Foreword

 

Jao Tsung-I Academy and Sun Museum have been jointly organising the "Lingnan Colour" exhibition series since 2023 to commemorate Professor Jao Tsung-i. Until now, two exhibitions have been held: "Collaborative Paintings by Jao Tsung-i and the Four Masters of Lingnan" in 2023, and "Jao Tsung-i and the Gentlemen of the Arts" in 2024. This year's exhibition, titled "Bird-and-Flower Paintings of Jao Tsung-i and the Lingnan Masters," showcases works collaboratively created by Professor Jao and four distinguished masters of Lingnan painting: Zhao Shao-ang, Li Xiong-cai, Yang Shan-sum, and Wu Hao.

 

In conjunction with the exhibition, Sun Museum and Jao Tsung-I Academy jointly published a fully illustrated catalogue titled “Lingnan Colour”, featuring 68 collaborative paintings by Professor Jao and several of his friends. These works emphasise the rapport among the artists; despite their differing styles, they demonstrate a harmonious blend of techniques. The works by Professor Jao and the four masters combine elements of Lingnan painting and literati painting, highlighting the dialogue between scholars and artists, while showcasing rich creativity and deep friendship.

 

This exhibition has specifically selected 10 collaborative pieces by Professor Jao and the four Lingnan masters, focusing on themes from nature, including bees, butterflies, dragonflies, leeches, fishes, lotuses, willows, vines, and stones. Every brushstroke by the artists is infused with the breath of life; the plants exhibit their growth, while the small insects add dynamism, breathing life and energy into the tranquil landscapes. The five masters together weave a vibrant tapestry of nature that showcases the beauty of the natural world imbued with scholarly elegance. We warmly invite everyone to appreciate these artworks closely and share in the charm and depth of this art.

 

Lesley F.H. LAU

Director, Sun Museum