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
The Chinese scholar's studio, shuzhai, is a place where literati read, write, store books, meditate, taste tea, store and appreciate their collections. Thus, many Chinese scholars highly value the décor of their studios. In addition to practical items like ink-slabs, brush rests, water droppers, arm rests and incense burners, scholars also like to decorate their studios with precious objects and intricate curios, such as scholar's rocks, sceptre's ruyi and decorative objects, to create a tranquil environment for studying. These private collections not only reflect the aesthetics and good taste of the owner of the studio, but also his character and interests.
Hanison Lau has been passionate about Chinese history, literature and traditional opera since he was young. He studies Chinese literati culture, and since 2006 has been focusing on the prevailing customs of Chinese literati in Ming Dynasty. In his solo exhibition, “Poem‧Imagine”, held in 2006, Hanison chose 12 Tang-Song poems that he liked as the introductory concepts, and reconstructed antiques found in scholar's studio with modern materials such as wood crates, glass, metals and even ready-made objects, to imitate and interpret the artistic concepts of the ancient poems (fig.1)(fig. 2).
In 2007, Hanison further developed the study antiques series into the interactive installation piece Tabletop Garden (fig. 3)(fig. 4). He made 10 refined miniature desktop gardens, and gave them to 10 of his relatives and friends. Then, Hanison observed and recorded their approaches of communicating and spending time with the miniature gardens, and how they incorporated the gardens into their lives, bringing back the ancient literati culture of collection. He believed that a miniature garden that can be placed indoors (fig. 5)(fig. 6) was more in line with the living space of modern people, allowing users to enjoy natural scenery within arm's reach. The ironic symbolism of the piece merits a smile.
“Soulful Landscape within Qi Quan Zhai” is the latest solo exhibition by Hanison Lau, and features his recent wood sculptures and large-scale installations. Hanison named this exhibition after his own studio – Qi Quan Zhai, because this is the place for meditation and creation, and the origin of his art works. In this exhibition, Hanison uses a natural resource, wood, as a medium, and the method of contemporary arts to reveal the unique imagery of Chinese gardens and scholar's studio. The exhibition begins with a long wooden bridge in the exhibition hall, with artificial landscape on both sides, which leads the audience into the elegant and quiet garden, and finally to Hanison's meticulously arranged studio.
On the long desk within the studio, Hanison has placed 28 small and refined wooden sculptures, just like the curios of Chinese scholars in ancient times. They are not only beautiful objects, but some of the art works have practical use as well. For example, The Fragrance (fig. 7) is a censer for burning incense; Net of Fragrance (fig. 8) is a burner to fumigate handkerchiefs; Withered Lotus (fig. 9) is a bell for calling servants; In the Woods (fig. 10) is a basket used for carrying stationery for outing. Hanison has created space for enjoyment and admiration of his arts. He hopes that audiences will appreciate his art works, whilst understanding the leisurely delights of scholars' everyday lives in ancient times.
“Artists in the Neighbourhood Scheme” aims to bring visual arts to the community, and show recent works by local artists in residents' neighbourhoods, so they can appreciate them at their leisure. After this exhibition in Tsuen Wan Town Hall, supported by The Link Management Limited, some of the works will continue to be displayed in Tin Ping Estate, Sheung Shui. We hope that the works of representative local artists can be introduced to audiences from every district, to achieve the goal of bringing art into communities.
Prudence Ma
Assistant Curator II
Art Promotion Office
July, 2008
Exhibition Opening Ceremony and Preview
Date: 13.8.2008 (Wednesday)
Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm
Venue: Exhibition Gallery, Tsuen Wan Town Hall
Address: 72 Tai Ho Road, Tsuen Wan, N.T.
Exhibition venues and dates
Date: 14 – 27.8.2008
Time: 10:00am – 8:00pm daily
Venue: Exhibition Gallery, Tsuen Wan Town Hall
Address: 72 Tai Ho Road, Tsuen Wan, N.T.
Date: 29.8 – 9.9.2008
Time: 9:00am – 9:00pm daily
Venue: Promotion Venue, G/F, Tin Ping Shopping Centre
Address: Tin Ping Estate, Sheung Shui, N.T.
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