2008 EVENTS
FEBRUARY
“Golden Synthesis” by Guan Qi-Ju
Exhibition Period | 23 Feb – 30 Mar
“Golden Synthesis” is series of paintings that Shanghai-based artist Guan Qi-Jun utilizes the abstract approach to reignite the classical essence of Chinese Opera. Synthesizing Eastern and Western techniques, Guan combines Chinese opera, landscape scenery and calligraphy to provide the spectators with a new angle to look at Chinese traditions.
We were grateful to have Guan Qi-Jun unveiled his exhibition. The works range from 2006-2007 to the most recent ones in which he has chosen to experiment with a different technique and style.
MARCH
Event Date| Mar 08
APRIL
“Black Sentiment” by Zhong Shi-Jia
Exhibition Period | 14 Apr – 19 May
“Black Sentiment” is a series of twelve black and white paintings lately created by Chinese painter Zhong Shi-Jia. In this series, the artist expressed a different tone in life where he regressed from the richness of bold colours to the basics of the black and white in his abstract paintings. Dense, lively and sharp, Zhong filled the canvases with the two rational yet contrasting colours black and white which accentuate the two extreme emotions. His free and ebullient brush strokes reflect his strong North Eastern Chinese “Dong Bei” character which is direct, bold, open-minded and passionate. Zhong wanted to bring out the ambiance that touches people by its composition, style and its simplicity of colours.
MAY
Exhibition Period | 31 May – 27 Jun
Using Terracotta Warrior as the central focus, Sichuan artist Li Xiao developed his “Warrior Series” by linking the subjects with modern faces to illustrate the confrontation between the past and the present.
Terracotta Warrior is not just an emblem of a powerful dynasty, but a timeless reminder of power and desire of Emperor Qin. In the old days, the headgears and armors that the warriors wore distinguished their military rankings. Li believes that men’s desire to gain power and to dominate others is universal over time. He tries using a focused yet bold approach by setting an arena for the contest of power in matching these old symbols with modern Chinese subjects. He paints faces of models he selected from blue-collars, soldiers, farmers and celebrities, using patches of neon colours to restore the originally broken faces of the Terracotta warrior as to highlight the passage of time. Despite modern transformation and evolution, these people have inherited the temperament and dignity of our ancient warriors.
AUGUST
“Go Hong Kong!” by Joe Joe Ngai, Mediha Ting & Yolanda Yeung
Exhibition Period | 9 Aug – 12 Sep
To celebrate Hong Kong’s participation of the Beijing Olympics 2008, Galerie Ora-Ora presented “Go Hong Kong!”, an exhibition of three Hong Kong artists Joe Joe Ngai, Mediha Ting and Yolanda Yeung. Despite their Hong Kong origins, these three artists have experienced the influence of different cultures and pondered on the question of identity that are constantly reflected in their works. The distinctive stylistic approach, the use of vivid colours and fusion of different techniques to create a strong visual appeal characterize the art of these young Hong Kong artists.
OCTOBER
HKIAAF 2008
Exhibition Period | 4 – 7 Oct 2008
“Snapshot – New Ink” by Artists from Sichuan Fine Arts Institute
Exhibition Period | 20 Oct – 9 Dec
Curated by Henrietta Tsui (徐錦熹), Director of Galerie Ora-Ora and Lu Huan (盧緩), Curator of Shanghai Art Museum, the exhibition “Snapshot ‧ New Ink” featured the contemporary ink works by seven burgeoning artists from Sichuan Fine Arts Institute. These artists belong to the post 80’s generation, who have turned away from the socio-political themes, showing great interest in researching Chinese heritage and revitalizing the spirit of Chinese ink.
The vernissage was held on 20th October at Hong Kong Central Library with Dong Xiaoming (董小明), Dean of Shenzhen Fine Art Research Institute and Yu Ke (俞可), Associate Professor of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute as our officiating guests. A discussion seminar was held on the following day between the Sichuan artists and the teachers and students from the Fine Arts Department of Chinese University of Hong Kong. We were delighted by the presence of Mr. Wucius Wong (王無邪), an important artist in the modernization of Chinese Ink Art, who shared with us invaluable ideas on the contemporary journey of Ink Art.
