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| (Apr - Jun 2009) |
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| 2008.12.19 ¡V 2009.04.05 Special Exhibition Gallery (1) (2/F) Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Alumni Association of Fine Arts Department, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Alumni Association of Fine Arts Department, The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
In the 1920s, Ding Yanyong left his hometown in Guangdong for Japan and enrolled in the Tokyo Fine Arts School. He adopted the styles of Matisse and those espoused by Fauvism as the basis for his own art. Upon his return to China, he became an active promoter of modern art and art education. In the 1930s, he began studying Chinese painting through the artwork of Qing masters Bada Shanren, Shi Tao and Jin Nong and by collecting ancient implements of the craft. It was at this point that he inaugurated his life-long exploration of a synthesis of Chinese and Western art. In 1949, he moved to Hong Kong. In 1956, he helped found a special art course at the New Asia College, the predecessor of the Department of Fine Arts at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and taught there until his passing in 1978. Over the years, he faced adverse situations with a strong sense of will and continued his artistic pursuits. With diverse media at his creative disposal ¡X from oil to ink painting, then to calligraphy and sealengraving ¡X he formulated an original and personal style based on his creative interplay of these media. Sometimes referred to as the "Oriental Matisse" or a "Modern Bada Shanren", Ding Yanyong (1902-1978) forged his own artistic path, which extended the borders of both Chinese and Western art, and added a glorious chapter to the history of Chinese art of the 20th century. We thank the generous support of the Ding Family, Ding's students, the Alumni Association and private collectors, as well as the generous donation of Ding's artworks from Mr Wong Yi and others, which have all contributed to making possible this opportunity to appreciate the superb artistic accomplishments of the great master on the 30th anniversary of his passing. Our special acknowledgements also go to "Take a Step Back Collection" and "The Pisces Collection", whose generous sponsorships made the special lecture of Prof Lang Shaojun, the publication of the educational album and the ancillary activities possible. Associated Programmes
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