Duration: Until 6 June 2022
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Monday to Friday, closed on public and university holidays)
Venue: Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole, The University of Hong Kong (Tang Chi Ngong Building, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong)
Inquiries: +852 3917 5598

Traditionally, the creation of Chinese painting is based on “learning from the past masters”, followed by “taking nature as the model”, and ultimately “recreating the images by the mind”. In fact, “taking nature as the model” is the same concept as what is called “sketching” by Westerners, while “recreating the images by the mind” refers to the ability to interpret natural objects and phenomena from the artist’s perspective after contemplation. It is particularly noticeable in landscape painting.

In this exhibition, the fifteen sets of landscapes painted by Professor Jao include landscapes after the style of previous masters, landscapes depicting the artistic conception in ancient poetry, landscapes based on his poetry, and landscapes painted in collaboration with other painters. In essence, they are his works “recreated by the mind”. This type of work is prone to become formalistic, yet the greatest pieces may best demonstrate the creator’s character, as well as scholarship and cultivation.

Since the Yuan dynasty, the purpose of Chinese landscape painting has shifted into using natural scenery to express the painter’s emotions. As a result, the works “recreated by the mind” must be founded on “taking nature as the model”, or they will be reduced to a mere formality. The paintings on display this time showcase Professor Jao’s exceptional artistic achievement.