Hong Kong Museum of Art Unveils 'Reading & Re-reading' Exhibition Revisiting Artistic Vision of Classical Literature

HKMoA exhibition of Chinese painting and calligraphy revisits artistic vision of classical literature

The Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) will launch its new exhibition "Reading & Re-reading: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy" tomorrow (June 26). Presented in three phases, the exhibition will feature around 60 selected sets of Chinese painting and calligraphy from the Xubaizhai Collection and other HKMoA collections in each phase. Themed "Reading and Re-reading", it invites visitors to revisit poems and artworks they once studied, reconnect with their childhood memories of learning, and engage in a deep dialogue between literary imagination and the aesthetics of calligraphy and painting.

In the Chinese tradition, painting and calligraphy are inextricably linked to classical literature and philosophy. Sharing a common spiritual essence, poetry and painting blend seamlessly in subject, aesthetics and form - weaving together the philosophies of life with artistic expression. The exhibition brings together outstanding works from the Ming dynasty to the 20th century, organised in four thematic chapters: "Timeless Elegance", "The Way of the Gentleman", "Landscape Reveries", and "Sentimental Years". Each chapter is given a distinctive colour scheme, complemented by landscape, light, and shadow design, creating an immersive space for savouring literature and art. Visitors are invited to journey through the brushwork, contemplate the hidden messages within, and rediscover the timeless wisdom of the ages.

The red section, "Timeless Elegance", centres on legendary literati of passionate spirit - Su Shi, Wang Xizhi, Cao Zhi, and Qu Yuan - revisiting their classic writings that have inspired countless artists throughout history. Highlight exhibits include 20th-century masters Zhang Daqian and Xu Cao's "Evening Cruise by the Red Cliff", which brings to life Su Shi's expansive and liberated spirit; Gu Yun's "Gathering at the Orchid Pavilion" from the Qing dynasty, which recreates the scene of "floating wine cups along a winding stream" among Eastern Jin literati; various interpretations of "The Rhapsody on the Nymph of the Luo River" by calligraphers and painters across generations, continuing Cao Zhi's aesthetic imagination; and Zhu Yunming's running script of the nearly 2 500-character "Encountering Sorrow" from the Ming dynasty, in resonance with Qu Yuan's spirit.

The green section, "The Way of the Gentleman", celebrates the beauty of nature and its cultural significance, focusing on the plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum, bamboo, and lotus - motifs frequently found in literati art that serve as vital symbols through which scholars express their innermost convictions. Featured works include Shen Shichong's "Transplanting a Plum Tree" from the Ming dynasty and Zheng Xie's "Bamboo and Rock" from the Qing dynasty.

The blue section, "Landscape Reveries", represents the equanimity and steadfastness of the literati. Landscapes serve as vessels for a range of personal aspirations, expressing the joy of reading, the tranquility of seclusion, and the exhilaration of travelling through mountains and rivers. Highlight exhibits include Hua Yan's "Thatched Pavilion in the Soughing Pines" from the Qing dynasty and Huang Binhong's "Landscapes" from the 20th century.

Lastly, the brown section, "Sentimental Years", spotlights the austere simplicity and the most intimate and moving scenes of ordinary life. Highlight exhibits include Ren Yi's "Two Geese" from the Qing dynasty, as well as late-modern artists Wang Zhen and Cheng Zhang's "Celebrating New Year's Day". This section also features an installation titled "Poetry in Motion: A Visual Experiment by Po Hung", presenting four animations based on well-known classical poems to engage younger visitors. Additionally, a specially designed reading space further invites visitors to savour 10 classical texts and draw life inspiration from the ancient literati.

The HKMoA's Xubaizhai collection of Chinese painting and calligraphy was donated by the late renowned collector Mr Low Chuck-tiew in 1989. It encompasses masterpieces dating from the Six Dynasties through to the 20th century, with particular richness in the major painting schools of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The exhibition will be held at the Xubaizhai Gallery of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy on 2/F of the HKMoA (10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon). Admission is free. For details of the exhibition, please visit the website athk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/reading-and-rereading.html.

