Introduction
The Ting Pang-Hsin and Chen Chi Joint Calligraphy Painting Charity Exhibition displays compositions by two contemporary amateur artists: Ms Chen Chi and her husband, Professor Ting Pang-Hsin, Dean of Humanities and Social Science at HKUST. It features Chinese paintings by Ms Chen with Professor Ting’s inscriptions, and some examples of Professor Ting’s calligraphy.
The style of Chen’s paintings is essentially that of the Lingnan School. A former student of Chinese literature, Chen imbues her art with the flavor of traditional literati painting. Her depictions of landscapes and flowers, birds and animals, insects and fish reflect her affectionate observation of the natural world. An aficionado of classical poetry, Ting composed and inscribed most of the verses on Chen’s paintings.
Calligraphy and poetry are essential components in a Chinese painting. Executed with care and precision, the three forms of art enhance each other by creating the overall aesthetics of a composition. The works in this exhibition by Ting and Chen demonstrate this vigorous reinforcement between words and images.
The exhibition includes several kinds of artwork. The majority of the paintings are Chen’s studies from nature. Her works on lotus flowers, flowering plums, landscapes and other motifs capture nature in its varying shape and mood. The second group is Chen’s pictorial interpretation of Ting’s classical poems. The third group of paintings represents landscapes and birds in the brush manner of Au Ho-nien. The fourth group consists of two drawings that display the breathtaking scenery of the HKUST campus.
In support of HKUST, its Library and the School of Humanities and Social Science, the entire proceeds from the sale of the artwork in this exhibition will be donated to the University.