Breaking New Ground: Donated Works of Chan Wing-sum

EVENT DESCRIPTION

This exhibition showcases more than 10 flower-and-bird and landscape paintings created and donated by Chan to the HKHM, and also works by his mentor, Professor Chao Shao-an, renowned master of the Lingnan School of Painting. It allows visitors to see how Chan has incorporated his mentor’s painting technique into his own works and to appreciate his mastery of ink adaptation.

Chan is an accomplished painter of the Lingnan School of Painting with a strong personal style. He learned painting from Professor Chao starting in 1976, while apprenticing for traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, and seal carving from other renowned teachers. He has participated in various joint and solo exhibitions in Hong Kong, the Mainland, Canada, etc. In 2019, Chan’s painting “Lotus and bird” was featured in the Japan-China Suiboku Joint Exhibition, where it was awarded the Foreign Minister of Japan’s Commendation.

Based on the composition, imagery and ink adaptation in traditional Chinese painting, Chan adds his carefree brushwork and contemporary interpretation to create his ink paintings in an abstract manner. His works embrace the flexible concept of the Lingnan School of Painting to blend traditional and modern elements with innovative approaches. Highlight exhibits include “Lotus and bird”, “Rain came upon lotus pond”, “Birds singing in banana tree” and “Red kapok and blue bird”.

The Chao Shao-an Gallery was set up with a donation of works from Professor Chao during the establishment of the HKHM. It aims to showcase the heritage and innovation of the Lingnan School of Painting, and to promote Professor Chao’s artistic vision. As a student of Professor Chao, Chan not only inherited his painting skills, but also continues his selfless acts. In 2021, Chan generously donated 15 of his representative artworks, enriching the HKHM’s collection of the art of the Lingnan School of Painting.

To tie in with the exhibition, Chan has been invited to conduct painting demonstrations for students and the public, and co-host a lecture on the Lingnan School of Painting with the curator during the summer holidays so that audiences can gain a more in-depth understanding of his art exploration and the art of the Lingnan School of Painting.