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This lecture is presented in conjunction with the Museum Society’s upcoming trip to Southern Italy with Professor Puay-peng Ho. All are welcome to attend. 

Synopsis 
It is natural to associate Italy with the grandeur of its stately architecture, exquisite paintings of great masters, or magnificent sculpture adorning churches and public spaces. We flock to the likes of Florence, Rome, Milan or Venice and enjoy immersing in works by great Renaissance artists, architects and sculptors. However, these great works are all found in Northern Italy. In the south, in contrast, art and architecture are more rudimentary; they are raw but nevertheless powerful. There are also many works that reflect the rich and varied history of the southern half of the peninsula in vernacular form and local adaptation. This lecture will weave through the art and architecture of Southern Italy and highlight their characteristics vis-à-vis those from the north and outside cultures in similar period. 

Before the Romans extended power into the south, Apulia and Sicilia were colonized as part of Magna Graecia in the 8th century BCE. Greek art and architecture populated south Italy and the three Doric temples at Paestum dating to 6th to 5th century BCE testify to the majesty of the Greek culture. These buildings and other Greek remains must have inspired Marcus Vitruvius Pollio (c. 80-15 BCE) to compose De architectura upon which Renaissance architects formulated the rules for the elegant buildings serving the church, the powerful and the wealthy. The Romans extended their power to the south in 326 BCE and ruled till 476 CE. Through the excavations of the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum that were submerged after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, the richness of Roman residences in these commercial towns can be uniquely experienced. 

Southern Italy existed as a loose alliance of city states since the breakup of the Roman Empire. Much of the art and architecture from this period – from the humble stone trulli of Alberobello to the sumptuous 17th century façade of Santa Croce in Lecce – illustrate the rich influence of various outside cultures on the local practices. In modern history, Southern Italy was only integrated with the north in 1861 by King Victor Emmanuel II of the House of Savoy. Despite that, much of modern buildings in the south were adaptation of architectural design first seen in Germany, Austria and Northern Italy. With the overview of development of Southern Italian art and architecture over more than two millennia, the lecture will conclude by emphasizing the power of innovation in synthesizing various influences with vernacular traditions. 

Speaker 
Professor Puay-peng Ho is currently the Head of the Department of Architecture at the National University of Singapore. Previously he was Professor of Architecture at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He received his First Class Honours degree in Architecture from the University of Edinburgh and a Ph.D. in Art History from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. His thesis was focused on Buddhist art and architecture of the Tang dynasty. Dr. Ho is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Society of Architectural Historians. His research interests and publications are in the areas of Chinese art and architectural history, vernacular architecture, and architectural theory. 

Join New Hall Art Collection Curator, Eliza Gluckman, for a tour of the exhibition at Sotheby’s and hear about the new research she has undertaken with the Asia Art Archive, about women artists in Hong Kong. Presented during the period of International Women’s Day, this exhibition of work by 10 artists covers the past 50 years of artistic development and creativity in Hong Kong. From ink to performance, they cross generations telling the story of women who have added to the creative landscape of Hong Kong. 

Au Hoi Lam, Rosamond Brown, Irene Chou, Choi Yan Chi, Fang Zhaoling, Ho Sin Tung, Ko Sin Tung, Jaffa Lam Laam, Angela Su to Doris Wong 

Importantly these diverse works show a breadth of experience, practice and ideas generated by women. There are, however, threads and commonalities – both clichés and facts – that arise every time a platform is raised to talk about ‘women artists’: recurring questions about representation and visibility in art history, public institutions and the market. 

At this time of monumental change for the visual arts in Hong Kong, the research findings enable conversation and debate on the visibility of the many women who shape, support and create the vibrant arts ecology of Hong Kong. 

Full details of the research lead by Phoebe Wong and New Hall Art Collection curator Eliza Gluckman, and supported by the HKU Museum Society, will be published in Yishu journal’s May/June 2018 edition and be available online through the Asia Art Archive and New Hall Art Collection websites. www.art.newhall.cam.ac.uk www.aaa.org.hk 

Speaker 
Eliza Gluckman is the Curator of the New Hall Art Collection at Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge. She has an MA in Fine Art/ History of Art and an MA in Curating Contemporary Art (Royal College of Art). She has also worked in contemporary art for eighteen years, including in institutions such as Asia House and the Royal Society of Arts, and establishing a private institution and collection. In a freelance capacity Eliza has worked with the National Trust and museums including the Victoria and Albert Museum and Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery. 

The Executive Committee is delighted to host a morning coffee and guided tour with the artists Michael Cherney and Arnold Chang, and curator Tiffany Beres of “From Two Arises Three”, an exhibition supported by the Museum Society to commemorate HKUMS 30th anniversary. To register on-line, please visit: https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?guest=Y&ueid=54681 

The exhibition highlights the extraordinary collaboration between artists Michael Cherney and Arnold Chang. The unbroken Chinese ink painting tradition, which has been perfected over the course of more than a millennium, continues its evolution into the present day, as evidenced by the current popularity of contemporary ink. Over the past couple of decades, there has been a dichotomy within Chinese contemporary art between purely contemporary works and those with a stronger connection to tradition. This division appears to be shrinking as traditional aesthetics merge with newer forms of media. The collaborative work of Arnold Chang and Michael Cherney is a particularly vivid example of this phenomenon. 

