentation methods.

"It encapsulates the development of ink painting in Hong Kong in the past decades," he said.

Noting that brush and ink painting was a unique art form mostly associated with traditional Chinese landscapes, Mr Leung said the works on show dwelt instead on the urban bustle of Hong Kong.

Brunei Gallery curator, Mr John Hollingworth, said many people in London were fascinated by the way traditional Chinese techniques were being adapted for modern themes.

"We are very excited by this exhibition as it is our first project with Hong Kong and the first direct loan to us from a Chinese institute," he said.

Introducing the works on display, the Assistant Curator of the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Ms Jennifer Chu said the exhibition reflected a distinctive Hong Kong school of ink painting developed in the 20th century and also incorporated new expressions communicating the city's changing times.

"All have rarely been seen at exhibitions in the West," she said.

The selected works demonstrated the dynamic innovation of Hong Kong artists in the renewal of a time-honoured tradition.

"Their ingenious contribution has sustained ink painting as one of Hong Kong's most vital and developed currents of artistic creation," Ms Chu said.

The exhibition will run until September 20.

Ends/Tuesday, July 9, 2002