Introduction

Chinese landscape painting (文人畫 – Wenrenhua, literally, “literati painting”) has always sought to express an artist’s thoughts and feelings, rather than just showing surface appearance. Its ink-dot technique, textured strokes, and different gradations of ink tones form calm and serene compositions to depict landscapes that show the artist’s heart and mind. Lee’s work is rooted here: shaped by realism, but speaking of the ideal. The works are mostly simple shapes, quietly reflecting and radiating light on all sides, pouring out a comfortable atmosphere, but at the same time, revealing a rigorous creative style.

The exhibition features selected sculptures, highlighting recent creative themes. The hustle and bustle of cities can make nature fade from our daily lives. The artist invites viewers to notice the ignored beauty of nature: from drifting clouds to silent drizzle; from the roaring river of traffic, to the shuttling journey between mountain-like skyscrapers. Trying to looking from too great a distance, we inevitably overlook things. Whereas, instead, by looking with our inner hearts, we can clearly see what is around us. These works do not intend to exacerbate the opposition of City to Nature; for every reason must have a result, and they are all in my heart.

Artist Biography

A renowned local sculptor, Lee has served as a Judge Committee member of the Philippe Charriol Foundation Art Competition (1995-2006) and as Chairman of Hong Kong Visual Arts Society (2006-2009). He is currently on the executive committee of the Hong Kong Visual Arts Society, a Board member of Fotanian, the curriculum coordination of Hong Kong Art Promotion Office Art Specialist Course (Sculpture), and is Chairman of the Artmatch Group.

His works have been selected for many exhibitions at home and abroad, including the Hong Kong Art Biennial (1996, 2001, 2003); Volume & Form; the Singapore Sculpture Fair ‘99 (1999); L’Art de Vivre La Différence (UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France, 2000); Vision of Nature: Lost & Found in Asian Contemporary Art (Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2011-12); and Hong Kong Visual Art Society Annual Exhibitions.

He has received many awards for his works, including: First Prize (Sculpture) in New Life (Hong Kong Hospital Authority, 1997); Second Prize (Sculpture) in Olympic Art and Sports Contest (International Olympic Committee in Hong Kong, 2000); Secretary for Home Affairs Commendation (2008). Finalist of Public Art Scheme (Hong Kong Art Promotion Office, 2000 & 2004), Artists in the Neighbourhood Scheme (2006) etc.

Many public bodies have commissioned him for different public art projects, such as the Hong Kong Airport Authority; sculpture in the Nam Cheong MTR Station, which commemorated the Rail Merger; and the Hong Kong Jockey Club-Olympics Cauldron for the Hong Kong 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events.

Museums, universities, public bodies, as well as corporations and private individuals collect his work, among them: the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum; the Hong Kong Arts Centre; the Chinese University of Hong Kong; the Hong Kong Airport Authority; the Hong Kong Hospital Authority; the MTR Corporation, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Solo Exhibitions
1999   Art & Life – Exhibition by Danny Lee Chin Fai, Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre
2004   Life & Art – Exhibition by Danny Lee Chin Fai, MCV Asia
2005   Moving Scenery – Exhibition by Danny Lee Chin Fai, Korkos Gallery
2006   City Landscape, Karma – Sculpture by Danny Lee Chin Fai, Hong Kong City Hall
2006   Urban Karma – Sculpture of Danny Lee, Grotto Fine Art
2008   Sculpture by Danny Lee, Lee’s Workshop
2009   Sculpture by Danny Lee, Lee’s Workshop
2009   Reflections: Stainless Steel by Danny Lee, Grotto Fine Art
2011   Landscape Reinterpreted, Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Art Centre

Opening Ceremony

Officiating Guests:
Mr Danny Lee Chin-fai, Artist
Ms Florence Hui Hiu-fai, SBS, JP, Under Secretary for Home Affairs, HKSAR Government
Ms Connie Lam, Executive Director, Hong Kong Arts Centre
Prof Tony F Chan, President, HKUST
Ms Diana Chan, University Librarian, HKUST
Mrs Pandora M H Yuen, Director of Student Affairs, HKUST

Date:    Thursday, 17 October 2013
Time:    4:30 pm
Venue:    Ping Yuan and Kinmay W Tang Gallery
Language:    Cantonese (Supplemented with English)
(Refreshments will follow the Ceremony)

Gallery Tour

During the Exhibition period, Mr Danny Lee Chin-fai will give two gallery tours to HKUST students. Mr. Lee will explain and elaborate the visual ideas embedded in each of his artworks, and also guide students to understand how he observes and reflects on the relationship between “city” and “nature”. With over 20 years’ experience in sculpture, Mr. Lee will further share his experience in public art, from creation of ideas, use of different media, to how he handles and resolves problems in implementation.

Remarks:

• Students may attain 1-hour credit for the HLTH1010 Healthy Lifestyle Course after completing the Tour.
• This Tour is counted as a “Bring-a-Buddy Event” scheme offered by HKUST Center for the Arts.

Meeting with the Artist

Visitor Comments

(a selection from Guest Book)