Wu Guanzhong: Sketching Vitality

EVENT DESCRIPTION

In 1974, Wu Guanzhong (1919-2010) saw the four ancient cypresses for the first time in Suzhou. He was so excited that he made a three-metre-long A sketch of Chinese cypresses, the original draft. In the ensuing decades, Wu created multiple works inspired by the long sketch, highlighting the rhythm and vitality of nature of these ancient cypresses.

The exhibition features the original sketch of Chinese cypresses, along with other selected sketches and paintings from the museum’s collection and video footage of the ancient trees. Join us as we explore these enduring muses of the great master and how they influenced him throughout the years of his creative life.

Over the years, the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) has been a thankful recipient of Wu Guanzhong and his family’s generous donations. The exhibition features the precious original sketch of Chinese cypresses, along with other selected sketches and paintings from the museum’s collection and video footage of the ancient trees. Join us as we explore these enduring muses of the great master and how the cypresses fascinated and influenced him throughout the years of his creative life.

A special thanks to Dr Lee Kar-tai, Phoebus for the music composition Cypresses Triptych・Nature・Root・Vigour. The three independent movements could form a greater work by superimposition. Its form is inspired by intertwining lines of A sketch of Chinese cypresses, the original draft, in which Wu Guanzhong depicted the aged beauty and vitality of nature from multiple perspectives. The complete movement could be accessed on the “Audios” page.

Hong Kong Museum of Art, the new publication by HKMoA, is also available on sale at the bookshop at the Museum and online. Based on the Museum’s collection and supplemented by valuable archival and historical materials, the publication provides useful information for readers to appreciate the art of Wu Guanzhong from multiple angles, and more importantly, pays tribute to Wu Guanzhong and his family for their great affection for Hong Kong.