Media

The University Museum and Art Gallery (UMAG), The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is delighted to present Kings’ Inscriptions · Contemporary Interpretations, an unprecedented exhibition of calligraphic texts and their rubbings that juxtaposes historic and contemporary artworks. In Chinese history, inscriptions in stone, along with written copies and rubbings made to disseminate their meanings, frequently referred to the qualities and actions of kings. In our contemporary era, it is the work of self-proclaimed kings, such as the King of Kowloon and Frog King, among others, that captures our imagination.

An opening ceremony of the exhibition was held at UMAG today (September 21). Officiating guests included Head of the Art Promotion Office Dr Lesley Lau, participating artists Mr Lee Wing Ki, Prof. Lee Yun Woon, Prof. Leong Lampo, Dr Leung Kwan Kiu, Mr Tso Cheuk Yim, Ms Yeung Yuk Kan, UMAG Director Dr Florian Knothe and Curator Dr Sarah Ng.

The exhibition is intended to be both academic and playful. It emphasises the lasting significance of the written word, showcases the historic occurrences of important calligraphic texts and highlights the innovative contemporary use of Chinese characters to convey traditional values, cultural phenomena and personal expressions. The selection of artworks highlights various media, including the display of rubbings on stone, calligraphic works on paper and the incorporation of script on ceramics. Additionally, the contemporary art installations serve as carriers of both text and meaning.

This mixed-media display is a sign of our times. As less text is handwritten and digital presentations become more common, it is inspiring to appreciate the artistic qualities that transcend our increasingly rapid modes of communication. The exhibited artworks cause us to pause and reflect, bridging the past, offering a view of the present and suggesting practices that will likely gain more prominence in the future.

This exhibition is supported by the University of Hong Kong Museum Society and the University of Hong Kong Libraries.

Participating artists

Kwok Mang Ho
Lee Wing Ki
Prof. Lee Yun Woon
Prof. Leong Lampo
Dr Leung Kwan Kiu
Tso Cheuk Yim 
Yeung Yuk Kan 

For more images and exhibit captions, please click here.

Details of the Exhibition
Period: September 22, 2023 (Friday) to December 30, 2023 (Saturday)
Opening Hours:
9:30 am–6:00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
1:00 pm–6:00 pm (Sunday)
Closed on Mondays, University and Public Holidays
Venue: 1/F & 2/F, Fung Ping Shan Building, UMAG, HKU, 90 Bonham Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
Tel/Email: (852) 2241 5500 (General Enquiry) / museum@hku.hk
Admission: Free
Website: https://umag.hku.hk/exhibition/kings-inscriptions-contemporary-interpretations/

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LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/umag_linkedin
Weibo: @香港大學美術博物館UMAG

About University Museum and Art Gallery of the University of Hong Kong (UMAG)
UMAG was founded in 1953 as the Fung Ping Shan Museum. It was originally established as the Fung Ping Shan Library in 1932 in honour of its benefactor. For more information on UMAG, please click here.

Media Enquiries
Tel: (852) 2241 5509, Email: cyys@hku.hk