The Story of Local Art Development•Ink Painters’ Impressions of Hong Kong

<< Back

The Story of Local Art Development•Ink Painters’ Impressions of Hong Kong
Organised by: Art Hong Kong Institute, Art Hong Kong Expo, Cultural Power Sponsor：Formation Strategy Venue: 10C01, AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong Date: 2025.5.30 – 6.2 Curator : Laurence K M Lee, Chau Shik Hung Academic Advisor : Ng Sau Wah, Wong Shun Kit Exhibition Consultant : Alice Chan

Participating Artists
Bing Tang Zhu Ren, CHAN Shing-kau, Martha CHEUNG, Stanley CHEUNG, Anita CHEUNG, CHOI Hoi Ying CHOI Cho Kwong, CHU Hing-wah, CHUNG Lap Kwan, FAN Yan, Frog King, Brenda HONG, KAN Tai-keung, LAM Yi Kei, LAM Man Kit, LEE Lei Fan, Laurence KM LEE, LEUNG Chi-Wing, Evelyna LIANG, Eddie LUI, Winnie MAK, Nina PRYDE, Ferna YW SHUM, Jiwye TO, Eva TSANG, WONG Pui Kong, John WONG, WONG Shun Kit, Ching WONG, Katherine WONG, Margaret YEUNG, Yi Xing

Contemporary Hong Kong Ink Art: Cultural Elements and Emerging Trends
In the 21st century, as Hong Kong enters a new phase of social development, Hong Kong ink art has gained renewed vitality and creativity. Numerous outstanding artists with distinctive personal styles and a spirit of exploration have emerged. These artists are driving the ongoing evolution of Hong Kong ink art, innovating artistic concepts, and developing diverse modes of expression. As a result, Hong Kong ink art has entered into a new stage of development. 　　　“The Story of Local Art Development ·Ink Painters’ Impressions of Hong Kong” combines exhibitions and forums to explore the cultural characteristics of Hong Kong ink art in a new context, further stimulating creativity and fostering its continued evolution toward the future. 　　　The Art Hong Kong Institute actively promotes the integration of art with local cultural elements. In 2023, with the support of the Hong Kong Cultural and Creative Expo, the Society hosted “Hong Kong Painters Paint Hong Kong – The Story of Local Art Development,” inviting nine local oil painters long committed to depicting Hong Kong as their main subject. In 2025, with continued strong support from the Expo, the Art Hong Kong Institute presents “The Story of Local Art Development · Ink Painters’ Impressions of Hong Kong,” inviting outstanding local artists whose creative work focuses on, engages with, and expresses the essence of Hong Kong—telling Hong Kong’s stories through the language of ink. 　　　This exhibition showcases works by both established and emerging artists whose styles are innovative and distinctive, organized under four thematic categories that have developed since the beginning of the new century: “Cityscapes in Ink”, “Mountains and Seas in Ink”, “Lifestyle and Culture in Ink”, and “The Evolution of Modern Ink Art”. The exhibition highlights how these artists, influenced by Hong Kong’s cultural context, have developed their themes and styles, pushing Hong Kong ink art to evolve with a unique identity. I Am Painting CHU Hing-wah 2025 Watercolour on paper 111 × 70 cm

1、Cityscapes in Ink
Nestled between mountains and the sea, with densely packed high-rises and a mixture of modern and traditional urban landscapes, Hong Kong inspires rich artistic expression. Artists explore the alienation and transformation between people and their surroundings, the compact rhythm and energy of the urban architectural “jungle,” and the deconstruction of urban slices. Many also use mixed media to reflect the relationship between development and the environment.
A Welcome Change in Prospects – The Sky’s the Limit Martha CHEUNG 2025 Installation Methyl Violet + Rivanol on Xuan Paper 260 × 220 cm	Fa Yuen Street Market Yi Xing 2024 Ink and colour on paper 138 × 68 cm	Lion Rock Forever Eddie LUI 2024 6-Part Paraventi-Screen A/P Ed12 Serigraphy 80 x 114.6 cm

2、Mountains and Seas in Ink
With its seas, mountains, bays, and islands, Hong Kong boasts enchanting natural landscapes that captivate artists. Using expressive lines, vibrant ink textures, and bold brushstrokes, they depict inviting harbors and deep bays, creating expansive scenes of sky and sea and unique, imaginative mountainsea vistas.
Mountain Hues WONG Pui Kong 2025 Ink and colour on paper 138 × 68 cm	Endless Flow CHOI Hoi Ying 2024 Ink Installation

3、Lifestyle and Culture in Ink
Hong Kong’s historical development has given rise to a local culture that blends East and West, deeply influencing artistic creation. Some artists incorporate local vernacular as creative elements; while others draw inspiration from Chinese characters. By fusing diverse and unique cultural elements with personal styles, they enrich the contemporary landscape of Hong Kong ink art.
God Frog King 2025 Ink and colour on paper 50 × 50 cm	Idol WONG Shun Kit 2010 Ink on paper 248 x129 cm	Ingenuity Follows Nature – Modest KAN Tai-keung 2011 Ink on paper 135 x 99 cm
Landscape on Glass Curtain Wall Margaret YEUNG 2024 Ink & color on paper and digital print 82 x 81 cm

4、The Evolution of Modern Ink Art
Entering the new century, following the Modern Ink Art Movement of the last century, Hong Kong ink art has further evolved. Many talented artists have emerged, developing new artistic concepts, perspectives, media, and visual languages. Their innovative approaches have given Hong Kong ink art a fresh look while establishing their unique personal styles.
Subconscious Repetitive Squares Ching WONG 2025 Ink and Colour on paper	Tea is Zen TO Jiwye 2024 Ink and acrylic on canvas 90 x 60 cm	Flood CHOI Cho Kwong 2015 Oil and Water on Paper 183 x 183 cm
Roots of Heaven and Earth Series (No. 430): Beyond the Wall 6 CHAN Shingkau 2024 Ink and Colour on paper 95.5 x 58.5 cm
At the crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures, Hong Kong ink art shines with a unique brilliance. Centered on local imagery and cultural context, artists are creating new narratives for Hong Kong through the expressive medium of ink.