" Sensual Encounters " with Pang YongJie

You will never get bored living in Hong Kong. In the last few days, I was running around the town and trying to attend as much events as possible. There're simply too many art events happening all at the same time. But one I could not risk to miss is Pang YongJie 龐永傑's very first solo exhibition in Hong Kong " Sensual Encounters " presented by Fabrik Gallery. And I got to meet Mr. Pang in person at the opening reception! 

Pang's signature style is the abstract, round fluid women figure in his painting and sculpture. This trademark is strongly inspired by beauties in Tang dynasty. As he explained, the painting in the Dunhuang Caves has a big influence as well.  Recently, he spent 3 months in Dunhuang to study the forms and get inspiration.

His paintings are amorous yet comical in a way that they gives you a intriguing and sensual pleasure. This is probably why the exhibition is called the "Sensual Encounters" 

Mr. Pang is a very gentle and friendly person. He patiently answered each of our questions and shared his journey to become an artist and how his artworks evolved over time.  He said when he was young, for 7 concessive years, he did a sketch/painting every single day regardless of chinese new year or holidays, in order to make his painting skill perfect. " You can't start drawing abstract without a basic skills to draw realistic object. " Pang said. What an inspiring and earnest artist! 

Artist Pang YongJie

Got Pang's autograph and took a picture with him, I am officially a groupie :D

This exhibition runs until 12 Jun at Fabik Gallery: 1102 Nam Wo Building, 148 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Go check out those amazing paintings!

"The inevitable" by Simon Birch @Ben Brown Fine Arts Hong Kong

If you have read my previous post (By Inspired by Central ), you should have know that I am quite a fan of Simon Birch who is a profound artist relocated from England and has been living in Hong Kong for years. His works are always an inspiration and aspiration to me so how could I miss his new paintings exhibition titled: " The Inevitable " presented at Ben Brown Fine Arts Gallery.

Once again, it was a mind-blowing experience looking at his paintings. The dynamic of the strokes and the energy of the object almost create movement on the canvas. The title of the paintings are so poetic that they are picturing motion in your mind. You would be immersed in his dreamy yet alive canvas... this is why I love SB's works so much.

Tumbling and freezing while a thin shell of air molecules expanded around the body, like an image of departing life., 2015
Oil on canvas
200 x 300 cm; (78 3/4 x 118 1/8 in.)

He willed himself into passivity, became the passenger behind her eyes, 2015
Oil on canvas183 x 183 cm; (72 1/8 x 72 1/8 in.)

The sky was aquamarine, stroked with clouds. She could smell the grass and taste the scent of small, crushed flowers, 2015
Oil on canvas
216 x 247 cm; (85 1/8 x 105 1/8 in.)

Fears Wrongs Doubts Spinward, 2014
Oil on canvas
216 x 175 cm; (85 1/8 x 68 7/8 in.)

 What also intrigued me is the combination of the colours, most of the painting are mainly composed by few colours but the variation of composition and intensity generate such different effects.

(Close-up) 

(Close-up)

Don't miss out at the other side of the gallery showcasing the pieces from a Brazilian artist Vik Muniz who is best known for recreating famous imagery from old photographs such as historic and cultural people and objects.  You could spend hours in front of the artworks and study every little pieces of the collage, together they tell you some stories which are connected with each others.

Simon Birch: The Inevitable exhibition is until 29 April 2015. Try not to miss it! 

Another note: there are some other galleries hidden in the Pedder Building which are worth visiting as well if you have time. 

Always stay curious and explore the arty side of Hong Kong :) Happy Weekend!

How much do you know about German painting?

Just a quick post about this German painting exhibition " Statement 2: New Painting from Germany " at Goethe Institut Hong Kong. 

I found the style is very different from the mainstream contemporary art. A bit dark humor in some way which I am always curious about what German Art world is really like. 

I would like to share more about this exhibition, however I am in a hurry en route to China for Ching Ming Festival, and this exhibition only last till 11th Apr, so I recommend you to drop by and have a look at the paintings in Wan Chai during this long weekend. If not, hope the pictures below could inspire you in some way.

Christoph Ruckhäberle

Uwe Henneken

                  

Wish everyone a Happy Easter and a lovely holiday!