Event: Ha Bik-chuen : Ink at 76

Date: December 12 - 28, 2001

For the first time in nearly five decades of artistic venture, senior Hong Kong artist Ha Bik-chuen, at age 76, will unveil his long time passion and experiment in the most traditional of all Chinese painting mediums - ink and rice paper. In collaboration with Grotto Fine Art, Ha Bik-chuen:Ink at 76 features thirty Chinese ink on rice paper works that have never been publicly seen or exhibited before. On display will be Ha's early experimental works in 1990 as well as his matured ink style completed this year. Through a wide range of styles including abstract, figurative and calligraphy, Ha Bik-chuen demonstrates equally superb skills and unique sensibility for texture and light as in his well-known sculpture and relief prints. Ha Bik-chuen:Ink at 76 is one of the most important exhibitions of Hong Kong art this year not only because it traces the development of an important local artist, it also offers an exclusive view into a brand new dimension of a modern master.

Born in 1925, Ha Bik-chuen is one of the most senior Hong Kong artists. A master in painting, sculpture, photography and relief prints, Ha's versatility made him a distinguished artist of unique local characteristics. Ha's works focus on everyday objects and environment with special attention given to tonal balance and textural treatment. While technicality and craftsmanship might easily amaze the viewer, the true meaning of Ha's works always concerns the profound nature of life, its humor and lyricism.