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

Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy hosts first webinar to foster international exchanges

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

Since its establishment in August last year, the Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy (HKIOA) under the Office of The Ombudsman has been actively providing government departments and public organisations with training to promote a positive complaint culture. Through a variety of interactive platforms, it also fosters collaboration and exchanges among local, Mainland and international counterparts. Proactively aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the HKIOA advocates good governance and maladministration prevention, telling the world the good stories of Hong Kong by leveraging the strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world. Its first international webinar held yesterday (June 24) under the theme "From Grievance to Governance: Ombudsmanship as Pillars of the Global Community" was attended by more than 200 public officers, including representatives from ombudsman institutions in over 30 countries and regions across five continents, along with local representatives from government departments and public organisations.

The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, said in his opening speech at the webinar, "As international partners, it is important that we share experiences from time to time on occasions like this. Our problems and difficulties may be different, but together, we can inspire each other for better skills and practices. We bring new ideas in living out our supervisory roles. Together, we make each of our cities, provinces and countries a better place to live." Mr Chan also highlighted the notable achievements under the three strategic focuses championed by the Office and its commitment to exercising statutory powers to speak up for vulnerable groups in society, ease everyday hardships and enhance overall governance standards.

The webinar featured the Chief Ombudsman of Thailand, Mr Songsak Saicheua, and the Provincial Ombudsman for the Province of Sindh, Pakistan, Mr Muhammad Sohail Rajput, as keynote speakers. They shared professional insights into advancing public administration ideals and handling public complaints. Following their presentations, the Hong Kong Office's Assistant Ombudsmen Mr Kenny Tang and Ms Sally Kan joined the webinar to share how the Office effectively uses mediation to handle complaints and plays its supervisory role through conducting direct investigations operations and making improvement recommendations. They also explored the strategies and experience in overseeing public administration and improving people's livelihood.

The webinar also served as a platform for members of the International Ombudsman Institute and the Asian Ombudsman Association to share knowledge and experiences. It attracted broad participation, bringing together representatives from ombudsman institutions including Thailand, Japan, Pakistan, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Türkiye, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium and Uzbekistan.

Over the past year, the HKIOA has organised seminars and exchange activities for government departments, public organisations, Mainland counterparts and academic entities, as well as District Council members. Through a wide range of programmes and platforms, it has reached out to more than 60 700 youngsters, vigorously advocating a positive complaint culture. Looking ahead, the HKIOA will continue to strengthen collaboration and exchanges with local, Mainland and international peers, leveraging its strengths and unique position to expand diverse channels and foster sustainable development and innovation within the ombudsman system.

Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy hosts first webinar to foster international exchanges Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy hosts first webinar to foster international exchanges Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy hosts first webinar to foster international exchanges Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy hosts first webinar to foster international exchanges Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases