WHAT

This is Lui Shou-Kwan (1919-1975)’s sixth solo exhibition at Alisan Fine Arts, where he first exhibited in 1984. It is also the third in a series of important shows the gallery has planned for its 40th Anniversary celebration this year. With a focus on his modern landscape paintings from the 1950s and 60s, the works on display literally follow Lui’s footsteps when he visited the various sites around Hong Kong Island. Through these works one can trace the extra-ordinary techniques that Lui developed to meticulously depict the changing seasons, weather, and the various times of day while maintaining the literati spirit of traditional ink painting.

WHY

This is a great opportunity to catch some stellar works by Hong Kong’s pioneer in the New Ink Movement. The current presentation includes Lui’s renditions of iconic landmarks familiar to all Hong Kong audiences, such as Victoria Harbour, Victoria Peak, Lion Rock, Happy Valley, and the beautiful beaches of Repulse Bay and Shek O, as well as the various hills and valleys in the country parks. It’s important to note that while advocating the innovation of traditional ink painting, Lui never abandoned the ink tradition. Inspired by Western artists such as Turner, he combined Chinese traditional ink techniques with those of the West, simultaneously focusing on three different areas: traditional painting, landscapes, and abstract ink art.