Foreword
In the Chinese cultural tradition there is no art form more representative, long-lasting and broadly appreciated than calligraphy. In 1991, the Library at HKUST inaugurated its gallery space with an exhibtion of the modern-style calligraphy of Huang Miaozi. Since then there have been exhibitions of rubbings, paintings, ancient maps and contemporary painting, but this is the first time in our five year history that we have held an exhibition of classical style calligraphy together with seal carving.
In the spring of 1995, Mr. Hua Rende came to Hong Kong and visited our library in conjunction with his professional work as librarian of rare books at Suzhou University. We became acquainted and I learned that Mr. Hua was the founder of the Canglang Calligraphy Society. Correspondence followed, and eventually a plan for this current exhibition of three calligraphers from the Canglang Society took form. Confucius said: “Set heart on the Way, base yourself on virtue, lean upon benevolence and roam in the arts.” This is the inspiration for the title of this exhibition, “Roaming in the Arts.”
I would like to express my special gratitute to Dr. Hui-shu Lee for first introducing Mr. Hua Rende to me and later writing an excellent introduction for this exhibition.
Min-min Chang
University Librarian
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology