Grotto Fine Art presents Now and Then featuring both new paintings and works from Transpose - Contemporary Ink Paintings, Koon’s solo exhibition at Museum of East Asian Art, Bath UK (Jan 2013).

The artist establishes the tandem of traditional Chinese aesthetics and contemporary notions of space in his landscape paintings. Koon’s heavy sentiment on literati paintings is apparent with the abundant use of symbols of Chinese moral integrity. Greenery representing perseverance, dignity and faith is predominant in his motif. Reinterpreting cultural codes, Koon’s paintings serve as a timeless platform to connect with the history of art-making and the long-established genre. Nonetheless, they explore contemporary implications via the succinct yet mobile landscapes. The multi compositions of the landscapes offer different perspectives and spatial movement, thus the dynamics of his ink works and other possibility of appreciation.

Among Hong Kong contemporary ink artists, Koon is renowned for the full infusion of his spiritual mind through the features of nature and the tranquil ambiance. In lieu of filling in every corner with meticulous brushes, Koon tends to leave vast negative space to embrace the beauty of nothingness and narrates minimalism. Viewers dwelled in the landscapes will be intrigued to see beyond the visuals. The virtual refuge created among the rocks, pines and streams liberates folks from the hectic city life and purify our minds.

-Grotto Fine Art

Image: © Koon Wai Bong & Grotto Fine Art