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An exhibition that incorporates ink-painting and installation art, fashion and tradition will be held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre from tomorrow (March 4) to March 19.
"Folding and Ink - Mixed Media Exhibition by Zoe Yung and Tien Chi" features water-ink installations by Tien and his daughter Zoe, a representation of the innovative approach of Hong Kong artists towards Chinese painting.
A selection of their works will be on display at the Foyer of Yuen Long Theatre from March 22 to April 5.
Tien Chi is an artist of ever-changing styles. He learns from the past, but is free from past constraints. He never blindly follows the routines, and constantly strives to reform water-ink painting, demonstrating the "principle of changes" advocated by his mentor, Pan Tianshou.
Tien likes to use his imagination to draw animals based on the forms left by splashed ink. He hides them among the natural scenery. In each picture of the series there is a portrait of a native inhabitant to reflect the close relationship between the native people and nature. Tien also creates an interesting tension in his works by using cinnabar, the red paste commonly found in traditional Chinese paintings. His paintings are modern, yet draw on the traditional.
Tien and Zoe are mentor and student, as well as friends. They create together, learn from each other and influence each other. Through their unique style they have enriched the local art scene.
Zoe learnt the skills of Chinese painting from the age of three, and under the influence of her father she has come to love fine art. In 2005, she graduated from St Martin's School of Art in London, majoring in textile design. She has put a lot of innovative ideas to her father. For example, incorporating coloured paper-cuts into water-ink paintings to make them more colourful and give them a sense of volume.
The theme exhibit of this show, "Folding ﷿ Woman Street = Man Street", is the result of their recent collaboration. Familiar with the use of textiles, Zoe folded opaque silk into the shape of a fan and added coloured nylon to the centre to imitate the rows of stalls and the rich variety of goods on display at the "Ladies Market" in Hong Kong. Tien made use of his experienced strokes to draw many items and scenes characteristic of Hong Kong on the paper folds covered with silk, including the Mark Six lottery, the old buildings on Shanghai Street and heavy traffic congestion. This bustling street comes alive with water-ink, silk, folds and paper cuts.
The exhibition, fifth of the Artists in the Neighbourhood Scheme III, is organised by the Art Promotion Office (APO) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Free guided tours will be offered to the public and school groups. For bookings, contact the Community Art Team of the APO on 3101 2712 or 3101 2713.
To learn more about the artist and his work, visit the APO's website: www.artistneighbourhood.info.
The Hong Kong Cultural Centre is located at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. The Exhibition Gallery is open daily from 10am to 8pm. The Yuen Long Theatre is located at 9 Tai Yuk Road, Yuen Long and is open from 9am to 10pm. Admission is free for the exhibition.
Ends/Friday, March 3, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:01
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