Art of Purity and Delight

Recently, during the “Month of Photography” (Le Mois de la Photo) in Paris, I had the opportunity to view Mr. Cheung Ping’s artwork in his solo digital photographic exhibition, called “Splendors of China 2004”, hosted by the Paris Chinese Cultural Centre. His photographs have always been evocative to me and never failed to make a lasting impression. This exhibition was no exception, as it created an instant shock wave in the world of photography and art.

Cheung Ping’s visual sensibility and many years of experience enable him to blend traditional and modern artistic styles successfully, bringing his work to a new level of achievement. In his digital photographs, points, lines, light, and color are kneaded together in novel ways without sacrificing the original photographic structural elements, with a surprising richness of hue. The result is a combination of harmony and untamed sensibility – a new dimension of creativity that has won many accolades. And rightly so, not only because this art flows from the hand of a seventy-eight year old Chinese artist, but also because he views existence in such a remarkable way that it even surprises Mr. Cheung himself.

His work embraces the characteristics of ethnic culture and the picturesque and poetic charm of Chinese painting. It incorporates artistic elements of both Asia and the West. Without a doubt, this exhibit explosively demonstrates the artist’s ability, built up over so many years. Every bit of his art, without fail, shows the vital force of life. The artist hopes that his works will have the opportunity to be viewed and enjoyed by people in every nation of the world.

Art is an extension of the human spirit – whether it is born of light, color, figuration, theme and intent, whether it is in the style of traditional Chinese painting or representational Western painting. While all languages of art exist to serve the artist, a work of art can only be realized when the skills and sentiments of the artist mature. These derive from the perfection and training of the artist as a person. When these are attained, the simplicity, purity and delight of the artwork reach out directly to touch the heart of the viewer. The benevolent and picturesque landscape of China will always inspire artists, will always be the home where our spirits are calmed, and our minds refreshed. This is what Mr. Cheung Ping has aspired to and has achieved with his “Splendors of China” digital photographs.

Lam Man-kong
(Excerpt translated from European Times
December 2004, Paris)