The 'Lingnan Art: A Legacy of Guangdong and Hong Kong – Ho Wing-cheong Exhibition' celebrates Lingnan art and Chinese culture
Twelve distinguished guests officiate at the opening ceremony.
The Lingnan School of Painting, founded in the early 20th century by Masters Gao Jianfu, Gao Qifeng, and Chen Shuren, is a key movement in modern Chinese art. It blends traditional Chinese ink painting techniques with Western realism, incorporating Japanese influences and modern styles. Known for its innovation, modernity, and social realism, the school established a distinctive artistic identity. By bridging Chinese and foreign elements, it combines ancient traditions with contemporary practices, preserving traditional aesthetics while embracing a global perspective and modern spirit. The school’s continuing innovation in techniques has made it a dynamic force in modern Chinese art, and today Ho Wing-cheong, a disciple of Zhao Shao’ang, who studied under Gao Qifeng, is Senior Instructor of Chinese Painting at Lingnan University. For three generations, Lingnan artists have remained dedicated to capturing the essence of their times and preserving the legacy of Lingnan art in Guangdong and Hong Kong.
Mr Ho (right) creates and gives a beautiful painting to the university, accepted on its behalf by Mr Andrew Yao Cho-fai BBS JP (left), Chairman of the Lingnan University Council.
Thanks to a generous donation from the Lingnan Education Organization (LEO), Lingnan University launched a two-year “LingArt” Programme on the Promotion and Inheritance of Chinese Culture for the 2023/24 academic year in order to promote Chinese culture through a variety of cultural and artistic activities, developing the understanding of China’s rich and diverse heritage among both local and non-local students, while fostering a sense of belonging among local students. A highlight of the “LingArt” Programme on the Promotion and Inheritance of Chinese Culture is the "Lingnan Art: A Legacy of Guangdong and Hong Kong – Ho Wing-cheong Exhibition” at the Leung Fong Oi Wan Art Gallery from 8 to 15 October 2024. The exhibition illustrates Ho’s mastery of the Lingnan School, offering art lovers a very special cultural experience. The opening ceremony on October 8 was attended by over 100 art lovers, including faculty and students from Lingnan University, Ho’s friends and students, and guests from all walks of life. There was a vibrant atmosphere of cultural exchange and artistic discussion.
Lingnan University invites Ho Wing-cheong, President of Hong Kong Art Instructors Association and Senior Instructor of the Lingnan School of Painting, to showcase his works in the "Lingnan Art: A Legacy of Guangdong and Hong Kong – Ho Wing-cheong Exhibition” at the Leung Fong Oi Wan Art Gallery.
Mr Ho presented porcelain plates, featuring his selected paintings, to the officiating guests.
The ceremony was officiated by several distinguished guests, including Mr Lam Sai-hung, GBS, JP, Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China; Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen, GBS, JP, Non-executive Chairman of the MTR Corporation Limited; and Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning at Lingnan University. Their speeches stressed Lingnan University’s commitment to preserving and promoting this valuable cultural heritage, noting that the exhibition not only enriches students’ artistic knowledge, but also engages the broader community, increasing the contemporary influence of Lingnan culture.
To thank Lingnan for hosting the exhibition, Ho created and gave a beautiful painting to the university, accepted on its behalf by Mr Andrew Yao Cho-fai, BBS, JP, Chairman of the Lingnan University Council, who in return presented a commemorative gift to Ho, expressing the university’s respect and congratulations. This exhibition not only shows the especial charm of the Lingnan School, but also its harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, giving students and the wider community a deeper appreciation of Lingnan culture while encouraging its preservation and progress.
