When it comes to Chinese painting forms, most people would first think of ink wash painting, but did you know that rock color painting actually predates ink wash painting? The recent “Ancient Form, New Spirit – Rock Color Painting Exhibition” organized by the Hong Kong Rock Color Art Society showcases works from over 30 artists from China and Hong Kong, allowing the audience to gain a deep understanding of the natural essence and unique beauty of rock color art.
Rock painting has a long history in China. As early as the Northern and Southern Dynasties and the Sui and Tang Dynasties, people used rock painting to depict religious stories and architectural decorations, such as the murals in Kucha, Xinjiang, and Dunhuang, Gansu. During the prosperous Tang Dynasty, rock painting spread to Japan and evolved into today’s Japanese painting. Rock painting has a strong sense of “materiality” and “color body,” making it a highly malleable painting material.
“Yan” refers to natural rock particles, with varying sizes, brightness, coarseness, and textures, accumulating a mottled and heavy visual tension, as well as a shimmering characteristic. “Cai” refers to natural mineral colors, with over 200 different colors currently existing, some of which are gradually disappearing due to the rarity of the minerals. Because rock colors have the natural essence of materials, rock color minerals will also resonate with different environments, hence “rock color painting” is referred to as “artwork that breathes.”
The artists participating in this exhibition include: Chung Tai Fu, President of the Hong Kong Rock Color Art Association, Vice President Zhu Qiuhui, as well as renowned figures in the Hong Kong visual arts scene such as Chan Yuk Keung, Kwan Wai Pong, Lau Siu Hong, and Tse Yin On, who have achieved great success in their respective fields exploring the plasticity of rock colors.
For those interested in this traditional art, why not experience the unique charm of rock painting in person.
“Originating from the Past, Shaping the New – Rock Painting Exhibition”
Date: September 27 to October 12, 2022 (Closed on Sundays and public holidays)
Time: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: Run Run Shaw Tower, Communication and Visual Arts Building, Hong Kong Baptist University
