Photographs by Almond Chu, Lau Ching Ping, Hisun Wong and Wong Wo Bik - Transcendental Vision: Paintings by Peng Ximing
Photographs by Almond Chu, Lau Ching Ping, Hisun Wong and Wong Wo Bik
The University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong, presents
an exhibition featuring the works of four Hong Kong fine art photographers.
Over fifty images will be on display, reflecting the photographers' keen
observation of Hong Kong's environment.
In this exhibition, Almond Chu's photographs focus on scenes from landfills
and waste fields, evidence of environmental destruction due to rapid
urbanisation. Yet, the images also unexpectedly reveal beautiful forms,
colours and textures, which raises questions on how they should be
interpreted. Lau Ching Ping presents unusual perspectives upon everyday
scenes of contemporary life. The normally bustling city is unsettlingly
still in his photographs, while brightly coloured television screens and
neon signs are juxtaposed with otherwise dull spaces, evoking a sense of
alienation and the surreal.
Hisun Wong and Wong Wo Bik, on the other hand, left city life behind to
capture images of Hong Kong's rare historical structures. Hisun Wong
photographed old architecture, both urban and rural, in black-and-white
using lengthy exposure times to create atmospheric images that bring out the
beauty of the buildings. The subject of Wong Wo Bik's photographs is Lai
Yuen Amusement Park shortly prior to its demolition. Psychedelic colours and
imaginative compositions result in dream-like images, although the
photographer's unsentimental approach in revealing the dilapidation of the
abandoned props and rides ultimately removes the former fairground's veil of
fantasy.
The works of these four photographers encourage viewers to look closely at
their surroundings and consider what they wish for the future of Hong Kong.
......
Transcendental Vision: Paintings by Peng Ximing
The University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong is
delighted to present an exhibition by the hermit-literati artist, Peng
Ximing (1908-2002) from 30 July to 28 August 2005. Over seventy hanging
scrolls, handscrolls and album leaves of landscape paintings by the artist
will be on view, providing a comprehensive survey of his art. These works,
dated from the 1950s to 2000s, are mainly on loan from Peng's students.
Peng Ximing, alias Zhaokuang, was born in Liyang, Jiangsu province to a
wealthy and scholarly family. After the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War in
1938, he travelled to Sichuan and became acquainted with Zhang Daqian
(1899-1983) and Lu Yanshao (1909-1993). He settled in Hong Kong in 1950, and
began teaching students. He painted in the tradition of the literati
painters. Having assimilated the fine styles and techniques of the ancient
masters from the Song (960-1279) to Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, Peng created
a simple and spontaneous style of his own.
Using various hues of ink, Peng described the landscape imageries hidden in
his heart. He aimed at expressing the inherent resonance in landscapes as
his major artistic goal. Peng has visited many lofty mountains and great
rivers in mainland China during his early years. Scenic spots across the
land, as well as sceneries of the New Territories and outlying islands, have
been vividly depicted in his landscapes.
The exhibitions preview will take place on Friday 29 July 2005 from 5:30 p.m.
to 7:30 p.m. at the Museum.
The University Museum and Art Gallery
University of Hong Kong
The Museum's opening hours are Monday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.;
Sundays 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Museum is closed on public holidays.
Admission
is free.