Introduction

Cheung Ping studied painting when he was young. He took up photography as a profession later, engaging himself in creative work while at the same time teaching the art. For years he has participated in various competitions and exhibitions, winning awards one after another. He also contributes significantly in instructing talented young photographers and in the popularization of photography.

Creativity is the most important element in the fine arts. “It is better to be abstruse than mediocre.” Cheung Ping understands this principle thoroughly. After a long period of persistent exploration, he finally developed an artistic language which can best express himself, establishing a style of his own which displays the rich artistic charm of the Orient: refined, pure, tender and graceful. He is persistent and innovative in his efforts to experiment with composition. He has freed himself from the commonly-followed “golden section” and has adopted the 5:1 ratio widely. He always tries to make good use of the four corners of the photo and tends to position the focal point (main object) in one of the corners or either the upper of the lower part of the picture, enhancing significantly the effect of the contrast of different sizes and degrees of fineness. He also pays much attention to the combination of points, lines, planes, volumes, light and colours in order to bring out the subject of the picture with the touch of modern Chinese painting.

Each and every photograph taken by Cheung Ping is a lyrical painting. With original composition, poetic mood, elegant style and alluring imagery, they emanate a glamour which is indeed enchanting.

There have always been many who experiment with picturesque photography. I regard Cheung Ping as the one who is the most dedicated, devoted, versatile and brilliant. He absorbed and digested several techniques of painting and incorporated them in his work. He used this principles to enrich his art without losing the fundamental characteristics of photography. The application of his early knowledge of painting combined surprisingly well with his photography. As a result, beautiful flowers blossomed.

With the opening of China, the wonderful landscape of the country provides ample opportunities for picturesque photography. But it is the keen observation, the deep appreciation of the beauty of the earth, a cultured mind, and the diligence and devout endeavour to pursue art that bring about remarkable achievements. In the past 20 years Cheung Ping has produced an enormous body of work. These invaluable artistic achievements are the crystallization of years of effort, including mental and physical strength as well as determination and will-power. They are indeed precious, and should be treasured.

Lau Ka-yee
Chairman
Hong Kong Artists’ Society