The lotus has long been exalted by Chinese scholars and artists as a symbol of elegance and serenity. As summer is the season of the lotus, Sino Group’s ‘Art in Hong Kong’ proudly presents ‘Ode to the Lotus – Ink and Colour Paintings by Zhu Pu and Lau Chiu Kwan from today until 14 September 2009. The exhibition showcases 20 refreshing works by two respected artists who share a deep affection for the lotus.

The exhibition is commenced on 21 August. Besides the two artists Zhu Pu and Lau Chiu Kwan, we are honoured to have invited some honourable officiating guests to officiate the opening ceremony, including Mr. Ian FOK, JP, CEO of Fok Ying Tung Group, Mr. JIANG Pi Zhong, Chairman of Wu Ling Zhuang Art Society, Mr. CHAN Shing Kau, Chairman of Modern Ink Painting Group, Mr. LIU Wo Ching, Photographer and Founder of Kung Tak Lam Shanghai Vegetarian Cuisine, and Ms. Nikki NG, General Manager of Sino Group.

It is our great pleasure to have invited artist Mr Zhu who came all the way from Shanghai to kick off the exhibition. Reporters are invited to interview Mr. Zhu from today till 23 August 2009 and Ms Lau during the exhibition period.

Artwork charity sales to raise funds for Sichuan earthquake and Taiwan typhoon victims

Though blooming in muddy water, the lotus flower has an uplifting scent and a uniquely elegant and dignified posture. This gives it a special significance in Chinese culture, in which it is known as ‘The Gentleman of the Flowers’. Lau Chiu Kwan and Zhu Pu’s exhibition promotes the virtues of the sacred lotus and presents a gentle artistic midsummer day’s breeze.

Sino Group would like to thank Mr. Zhu Pu and Ms. Lau Chiu Kwan for generously donating one of their exhibiting artworks for charity sale respectively. All proceeds from Mr. Zhu’s work (‘Lotus’, reserved price $12,000) will go to World Vision Hong Kong to help the relief work of Taiwan 88 Typhoon. All proceeds from Ms. Lau’s work (‘Blushing Red Flowers and Beads of Dew on Jade-coloured Lotus Leaves’, reserved price $10,000) will go to ‘SCMP Homes for Hope’ organized by South China Morning Post to help rebuild homes for the Sichuan earthquake victims.

Vivid colour dots manifest the artists’ pursuit of a good and fruitful life

Residing in Shanghai, Zhu Pu is an artist and art theorist who has spent a lifetime studying the works of Lin Feng Mian. His art is also influenced by Lin and combines the painting styles of the east and the west. He applies vividly coloured dots of black, yellow, blue and green to render leaves that form a harmonious contrast with the red lotus flower. His lotus paintings convey the feeling of an auspiciousness and peace - the ideal pursuits in life to the Chinese.

In search of truth, righteousness and beauty in the world of flowers

Lau Chiu Kwan is a student of the master painter Liu Hai Su. Well-versed in poetry, Lau combines modern and traditional Chinese painting techniques in her work. She sees flowers as her greatest friends and aims to express her heart and soul through her flower paintings. She especially loves the fragrance and elegance of the lotus. Her works attempt to manifest the spirit of truth, righteousness and beauty.