Artists in the Neighbourhood Scheme IV: Soulful Landscape within Qi Quan Zhai – Works by Hanison Lau
Exhibition Introduction | Introduction of Artist | Artist's Statement | Artworks | Videos | Exhibition Photos | Invitation Card

Qi Quan Zhai is the name of my studio . This name is an allusion to the poem Zhong Yan, written by Chao Gongshuo during the Song dynasty. “Beg for a spring to wash the soul” is one line from that poem. My studio was therefore named Qi Quan (begging for a spring), or to beg for a clear spring to wash the mundane soul.

A studio of Chinese scholar in the past is a place to read, store books, meditate and ponder over personal collections. Guests are also received here. Literati see it as the most private and treasured place of the home. The owner’s emotions, interests and aspirations can be reflected by the design style and decoration of the room as well as the stationery used and other private collections found in it.

My studio is clean and bright. Stationery and decorations are placed on the desk, as well as curios, decorative displays and gadgets. They are refined and artfully made, something which I appreciate. Silver river streams seem to flow beside my chair and beautiful mountains backdrop the front of my desk, forming a virtual landscape created from my heart. Qi Quan Zhai is a place to clear my mind and rid myself of pesky thoughts. This is my most intimate and private abode.

I open the door. Guests are invited to enter my studio, look around, savor the thoughts and images in the room and appreciate the soulful landscapes of Qi Quan Zhai.