The possibilities of clay are endless. In addition to creating common items like bowls, plates, and vases, with the skillful hands of an artist, it can also produce intricate and delicate works of art. This year, the French May Arts Festival collaborated with local renowned ceramic artist Leo Wong to exhibit a series of ceramic pieces inspired by ukiyo-e, authentic works by ukiyo-e masters, and an immersive exhibition of Monet’s garden, showcasing the aesthetic collision between 19th century Japanese ukiyo-e and European art!
Ukiyo-e originated in 17th century Japan, mainly as woodblock printing, depicting various aspects of Japanese society at that time. With rich imagination and delicate brushwork, artists created many ukiyo-e works that combine cultural and artistic value. By the 19th century, ukiyo-e was not highly regarded by society, leading to many artworks being discarded or even used as packaging for export goods.
When European countries imported tea leaves into Japan, they also brought along these discarded ukiyo-e prints. However, through this channel, Europe began to encounter this unique Japanese art style. The craftsmanship and aesthetic style of ukiyo-e prints greatly impacted the European art world at that time, attracting many European painters to imitate and collect them, such as Van Gogh and his brother Theo, who collected nearly five hundred ukiyo-e prints.
Leo’s iconic ceramic flowers are also deeply inspired by ukiyo-e style, such as Katsushika Hokusai’s flower and bird painting “Peonies and Butterflies,” presenting the natural beauty of flowers and butterflies dancing together. This time, he will bring a series of lifelike ceramic three-dimensional flower creations, with textures and forms changing in countless ways, as natural as a painting. Leo is also a ukiyo-e collector, specially selecting his personal collection of authentic ukiyo-e for the exhibition, including works by renowned artists such as Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige, allowing viewers to appreciate the delicate colors and textures of print art up close, a rare opportunity.
Leo’s ceramic flower style is simple and minimalist, exuding the ambiance of a Japanese Zen garden while also revealing the tranquility and harmony of Impressionist art, such as the beautiful scenery depicted by Monet. Whether it is the serene water lilies or the graceful irises, they all pursue the beauty of nature.
In addition to being an artist and collector, Leo himself has rich experience in garden design. Like Monet, he is passionate about the unique forms of flowers and trees, so he specially designed Monet’s garden for this exhibition, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in an experiential way, so that they can appreciate the beauty of flowers in detail and also be in it, opening up all senses, understanding the artistic conception of the garden space, and getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
“French Connection – Leo Wong Ceramic Exhibition”
Date: June 2 to 12, 2022
Time: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Location: Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre, 7 Kennedy Road, Mid-Levels
Image source and learn more: French May Art Festival, Leo Wong
