ART HONG KONG

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The year of 2022 was an important milestone for the arts and cultural development in Hong Kong coinciding the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). As part of the celebration, the Bauhinia Culture Group is launching its first international arts and culture gala, ART HONG KONG. This will include a large-scale art exhibition, an inspiring series of international art forums, an array of community workshops and masterclasses presented by the Xiling School, and educational guided tours open to the public, from 16 to 19 November 2022 in Hall 5G at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

ART HONG KONG is organised by the Bauhinia Culture Group and presented by the China Young Leaders Foundation and Tsi Ku Chai. It aims to enhance Hong Kong’s new cultural positioning, and the territory’s arts and cultural development. The event is supported by a number of prestigious arts and cultural organisations and institutions including the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Sino United Publishing, the K11 Art Foundation, China Arts and Entertainment Group Limited. It is also partnering with the Antiquities and Monuments Office, the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member’s Association, the Hong Kong Fine Art and Antiques Society, Artist Magazine and the Xiling School. ART HONG KONG will endeavour to demonstrate this embodiment of an international brand which boasts Chinese grandeur and Hong Kong characteristics, and the vibrant development of contemporary Chinese arts and cultural development to the public.

Tradition and modernity: A conversation of old and new through art
The art exhibition “Tradition and Modernity” is the highlight of ART HONG KONG. Through a dialogue between the old and the new, audiences will revisit the charm of traditional Chinese art through the lens of contemporary art. The exhibition will showcase nearly 40 representative works by six pre-eminent and legendary modern Chinese masters and eight renowned contemporary Chinese artists.

Six masters of modern Chinese arts namely Wu Guanzhong, Lin Fengmian, Xu Beihong, Chen Shuren, Fu Baoshi and Qi Baishi will grace the occasion with their visionary artistic approaches which have inspired generations of artists. “Plum Blossoms and Bamboo” was jointly created by the two masters: Xu Beihong painted the bamboos and stones while Qi Baishi created the plum blossoms. The plum blossoms were positioned deferentially between and below the bamboos and stones, demonstrating Qi’s humbleness and gratitude to Xu. The work vividly witnessed their deep friendship. “Landscape”, represented the indigenous Baoshi Textured Strokes of Fu Baoshi, powerfully exuded the magnificent grandeur of lofty mountains. Wu Guanzhong was highly respected and recognised for his unique artistic approach and philosophy. “Winter Snow” was a depiction of a snow scene in Beijing and exhibited heightened vitality through its depiction of spirited greenery. “Flowers” demonstrated the exemplary work of Lin Fengmian’s unique style that integrated Chinese and Western methods. Chen Shuren created “Birds and Pine Tree” conveying the spirited joy of blissful familial harmony through ink and colour.

Juxtaposing these masterpieces will be the creative works of eight contemporary Chinese artists – Wang Tiande, Lam Tianxing, Hao Liang, Zhang Enli, Zhang Yanzi, Liang Yuanwei, Liu Jianhua and Xie Xiaoze. These artists utilise different perspectives in their interpretations of the dialectical relationship between “tradition” and the “avant-garde”. By employing various forms of unique expressions such as drawings, paintings, videos, and installations, the artists reinterpret the connections between ancient art and today’s communities. Together, the inspiring works will shine new light on timeless classics in diverse contemporary styles and present an exquisite visual journey to the public.

International art forum to reveal the uniqueness of Chinese Art
A series of five forums is poised to enhance the art and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong, the Mainland and beyond. The series will cover topics from the contemporary relevance of Hong Kong archaeology and traditional and contemporary Chinese Art, the museum’s role and function in bridging China and the West, to the future development of Hong Kong’s art and cultural industry. Keynote speakers include Pi Li, Sigg Senior Curator and Head of Curatorial Affairs at M+ in Hong Kong; Jay Xu, Director and CEO of the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco; Yang Zhigang, former Director of the Shanghai Museum; Louis Ng, Museum Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum; Joost Schokkenbroek, Director of Hong Kong Maritime Museum; Florian Knothe, Director of the University Museum and Art Gallery at the University of Hong Kong; Susanna Siu, Executive Secretary, Heritage Conservation Unit, Antiquities and Monuments Office; Ray Ma, Curator (Archaeology), Antiquities and Monuments Office; and Chau Hing Wah, Curator (Special Duty) Archaeology of the Hong Kong Museum of History.

The “Xiling Cup”: The inheritance of Chinese arts and culture
In anticipation of ART HONG KONG, the inaugural “Xiling Cup – Hong Kong Youth Calligraphy, Painting and Seal Engraving Competition” hosted by the Xiling School was held over the summer. The competition encouraged Hong Kong youth to appreciate and practise traditional Chinese arts and culture. The award- winning works from the competition will be on display during ART HONG KONG, showcasing the artistic talent of our younger generation. The award ceremony will be held on the last day of ART HONG KONG as part of the grand finale.

Community art workshops and masterclasses presented by the Xiling School
The Xiling School was founded by the Xiling Seal Engraver’s Society, the world’s first civil organisation, and Tsi Ku Chai in 2017, and aims to inherit and popularise traditional Chinese culture through carefully- designed courses in Chinese calligraphy, painting, seal engraving. The School’s teaching faculty will present nearly 20 public workshops and masterclasses on topics like ink wash paintings, water colours, Chinese calligraphy and seal engraving at HKCEC during ART HONG KONG.

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

Based in Hong Kong, Bauhinia Culture Group is a comprehensive, large-scale state-owned enterprise, focusing on the development of five major business sectors including film and television, media and information, publication and distribution, cultural tourism and performances, and financial investment. Bauhinia Culture Group is committed to telling the world good stories about China and to promoting Chinese culture.