Embroidered Identities: Ornately Decorated Textiles and Accessories of Chinese Ethnic Minorities, Highlights from the Collection of Mei-yin Lee Exhibition Opening cum Members Day Costume Show

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.

HKU Museum Society 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner

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.

“Celebrations!” Photography Exhibition

“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 photographer’s 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.

“Celebrations!” Gala Dinner for 100 at UMAG

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.

“Sparkling at 25” Silver Anniversary Gala Dinner

 

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!

HKU Museum Society 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner

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.

Guided Viewing: Painting Her Way: The Ink Art of Fang Zhaoling With Dr. David Fang Jinsheng

The Executive Committee is pleased to organise a private tour of the exhibition Painting Her Way: The Ink Art of Fang Zhaoling with the artist’s son Dr. David Fang Jinsheng. Fang Zhaoling was one of the most innovative Chinese painters to emerge in the last decades of the 20th century. After receiving both the Western-style education newly available to a modern woman, and the master-disciple training of a traditional Chinese painter, Fang developed a personal style that is original, distinctive and powerful. Her artistic achievements and contributions to modern Chinese culture reflect women’s changing roles in the twentieth century.

Beyond biography and artistic development, the exhibition also considers how Fang, as a diasporic artist, played a particularly significant role in the revival of ink painting after chaotic reforms in the mid-century. It studies the period of development between traditional ink art of the past and its new direction, showcasing Fang as a bridge between two generations.

Resource Person
Dr. David Fang Jinsheng is the youngest of eight children of the artist Fang Zhaoling. He is a private orthopaedic surgeon and a tenor singer. Dr Fang continues to contribute to the University of Hong Kong as Honorary Professor of the Medical Faculty and Honorary Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is President of The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, Honorary President of Arts with the Disabled Hong Kong and a founder member of Opera Hong Kong.

Endowment Fund Event: Evening of Music and Culinary Art With Patron Dr. Christina Mathieson

In support of the HKUMS 30th Anniversary Endowment Fund, Patron Dr. Christina Mathieson and the Executive Committee of the University of Hong Kong Museum Society invite you to an elegant evening of music and culinary art at the University Lodge. Nestled among lush greens, the art-deco style home was built in 1949 and has since housed eight Vice-Chancellors of The University of Hong Kong.

The evening will begin with a music programme to showcase accomplished students – Rosanne Lee (Soprano), Timothy Wong (Piano) and Grammy Yeung (Guzheng) – from the University’s Advanced Music Performance class under the direction of Dr. Jacqueline Petitto.

Members will discover and savour the culinary arts of Vicky Lau, Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2015. Trained as a graphic designer, her talent for visual artistry is reflected in the immaculate presentation of her dishes while her innate creativity and appreciation for gourmet cuisine is evident throughout her seasonal menus. Inspired to create ‘Edible Stories’, each of Vicky’s menus originate from a common theme and consist of elaborately designed dishes that stir the imagination with their rich imagery and intriguing play on flavors and textures.

In 2013, Vicky’s skill and talent garnered her restaurant Tate Dining Room & Bar a Michelin star for three years in a row. Today, she continues to rein as the queen of French fine dining in Hong Kong and has expanded her repertoire with the launch of Butler – a unique luxury catering service. For our special evening, they will create an exquisite menu and tablescape to excite all your senses.

The HKUMS 30th Anniversary Endowment Fund will directly support the University Museum and Art Gallery (UMAG) and raise its level of excellence to place it as one of the leading teaching museums in Asia.

Members Evening at the Museum: Objectifying China: Ming and Qing Dynasty Ceramics and their Stylistic Influences Abroad

To celebrate art and friendship, members are invited to a preview of “Objectifying China: Ming and Qing Dynasty Ceramics and their Stylistic Influences Abroad”.

Come join us for an evening of art and music where, over a glass of wine and canapés, you can see pieces specially selected for this exhibition, that include objects on loan from the Asian Civilization Museum in Singapore, The Hong Kong Maritime Museum and pieces from UMAG’s own collection.

Highlights include Chinese blue and white as well as celadon ceramics and foreign objects in imitation thereof, which testify to the enormous success of Ming and Qing ceramics at home and abroad.

Accompanied by Dr Florian Knothe, UMAG’s Museum Director, you will learn more about Chinese ceramics’ journey abroad and how they stimulated a long-lasting appreciation and scientific imitation in the West.

Symposium: Contemporary Chinese Culture & The Future of Ink Art With Professor Pan Gongkai 潘公凱教授 and Professor Cheng Pei-kai 鄭培凱教授 Moderator: Ms Catherine Kwai, Founder of Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery

The symposium, conducted by the artist Professor Pan Gongkai 潘公凱教授 and Professor Cheng Pei-kai 鄭培凱教授 will explore the future of ink art in view of the present situation of contemporary Chinese culture, and with reference to the development of Professor Pan Gongkai’s ink art and vision.

Pan is regarded by many scholars within and outside China as the “Renaissance Man” of China today. He has spent over half a century learning traditional Chinese culture and art, and is an expert on the subject. He has also studied Western culture, arts and aesthetics, making comparisons between them with their Chinese counterparts, for the purpose of exploring the direction of future development of Chinese arts. Apart from the analysis of theories, he devotes himself to creating ink works with excellent traditional brush and ink techniques, which are grand in spirit and yet elegant in mood, going far beyond the reach of the conventional regime. In recent years, Pan has incorporated new media art such as video and installations, to further widen the spectrum of traditional ink as an art medium. Therefore, for an exploration of the future of ink art, the path taken by Pan would be inspiring.

This symposium is jointly organised by the University of Hong Kong Museum Society and the Chinese Civilisation Centre of The City University of Hong Kong, and with special thanks to Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery. Professor Pan's works will be exhibited at Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery from 25 November 2017 to 24 January 2018.

Speakers
Professor Pan Gongkai is the son of 20th century Chinese ink painting master Pan Tianshou (1897–1971). He was the President of Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing (2001–2014) and the President of China Academy of Art in Hangzhou (1996–2001). He has written influential books, e.g. “The Boundary of Modern Art” and “The Road of Chinese Modern Art”. His works are exhibited constantly at important platforms within and outside China, including the 54th and the 56th Venice Biennale. His works are collected by important museums, including Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, USA; The Frye Art Museum, Seattle, USA and National Art Museum of China, Beijing.

Professor Cheng Pei-kai received his Ph.D in history from Yale University. He taught at the State University of New York, Yale University, and Pace University, before founding the Chinese Civilization Centre at City University of Hong Kong in 1998. Awarded Merit of Honour by Hong Kong government in 2016, he is now Chairman of Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee.

Professor Cheng has published more than 30 books, covering various academic subjects on Tang Xianzu, transcultural aesthetics, tea culture, Chinese export porcelain, and English translation of Chinese classics. He is also the founder of the "Chinese Culture Quarterly" since 1986.

香港大學博物館學會及香港城市大學中國文化中心 將聯合主辦「當世中國文化與水墨藝術的未來」研討會。得到季豐軒畫廊全力支持,研討會由潘公凱教授 (藝術家、前中央美術學院院長及中國美術學院校長) 及鄭培凱教授 (香港非物質文化遺產諮詢委員會主席、團結香港基金顧問)主講,季豐軒畫廊創辦人季玉年女士主持。潘教授的作品將會在2017年11月25日至2018年1月24日於季豐軒畫廊展出。

是次研討會借鑒潘公凱水墨藝術的發展和視野,探索在當世中國文化的局面中,水墨藝術的未來。潘公凱被中外學者譽為中國當代的「文藝復興人」。他對中國傳統文化藝術累積逾半世紀的修養,瞭如指掌。同時,他亦深入研究西方文化藝術及美學,從多維通盤視角,比對中西異同,探索中國藝術的未來。除理論外,他身體力行,以爐火純青的傳統筆墨功底,創作出氣魄恢宏的水墨作品,既不失文人氣韻,但遠超傳統眼界。近年,他更採用錄像、裝置藝術等新媒體,進一步拓展傳統水墨的語境。故此,要探索水墨藝術的未來,潘公凱所走的路有難得的啟示。

潘公凱教授
生於1947年,是二十世紀中國書畫大師潘天壽(1897-1971)之子。曾任中央美術學院院長(2001–2014)及中國美術學院院長(1996–2001)。著作包括《現代藝術的邊界》、《中國現代美術之路》。作品在中外重要平台不斷展覽,包括第54屆及第56屆威尼斯雙年展。亦獲重要美術館收藏,包括三藩市亞洲藝術博物館、美國西雅圖弗萊藝術博物館及中國美術館。

鄭培凱教授
臺灣大學外文系畢業,耶魯大學歷史學博士,哈佛大學博士後。曾任教於紐約州立大學、耶魯大學、佩斯大學、台灣大學、新竹清華等校,1998年到香港城市大學創立中國文化中心。香港非物質文化遺產諮詢委員會主席,2016年獲頒香港政府榮譽勛章。著作三十餘種,所涉學術範圍甚廣,以文化意識史、文化審美、經典翻譯及文化變遷與交流為主。主編《九州學林》季刊,近作有《湯顯祖:戲夢人生與文化求索》、《多元文化與審美情趣》等。