圖繪香港: 香港當代水墨畫
Hong Kong: Ink Paintings by Contemporary Hong Kong Artists
BiographiesThe HKUST Lee Shau Kee Library and Division of Humanities present
With brushwork modeled on the ancient master Dong Yuan, Koon conjures up the undulating hills of Pat Sin Leng seen at a distance, or a close-up view of the precipitous Lion Rock. Each is headed by a long preface in classical Chinese, transcribing records from local gazetteers and reflecting on current affairs. By cutting up the handscroll format into displaced square panels, however, the works create a modern visual effect, while prompting viewers to re-connect the broken horizon or mountain ridges through spatial and temporal gaps.
The Lion Rock appears as a surreal dreamland in Leung’s horizontal frames. Maidens’ bending limbs form mountain ranges adorned with exotic plants of variegated colors, and encircled by gentle waves of their voluminous black hair. The rocky top metamorphoses into a lethargic lion, whose demoralized condition is diagnosed and commented on by doggerel inscribed on the left panel.
In Choi’s blue and green landscape with auspicious connotations, Hong Kong and Lantau Islands are portrayed as immortal’s islets. Likewise, the Canal Road Flyover in Causeway Bay, famous for the folk practice of demon exorcising, and old storied houses under Mount Parker, have been transformed into Taoist sacred sites of stalactite caves and grotto heavens. The landmarks, buildings, and figures drawn in fine line and color not only serve as a link to reality, but also embody the artist’s nostalgic interpretation of Hong Kong history.
Although all five artists picture Hong Kong differently, they cohere in having chosen to paint familiar scenery in ways that go beyond mere faithful depiction. Through unique and innovative presentation, their work conveys acute observation, intimate feelings, and capricious imagination, inspired by the artists’ daily life. Their paintings invite the audience to examine, reflect, and contemplate the distinctive landscape of Hong Kong from new perspectives.
Li-tsui Flora Fu, Associate Professor, Division of Humanities
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
