Cao Zhen

caozhen0806@126.com

STEP away from the fast-paced rhythm of daily life and immerse yourself in the beauty of Lingnan-style paintings on display at the Gravity Field Art Gallery at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen).

The “Rhythmic Vitality and Benevolent Heart” exhibition, curated by Wei Xiangqi, features 62 Lingnan-style paintings created by Ng Yuet-lau and her son Chiu Wai-yan Philip, both of whom are from Hong Kong.

Ng studied painting under masters Zhao Shao’ang and Huang Junbi, and was also influenced by Zhang Daqian’s ink and color style. Her brushwork conveys both delicacy and vast profundity through the use of splashed ink and color. Her use of purple and golden hues — rare in traditional landscape paintings — creates a dreamlike atmosphere in her landscape paintings.

In some of her flower-and-bird paintings featured in the exhibition, viewers will notice that vibrant flowers and leaves are set against dark backgrounds, which is uncommon in traditional Lingnan flower-and-bird paintings. Ng explained that the dark backdrop represents night scenes. This innovative use of darkness adds depth and mystery, offering a contemporary twist to the classic Lingnan style.

Chiu, Ng’s son, is currently dean of the CUHK’s Faculty of Medicine, professor of surgery, director of the Multi-Scale Medical Robotics Center, and director of the Endoscopy Center at the Institute of Digestive Disease. Influenced by his mother, Chiu has immersed himself in Chinese painting from a young age, also studying under Lingnan master Zhao Shao’ang.

Chiu focuses on the spiritual essence conveyed through painting, with some pieces reflecting the serene literati painting style. He believes that medicine and art have both shaped his inner self, complementing each other in his continuous exploration of the value and meaning of life.

Curator Wei, a research fellow at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, remarked that throughout Ng’s five-decade artistic career, she has promoted Lingnan art through exhibitions at home and abroad, becoming a cultural ambassador bridging China and the global art scene. Chiu’s paintings reflect the enduring charm of traditional Chinese art, inspiring and uplifting the human spirit.

According to Dorothy Wong, director of the CUHK-Shenzhen’s arts center, Ng has been invited as artist-in-residence at the university, where she will hold workshops and host talks to guide students in art creation.

Dates: Through Sept. 15

Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Venue: Gravity Field Art Gallery, Teaching Complex D101, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Longgang District (龙岗区香港中文大学(深圳)教学综合楼D101重力场美术馆)

Metro: Line 16 to Universiade Center Station (大运中心站), Exit D