Lo and Tam are particularly skilled in painting peonies, their works are a synthesis of the meticulous (gongbi) and spontaneous (yibi) methods, resulting in a unique style. The exhibition features over 40 paintings, including some collaborative works, mainly in the bird-and-flower genre.
The University Museum and Art Gallery of The University of Hong Kong is delighted to present an exhibition “Paintings by Jeffrey Lo Wan-shu and Esther Tam Mei-yung” as part of the University’s centenary celebrations.
Husband and wife couple Jeffrey Lo Wan-shu and Esther Tam Mei-yung emigrated to Canada in 1973. They established the Chun Wah Chinese Arts Studio and have been Chairman and Honorary Director of the Ontario Chinese Artists’ Association for many years. Jeffrey Lo studied painting under the tutelage of Lin Jiantong (Lam Kin-tong, 1911–1994) and calligraphy from his uncle Luo Shuzhong (Lo Shuk-chung, 1898–1969). He later became a student of the renowned bird-and-flower painter Zhang Shaoshi (Cheung Shiu-shek, 1914–91). He favours the "boneless" method in painting flowers, employing the light and colour techniques of the Geshan School of Ju Chao (1811–65) and Ju Lian (1828–1904). Esther Tam studied different painting genres with masters including Li Fenggong (1883–1967), Liang Boyu (Leung Pak-yu, 1903–78) and He Shuhui (Ho Shuk-wai, b. 1919). A follower of Tang Hong (b. 1926), she practices in the style of the Song dynasty painting academy, using detailed brushwork and the realistic depiction of birds and flowers.
Lo and Tam are particularly skilled in painting peonies, known as the “King of Flowers” for its beauty and fragrance, and as an auspicious symbol of wealth and prosperity. Their works are a synthesis of the meticulous (gongbi) and spontaneous (yibi) methods, resulting in a unique style. The exhibition features over forty paintings by the two artists, including some collaborative works, mainly in the bird-and-flower genre. A fully-illustrated catalogue will be produced to accompany the exhibition.
Image: Esther Tam Mei-yung, Purple Peonies and Two Birds, Hanging scroll, ink and colour on paper, Dated 1997, 87.5 x 47 cm
Opening: Wednesday 28 March 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
University Museum and Art Gallery - UMAG
94 Bonham Road, Pokfulam (University of Hong Kong) - Hong Kong
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00–6:00 p.m
Free admission