Grotto Fine Art takes great pleasure in presenting Wilson Shieh: Ladyland , a highly anticipated exhibition of one of the most successful Hong Kong artists. As a leading Hong Kong ink painter, Shieh's works are well known for their unique interpretations of important issues pertinent to the Hong Kong existence. On display will be the artist's newest collection of works based on a specific theme – ladyland – which takes form in three general expressions: symbolic, iconic and figural. Wilson Shieh: Ladyland will be on view from Oct 24 –Nov 17, 2007 and represents the gallery's focal point showcase of the year.

Ladyland is an exhibition of female images situated in various forms of expressions. In cityscape, Wilson Shieh portrays Hong Kong's most famous buildings in a beauty pageant manner, with each building dressed in their unique costume while trying to standout. In another series, Shieh works iconic symbols such as the Queen and dragonboats that define local culture and history yet giving them sense of mockery and fun. A monochromatic series not only further exemplify Shieh's capacity as an ink painter but with works that transcend the real quality of mutual-correlations; a concept that defines formal balances and the essence of Chinese ink painting

At 36 years of age, Shieh mastered the thousand years old gongbi (fine/meticulous brush) painting technique, an approach to art which dominated much of the works of Song and Tang dynasty China. Yet Shieh is without doubt a contemporary artist. His painting successfully connects the past and the present through various interplays of metaphors and symbols, thereby delivering a thoroughly indigenous style. Wilson Shieh is an admirable artist not only because of his unparallel painting skills, but his ability to truly “modernize” the Chinese painting tradition without it being “westernized”.