The Hong Kong Museum of Art's new exhibition "Reading & Re-reading: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy" features around 60 sets of selected Chinese painting and calligraphy works from the Xubaizhai Collection and other HKMoA collections in the first phase. The exhibition features a dedicated reading space, showcasing 10 selected classical Chinese texts, allowing readers to revisit the life insights of ancient scholars. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Museum of Art's new exhibition "Reading & Re-reading: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy" features around 60 sets of selected Chinese painting and calligraphy works from the Xubaizhai Collection and other HKMoA collections in the first phase. The exhibition integrated with "Poetry in Motion: A Visual Experiment by Po Hung" with four animations to enhance young visitors’ interest in participating. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Museum of Art's new exhibition "Reading & Re-reading: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy" features around 60 sets of selected Chinese painting and calligraphy works from the Xubaizhai Collection and other HKMoA collections in the first phase. Photo shows "Celebrating New Year's Day" co-created by Wang Zhen and Cheng Zhang of the modern era. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Museum of Art's new exhibition "Reading & Re-reading: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy" features around 60 sets of selected Chinese painting and calligraphy works from the Xubaizhai Collection and other HKMoA collections in the first phase. Photo shows "Two Geese" by Ren Yi of the Qing dynasty. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Museum of Art's new exhibition "Reading & Re-reading: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy" features around 60 sets of selected Chinese painting and calligraphy works from the Xubaizhai Collection and other HKMoA collections in the first phase. Photo shows "Transplanting a Plum Tree" by Shen Shichong of the Ming dynasty. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Museum of Art's new exhibition "Reading & Re-reading: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy" features around 60 sets of selected Chinese painting and calligraphy works from the Xubaizhai Collection and other HKMoA collections in the first phase. Photo shows "Evening Cruise by the Red Cliff" co-created by 20th-century Chinese painting masters Zhang Daqian and Xu Cao. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Museum of Art's new exhibition "Reading & Re-reading: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy" features around 60 sets of selected Chinese painting and calligraphy works from the Xubaizhai Collection and other HKMoA collections in the first phase. Photo shows "Lisao (Encountering Sorrow) in Running Script" by Zhu Yunming of the Ming dynasty. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Museum of Art's new exhibition "Reading & Re-reading: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy" features around 60 sets of selected Chinese painting and calligraphy works from the Xubaizhai Collection and other HKMoA collections in the first phase. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Museum of Art's new exhibition "Reading & Re-reading: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy" features around 60 sets of selected Chinese painting and calligraphy works from the Xubaizhai Collection and other HKMoA collections in the first phase. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Museum of Art's new exhibition "Reading & Re-reading: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy" features around 60 sets of selected Chinese painting and calligraphy works from the Xubaizhai Collection and other HKMoA collections in the first phase. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Museum of Art's new exhibition "Reading & Re-reading: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy" features around 60 sets of selected Chinese painting and calligraphy works from the Xubaizhai Collection and other HKMoA collections in the first phase. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police

Following the case of a crocodile found yesterday (June 24) on the podium of a unit at Tai Po Road, Sham Shui Po, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) continued an in-depth investigation and identified a unit in the building adjacent to the podium as being involved in the case. At around 00.30am today (June 25), the HKPF, together with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), conducted a joint raid at the unit. Including the crocodile seized earlier, a total of 30 endangered reptiles were seized.

During the operation, AFCD officers found 63 reptiles, amphibians and arthropods inside the unit. Among them, 29 were endangered reptiles listed in the Appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). These included three rock iguanas which are listed in Appendix I to the CITES; and 10 turtles, 10 lizards and six snakes listed in Appendix II to the CITES. The species include Aldabra giant tortoises, a savannah monitor, a boa constrictor and a Burmese python, etc.

A 35-year-old local woman claimed to enforcement officers that she is the owner of the animals, and claimed that they were possessed for education purposes. As the woman was unable to produce any Licence to Possess or relevant proof, the AFCD has therefore arrested her on suspicion of illegal possession of endangered species listed in Appendices I and II to the CITES. A total of 30 endangered reptiles, including the crocodile found yesterday, were seized for further investigation. The crocodile has been preliminarily identified as an estuarine crocodile, which is a species listed in Appendix I to the CITES.

According to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), unless exempted or otherwise stipulated, possession of Appendix I or Appendix II species requires a Licence to Possess or relevant documentary proof of the animals' origin.

A spokesman for the AFCD said, "Illegal possession of endangered species is a serious offence. Any person contravening the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years and the seized specimens will also be forfeited upon conviction."

To safeguard public safety, the AFCD strongly urges members of the public not to keep dangerous or aggressive animals in their homes. In addition, different animals have different specific needs, and wild animals have particular environmental requirements. From an animal welfare perspective, wild animals are not suitable for keeping in households.

The Government is committed to protecting endangered species. The AFCD will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and collect intelligence through various channels, and proactively take enforcement action to combat offences involving endangered species. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illegal possession of endangered species to the AFCD by calling 2150 6978 or emailing to espint@afcd.gov.hk.

Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases