Art Totems Bridging East & West: Eddie Lui’s Four Decades of Artistic Pursuit With Eddie Lu

The Museum Society is delighted to invite artist Eddie Lui to guide us through this exhibition of his work of artworks documenting his long and distinguished career.

In the early 1970s, Lui completed an art and design course with the Department of Extra-Mural Studies at The University of Hong Kong (now HKU SPACE), before he studied a one-year contemporary ink painting programme with Hong Kong ink painters Lui Shou-kwan (1919–1975), Wucius Wong (b. 1936), and others. Since then, Lui has developed his own individual style, displayed his deeply felt admiration for nature, and created a new language of naturalistic as well as abstract motifs. As a draftsman, painter and sculptor—Lui is one of the founders of contemporary art in Hong Kong.

Inspired by the naturalism of America-born painter Georgia O'Keeffe (1887–1986) as well as steeped in the tradition of Chinese bird-and-flower painters, Lui depicts exotic fruit and vegetables full of life and symbolism. His artworks, whether in ink, gouache, Japanese handmade paper on canvas, or sculpted in clay, are reminiscent of poetry that connects us humans with nature and appeals to our senses.

Over the years, Lui’s palette changed and the often bright and flamboyant colours gave way to more muted monochrome ink. At the same time, in artworks large and small, the fine execution of each detail and the certainty with which the artist’s brush moves remain of the highest quality. A generation younger than his master Lui Shou-kwan and other influential ink painters, such as Hon Chi Fun (b. 1922) and Liu Kuosung (b. 1932), Lui himself became a gifted teacher who instructed students and helped develop New Ink Painting as a discipline.

Han and Tang Culture and Beyond A Cultural Trip to Zhengzhou, Luoyang and Xi’an With Ms. Lai Suk Yee

Han 漢 (206 BC – 220 AD) and Tang 唐 (618 – 907 AD) are the two dynasties during which China had frequent communications with the West, through both the Silk Road and maritime trade. Ever since, Han 漢 and Tang 唐 culture has exerted tremendous influence worldwide in various realms. Nowadays, the Chinese language is known as han yu 漢語, Han language, and Chinese people tang ren 唐人, Tang people.

The idea of this trip is initiated by visiting the two old capitals of Luoyang 洛陽 and Xi’an 西安, with an expectation to indulge in the Han 漢 and Tang 唐 culture. But then, with many more interesting sites coming to mind, Zhengzhou 鄭州 is finally included as the starting city. All in all, we will visit seven museums with Henan Museum 河南博物院 and the Shaanxi History Museum 陝西歷史博物館 being provincial museums, while Luoyang Museum 洛陽博物館 a city museum, including two on-site museums. We will examine numerous relics from these ancient cultures with a focus on the ceramics of Han 漢 and Tang 唐 dynasties.

The main ceramic products for the Han and Tang dynasty are burial pottery models. Among the huge number of pottery models in numerous shapes of buildings, figurines, animals, vessels etc., the most impressive are Han models of houses or house compounds and watchtowers, and Tang models of horses, camels, exotic merchants, ladies and officials. We will have in-depth discussions on the technical achievements of ceramics of the Han and Tang potters in modeling 陶塑, lead glazing 鉛釉 and in particular Tang sancai 唐三彩, three-colour ware.

From high-fired green ware 青瓷 in the Han dynasty to the Xing ware 邢窰 and Yue ware 越窰 in the Tang dynasty, the esteemed position of high-fired ceramics in daily life of the Chinese was affirmed. Besides, Tongguan ware 銅官窰 and Tang Jun ware 唐鈞 etc. will also be discussed, demonstrating the worldwide cultural exchanges as well as the pioneering ceramic industry during the Han and Tang dynasty.

Beyond ceramics, we will also ascend ancient buildings, have an overview of the Yellow River 黃河, and roam the market streets where in the old days the Muslims engaged in doing business. And hopefully, we will see the famous and beautiful peonies of Luoyang 洛陽牡丹.

Resource Person
Ms. Lai Suk-yee (黎淑儀女士) is a Research Consultant of The Hong Kong Ceramics Research Society, and a Museum Expert Adviser to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong Government. She is also a Researcher of The Research Institute of Ceramics (Zisha) Culture at Yixing. Suk Yee retired from her museum career in August 2015. Formerly, she was an Assistant Curator and then a Researcher at the Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her academic research has been concentrated on Chinese ceramics, for more than 30 years, with focuses on Zhejiang Yue ware and Longquan ware of the Tang to Song dynasties, Yixing stoneware and Jingdezhen porcelain of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and Hong Kong enamel-painted porcelain of the twentieth century.

A Historical and Cultural Perspective of Mexico

The first people to settle in Mexico came from Asia around ten millennia ago. Ancient civilizations which inhabited this region excelled in art, architecture, mathematics and astronomy. Arriving by sea in 1519, the Spaniards destroyed the pre-Colombian population and established the colony of New Spain. Napoleon’s invasion and occupation of Spain in 1808 led to the outbreak of revolts across the New World. The Mexican revolution in 1810 marked the beginning of a long struggle against the Spanish that ended 300 years of colonial rule. When the War of Independence ended in 1821, the republican insurgents established the first Mexican Republic and started to cultivate a unique Mexican identity as a mestizo nation incorporating the cultural traditions of the indigenous with those of European ancestry. Once regarded by many as a Third World nation, Mexico today, with a population of over 122 million, is the 11th largest economy in the world. Mexico City has a cosmopolitan vibe that extends from its thriving contemporary art scene to trendy restaurants and designer boutiques. It is one of the most important economic hubs in Latin America.

Mexico’s geographic and cultural diversity makes it a fascinating country — from the charming colonial towns of Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende in the central highlands to Mesoamerican ruins located in tropical rainforests, from Baroque Catholic churches to sacred Olmec, Aztec and Maya temples; from fortified towns on the Yucatan Peninsula to archaeological sites on the Caribbean coast; from the art and architecture of ancient civilizations to world-class museums in the vibrant capital, Mexico City.

This tour will take us through visually stunning landscapes and locations across Mexico — in cities and villages, on mountains and rivers, in tropical jungle and white powder beaches. Nothing reveals the soul of a people more than their culture. Journey to Mexico to experience the cuisine, tequila, music, dance, art and traditions of this amazing country!

Golden Light of the Buddha Art and Architecture of Tōhoku, Japan

The University of Hong Kong Museum Society is pleased to present a tour of Japan from 7th to 15th May, 2016, with Dr. Puay-peng Ho, Professor of Architecture of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Prof. Puay-peng Ho 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. Prof. Ho is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Society of Architectural Historians. Currently, he serves on Town Planning Board, Antiquities Advisory Board and History Museum Advisory Panel, and is Chairman of the Council of Lord Wilson Heritage Trust. His research interests and publications are in the areas of Chinese art and architectural history, vernacular architecture, and architectural theory. He is also involved in many architecture conservation projects in Hong Kong.

The far north of Japan was the native land of the Emishi 蝦夷 people, descendants of the Jōmon 繩文. Largely a land of abundance with a central mountain range Ōu Mountains 奥羽山脈, it was conquered by the Yamato 大和regime from Central Japan and included in the territory of Japan after some bloody battles between 7th – 9th centuries. Since then, feudal lords ruled over the land with two main provinces: Ōshū 奥州 or Michinoku 陸奥 or 道奥, meaning “End of the Road”, to the east and Ushū 羽州 or Dewa no kuni 出羽国 to the west. Understandably, the religion and practices of this far-flung territory of Japan maintained a balance between the imperial and cosmopolitan school and style of Kyoto, the capital, and the local characteristics. The worship of mountain is one example, and the belief in Pure Land Buddhism is another. Apart from these ancient architecture and practices, many contemporary museums and galleries has sprung up in Tōhoku in the last 15 years. These architecture take advantage of the beautiful landscape and weave architectonic spaces through them with emphasis on light, surface, and space.

The tour will cover both the ancient and the contemporary manifestations of a regional sensitivity that will shed light on the continuum of artistic and architectural practices.

Puay-peng Ho
Professor of Architecture, School of Architecture
Director, Centre for Architectural Heritage Research
The Chinese University of Hong Kong

“Romancing the Rhine…” A Gastronomic Wine Tour of the Rhine Valley and Alsace with Mr. Wilson Kwok

Welcome to the land of hillside fairytale castles and noble fields of wine producing grapes! It is no wonder why this dramatic landscape along the legendary Rhine is titled the “Romantic Rhine Valley”. Recognizing the rich cultural and historic heritage of this region, UNESCO in 2002 aptly designated this 65 kilometers stretch of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley as a World Heritage Site.

Tucked away in the far northeast corner of France, Alsace proudly showcases its own distinct identity – part German and part French, the result of having switched back and forth between German and French sovereignty over the centuries. “Gemütlich”, a Germanic expression denoting warmth and cosiness, fittingly describes the homely feeling found within the exquisitely preserved medieval towns lining the 170 kilometers of the celebrated “Routes des Vins d Álsace”.

The University of Hong Kong Museum Society is pleased to present its fifth gastronomic wine tour, as part of its wine tour series. This time we will explore the popular wine regions of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley and Alsace. Together with internationally renowned food and wine connoisseur, wine judge and educator, Mr. Wilson Kwok, we will visit key Rhine Valley producers such as Schloss Johannisberg, Kloster Eberbach, and Weingut S.A. Prüm, along with important Alsatian wineries such as Domaine Schlumberger, Hugel and Domaine Weinbach.

Our gastronomic adventure will showcase local specialties in Michelin starred establishments such as Weingut Kruger – Rumpf (1 star), Le Rosenmeer (1 star), L’Auberge de L’Ill (3 stars) as well as in the more intimate surroundings within the private homes of local wine experts. At each stop, we will learn to pair the particular wines of the region with Wilson’s carefully selected menus.

*Visits to specific wineries are subject to final confirmation

Wilson Kwok, Wine Specialist
WILSON KWOK has one of the most impressive resumes in the food and wine industry in Hong Kong. Holding a Master’s Degree of Enology at the University of Bordeaux, France as well as a Grand Diploma from the Cordon Bleu de Paris, in France, he was knighted by the French Government as Chevalier de L’Ordre du Merite Agricole for his outstanding contribution to French cuisine and wine. He has served actively as a judge in wine competitions since 1994. In 1996 he became the first in Asia to be invited to be a Member of the Jury for the prestigious wine competition, the Citadelles du Vin which is held in Bordeaux every year. In 2000 he won the Sommelier of the Year in Hong Kong on Australia Wines.
As managing director of the W’s Group, Wilson oversees also the running of his flagship restaurant, W’s Entrecote. He has published a number of cookbooks (bilingual Chinese and English) as well as contributed columns to a number of monthly journals including “Wine Now” Monthly Magazine (Chinese) as well as in the South China Morning Post. Wilson advised as well as co-hosted TVB Jade’s 6 episode series, “Wine Confidential”. More recently in October 2010, Wilson released in his own voice the first volume of an audio set of four wine glossary references spoken in six languages.

Wilson has taken members of the HKUMS to Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Tuscany and Piedmont since 2010.

Bauhaus in Hong Kong: 20th-Century Architectural Heritage With Dr. Lee Ho Yin

In Hong Kong, the form of architecture associated with “Bauhaus” is much misunderstood and often misidentified. The irony is that such form of architecture is all around us in Hong Kong. Since its inception in the early 20th century, Bauhaus architecture continues to exercise its influence in the shaping of our built environment to this day. The question is: what is Bauhaus architecture, and what are its influences in Hong Kong? The speaker Dr. Lee Ho Yin, a co-founder of Hong Kong’s tertiary-level architectural conservation education in Hong Kong, will provide the answers in this delightful lecture.

Jointly presented with the Hong Kong Arts Festival

Speaker
Dr. Lee Ho Yin, Associate Professor, Head of the Division of Architectural Conservation Programmes, HKU. He is a co-founder of Hong Kong’s first postgraduate and undergraduate programmes in architectural conservation, and appears regularly in public lectures and the mass media to speak on architectural conservation matters.

Rising above Adversity: Treasures from The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection

To celebrate art and friendship, members are invited to a preview of Rising above Adversity: Treasures from The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection. Come join us for an evening of art, history and jazz where in the company of collectors Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, you will learn more about this unique collection of historical artefacts and art that celebrate the many achievements of a minority who rose above adversity to succeed – often against odds – to create its own identity and to participate in the American Dream.

Resource Person
Bernard W. Kinsey is the president and founder of KBK Enterprises, Inc., a management consulting firm with extensive experience and success providing advice and counsel to senior-level executives. Kinsey also enjoyed a 20-year association with the Xerox Corporation and was one of the pioneers in breaking down racial barriers in corporate America.

For the past 7 years, Bernard Kinsey and his wife Shirley have focused their attention on The Kinsey Collection, their national touring museum exhibit of African American art and history dating back to 1600. The collection has been viewed by over 3 million visitors, was on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, DC and is currently on national tour in a partnership with Wells Fargo.

Mr. Kinsey received his bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University (FAMU) and his MBA from Pepperdine in 1973. He has received honorary doctorates from both FAMU and Alabama A&M University.

1908 Hong Kong Revisited With Cheng Po Hung（鄭寳鴻）

Overview
On a journey into Hong Kong’s past, renowned Hong Kong historian Cheng Po Hung will take us through the exhibition of early photographic images: Pictures of the Past: Hungarian Photographer Dezső Bozóky in Hong Kong 1908.

In an ever more developed Hong Kong, Hungarian Photographer Dezső Bozóky’s beautiful black-and-white and hand-coloured pictures of the past present historic documents that offer insights into the bustling merchant town, cultural mixed society and lush natural landscape that Bozóky encountered. With scarcer photographic material at hand, Bozóky’s images displayed a foreign world to his compatriots at home where they formed an enormous treasure trove of information in Budapest of the early 1900s and do, indeed, do so today.

A Culinary & Cultural Adventure to Taipei

HKU Museum Society is delighted to present a fundraising trip for our 30th Anniversary Endowment Fund. “By invitation only”, our members will be treated to a culinary and cultural weekend adventure in Taipei which include visits to private collections and a gastronomic agenda designed by great bon vivant and wine aficionado Mr. Nical Wu from the eslite Corporation. We will be welcomed as special guests at the beautiful eslite Hotel, an urban oasis by Pritzker Prize award-winning architect Mr. Toyo Ito, located in the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.

On Culinary
As General Manager of eslite spectrum Company, Nical plays a critical role in cultivating areas of wine, food, life style groceries and fine dining for the eslite Corporation. A man with enormous wine tasting experience, Nical began studying wine in 1992 undertaking training courses at a number of prominent French wineries including Dom Leroy and Henri de Villamon. He has taken part in tastings of the rare Chateau Lafitte Rothschild 1965, Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1900, Chateau Petrus 1900 and 1947 (mag.) and many more! Since 1996 Nical has also been conducting wine seminars at eslite Bookstores as well as in partnership with Cathay Pacific Airlines.

A pioneer of fine wine appreciation in Taipei, Nical was honoured with the French Chevalier award in 2001. He is the "go to" person for chateau representatives and celebrity chefs when they visit Taiwan. Through his extensive network, Nical has organized officially (and unofficially) over a dozen impressive wine tasting dinners which showcased the world's best wines paired with iconic dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. For this trip, he will be planning two wine-paired dinners for our tasting.

On Cultural
During our stay in Taipei, we will embrace various aspects of Chinese culture through tea tastings, special visits to see exclusive collections of Chinese embroideries, textile and baby carriers from private collectors as well as contemporary art at the eslite Gallery. In addition, we will also explore the beautiful natural landscapes of Yangmingshan and have a chance to purchase Taiwan’s bountiful products.

Christie’s Autumn Auctions With Sara Mao

In celebration of Christie’s 250th global anniversary, Christie’s presents a broad selection of selling and non-selling exhibitions during its Autumn Auctions in November 2016. Guided by Sara Mao, the tour will introduce highlights from The Pioneers – a first-of-its-kind auction in Asia focused on pioneering modern & contemporary Chinese artists who ushered in an era of artistic evolution, as well as highlights from A Meticulous Pursuit – a special curated selection of works on the theme of gongbi within the Fine Chinese Modern Paintings auction.

Resource Person
Sara Mao is a Specialist in Christie’s Chinese Paintings department, based in Hong Kong. Her primary responsibilities include business development, client advisory, catalogue preparation and market analysis, with a focus on Chinese Modern Art.

After receiving her B.A. in Philosophy & English Literature at the University of York (UK), Sara acquired her Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP Law School (UK) and a M. Litt in History of Art and Connoisseurship, with a concentration in Chinese art, from Christie’s Education in London. An active member of the Hong Kong art community, Sara serves as a Director of the Education Development Foundation Association (HK) and was an Executive Committee member of the Friends of the Hong Kong Museum of Art (2010-2013).