Video Transcript
(Original language: Cantonese)
LEUNG KUI TING: Landscape-oriented painting emphasises movement across spaces, while vertical-oriented painting accentuates the foreground, mid-ground, and background. Generating ‘qiyun’ (rhythmic vitality) on paper is the essence of Chinese painting.
The most distinctive feature of Chinese painting is the use of ink. Traditionally, the basic tones of ink are ‘jiao’ (scorched), ‘nong’ (condensed), ‘zhong’ (heavy), ‘dan’ (pale) and ‘qing’ (clear). You wet the paper, and then add light ink to it, resulting in a solid and vigorous tone. And the use of ‘negative’ space in the composition would rely on the painter’s self-cultivation and experience.
Every artwork is metaphorical. In ‘Beyond Form’, brushstrokes are crisscrossing and overlapping in a two-dimensional space. Sometimes, I employ traditional imagery in my works, and other times, I use geometric patterns which are more abstract. I bring all these elements into the same space, organising and interspersing them throughout the space. In fact, I want to turn a two-dimensional space into a three-dimensional one. The imagery could be something traditional and created by transfer or be depicted in a way to connect with tradition. In fact, only since 1985 have I started exploring ink painting by painting from life. I currently don’t have a specific preference for paper. I don’t even see paper as necessary for painting. For the time being, I just focus on integrating traditional and modern elements into something new.
Two years ago, when I went to Macau, I was quarantined in the hotel for 14 days. I couldn’t go out, so I took my time to paint in the room. These are the papers that I brought there to paint, and I made changes after I came back [to Hong Kong]. The crux of art creation lies on making constant efforts and endless attempts. The most important thing is that you try your best and be honest to your work. If you’re satisfied with your painting, [it’s a good painting].
Another thing is that I always think about how to teach my students and what’s the best way to teach them. I’m just doing my part to use my own experience to help them learn, increase knowledge, and contribute to society.
Leung Kui Ting’s ink paintings possess a rhythmic vitality that brings his subjects to life. His artistic practice blends traditional imagery with abstract geometric patterns, resulting in a visual language that is uniquely his own. ‘I bring all these elements into the same space organising and interspersing them . . . for the time being, I just focus on integrating traditional and modern elements into a new direction,’ comments Leung.
Driven by a deep consideration of the human experience of the natural world, Leung’s artworks result in paintings that reflect the fleeting nature of existence and the fragmentary nature of human perception. By offering a contemplative exploration of the intangible aspects of the world around us, Leung challenges us to consider the transience of life and the beauty that can be found in its transitory nature.
Video Credits
- Produced by
M+
- Production
Jiu Jik Park Limited
- Director
Hui Chi Sang
- Camera
Vincent Ip, Lam Ting Hin
- Gaffer
Silas Chow, Ng Cheuk Hang
- Editor
Ho Man Hin Alan
- Audio Mix
Amy Chan Tsz Kwan
- M+ Producers
Jaye Yau, Rachel Chan, Mimi Cheung
- M+ Curatorial Research
Tina Pang
- M+ Text and Subtitle Editing
Amy Leung, LW Lam
- Special Thanks
Leung Kui Ting, Chris Sullivan