The title “From Two Arises Three” (二生三) comes from the Tao Te Ching (Dao De Jing) and describes how the works of two artists allow for the creation of a third space: 

The Tao gave birth to One. 
One gave birth to Two. 
Two gave birth to Three. 
Three gave birth to the Ten Thousand Things.

With this special joint-concert and exhibition, Hong Kong Arts Festival, Goethe Institut, the University of Hong Kong Museum Society and the University Museum and Art Gallery of the University of Hong Kong bring together the works of German artist Gerhard Richter and Estonian composer Arvo Pärt in the space at the University Museum and Art Gallery. Curator Robert Storr, a distinguished scholar of Richter’s work, has selected works by the Artist to be projected along with Arvo Pärt’s music, live performed by the acclaimed vocal ensemble Vox Clamantis. This immersive and sensory performance, both an art exhibition and a concert, is not to be missed! 

Each performance will last approximately 30 minutes. A large turnout is expected. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment. 

Performers 
Vox Clamantis is a vocal ensemble that revolves around its leader Jaan-Eik Tulve. During the 20 years of its existence singers have come and gone, but one man and his vision of music has always been consistently in the centre. 

It all started with Gregorian chant, which Tulve studied in Paris in the 1990s. Back in Estonia he formed Vox Clamantis in 1996 to continue singing these old plainsongs that are the foundation of Western art music. The ensemble’s various line-ups were always like gatherings of kindred spirits, devotees to the idea that the essence of Gregorian chant can reach beyond its stylistic boundaries and freely blend with the music of modern ages and other cultures. 

Vox Clamantis’ connection to Arvo Pärt dates back to 1999 when the ensemble started to perform his organ piece “Annum per Annum” mixed with liturgical chant, and the composer was enthusiastic about their idea. Since then, the group’s contact with Pärt’s music has deepened. Today it is a relationship that is warm and friendly rather than just professional. 

Join us after the 6pm concert and hear Jaan-Eik Tulve, Artistic Director and Conductor of Vox Clamantis share his thoughts on this artistic combination of Gerhard Richter’s artwork and Arvo Pärt’s music, described by The Guardian as “a match made in heaven”. 

Speaker 
The artistic director and conductor of Vox Clamantis Jaan-Eik Tulve graduated from Tallinn Conservatory in 1991 and specialized in Gregorian chant at Le Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris. In 1992 Tulve became the conductor of the Cheour Gregorien de Paris and has appeared with the choir in many European countries. In 1996 he took up a position teaching Gregorian chant at the Estonian Academy of Music and at the same time formed the Vox Clamantis in Tallinn. Tulve has been awarded the Order of the White Star of the Republic of Estonia, the Order of Léopold of the Kingdom of Belgium and the Order of Arts and Letters of the French Republic. 

To celebrate the Museum Society’s silver anniversary, a special gala dinner “Sparkling at 25” will be held on Saturday, 23 March 2013 at the University’s historic Loke Yew Hall. The evening promises to be filled with fun and fellowship, sumptuous cuisine and wine, joyous entertainments, fabulous auction items and lucky draw prizes. It is a perfect time to gather with members and friends, and a good time to reflect – on the Society’s past achievements, present standing, and future directions. 

The Museum Society holds strong our mission as we enter the next twenty-five years. With UMAG’s new management and expansion plan, there is much that we can contribute to help it become a significant place on the world map of showcasing the culture of “East meets West”, “antiquity meets modernity”, mirroring the true image of our University and our city. The Museum Society also continues to pledge extended support to students through scholarship programmes, and to promote understanding and appreciation of art and culture through outreach community programmes. 

The proceeds raised from generous sponsorships and donations for the gala dinner and auctions will enable us to support important initiatives. Highlights from the live and silent auctions include paintings and sculptures from Jao Tsung-I, Liu Guosong, Li Shuang and Norman Ko; jewelleries from David Yurman, Kai-yin Lo and Etcetera Ltd; textiles and antiques; wine and travel packages; fashion and luxury goods. For a complete list, please visit our website www.hkums.com. Everyone is welcome to participate in the live and silent auctions through absentee bids. 

The Executive Committee wishes to express heartfelt thanks for all the support from members and friends, UMAG’s staff, University’s faculty and students. 

Come; let’s sparkle together in a life of joy – with art, friendship and philanthropy!

A fundraising gala dinner to celebrate HKU 100th anniversary for 100 special guests at the Museum amongst 100 photo exhibits. 

The evening started with cocktails and viewing of the exhibition. A four-course dinner with and wines followed. 
Program: 
MCs – Carolyn Lu and Dr. Patrick Tong 
Welcome – Bonnie Huo 
Speech – Mrs. Ellen Tsui 
Champagne Toasting – All Committee 
Souvenir Presentation – to Judges Choices Photographers, Jurors, Sponsors and Advisors (presented by Jurors, Professor Lap Chee Tsui, Mrs. Ellen Tsui, Professor SP Chow) 
Percussion Performance – Louis Siu & Vicky Shin 
Games and Lucky Draw – Pansy Leung & Anna Yeung (drawn by Yeung Chun-tong, Professor SP Chow, Professor Lap Chee Tsui, Mrs. Ellen Tsui) 
Votes of Thanks – Yeung Chun-tong & Yvonne Choi 
Floral Design by Masao Mizukami 

Music and humour filled the evening, starting with Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration” and ending with Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”, guests went home humming the tunes and carrying a complimentary copy of the gleaming “Celebrations!” photography book and a Museum journal. 

To order copies of the limited edition “Celebrations!” book published by HKU Museum Society, please go to DONATION in this website. All profits generated from the sale of this book will be donated to UMAG. The book will make a good gift for any happy occasion. It is also available at UMAG Bookstore, AO Photo Book Centers, and major bookstores in Hong Kong.

“Celebrations!”, a photography exhibition to mark HKU centenary. It features 100 best photography artworks selected from 773 entries submitted by the Society’s members. These colourful images follow the footprints in their travels and offer vivid views of the world in “celebrations”, at home and abroad. The submissions were organized and judged in three categories – “Landscape Symphony”, “Melodies of Life” and “The Sound of Silence”. Successful entries were chosen in a strictly name-blinded selection process by a jury panel comprised of 3 renowned photographers – Dr. Leo Wong, Dr. Wong How Man, Carsten Schael. 

The exhibition was curated by gallerist Catherine Kwai and UMAG Director Yeung Chung-tong. It also features an art installation titled “Ripples” by Masao Mizukami. “Celebrations!” is jointly presented by the Museum Society and UMAG, and runs from 12 October to 15 November 2011. 

Vice Chancellor Professor Lap Chee Tsui, Patron Mrs. Ellen Tsui and Sponsor Peter Lau were among the officiating guests. Immediately after the exhibition opening, a donation ceremony for the newly acquired woodcarving from the “Living World Series” by Juming followed. The membership cocktail reception was a happy and memorable event. 

A limited edition of a beautiful commemorative photography book titled “Celebrations!” is published by the HKU Museum Society to support UMAG. To order, please see DONATION in this website. It is also available at UMAG Bookstore, AO Photo Book Centers as well as major bookstores in Hong Kong. 

The University of Hong Kong Museum Society proudly celebrated its twentieth anniversary with a major fundraising Gala Dinner at the historic Loke Yew Hall on the 25 October 2008. The Gala Dinner, the culmination of a year of special events commemorating twenty years of active commitment to the University Museum and Art Gallery (UMAG), was attended by over 200 members and friends of the Society, including Founder Mrs. Margaret Wang. 

Enthusiastic members flew in from all over the world to specially attend this gala event: Singapore, England, Canada and the United States. Highlights of the evening included heart-warming speeches given by Patron Ellen Tsui, past and present Chairmen, Margaret Wang, Jean Ho and Margaret Yu. The evening included a memorable performance by distinguished operatic bass, Dr. Derek Anthony, and live auction by Christies. 

The Gala Dinner was a huge success, raising nearly $2 million through the generosity of members and sponsors. 

To celebrate art and friendship, members are invited to the opening reception of Embroidered Identities: Ornately Decorated Textiles and Accessories of Chinese Ethnic Minorities, Highlights from the Collection of Mei-yin Lee. The event will kick off with a fashion show of many of the dresses and accessories from the collection. Modelled by fellow members, everyone will have a close-up view of these intricate pieces and are welcome to try on a few for fun. Come join us in ethnic dress (from anywhere in the world) and bring along a friend to celebrate your Society membership. 

About the Exhibition 

Supported by the Museum Society to commemorate the Society’s 25th and the Museum’s 60th anniversaries, the exhibition demonstrates the wealth of colours, techniques and styles found in the on-going traditions of Chinese minority groups. Elaborately embroidered costumes and baby carriers, most of which originate from the Miao, Dong, Shui and Zhuang ethnic tribes of the south-western Chinese provinces of Guizhou, Yunnan and Guangxi are decorated with richly coloured, stitched and sewn ornamentations – and sometimes silver applications – indigenous to the particular culture and long-lived traditions they derive from. As some ethnic minorities lack a written script, the symbolism and colour-coding found in their textiles form a visual language that presents an important cultural and anthropological development and heritage still in practice today. 

Collector Mei-yin Lee is a Special Research Fellow of the Dunhuang Academy and an advisor to the HK Institute for the Promotion of Chinese Culture. She has conducted in-depth research on Chinese ethnic culture, Buddhist art and Chinese embroidery for many years.