In March, Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery is delighted to present a group exhibition featuring paintings by the following 11 Asian artists:

Hwang Hak-Man (Korea, 1948-  ) 　Media: Oil on Canvas
Lee Man-Soo (Korea, 1961- ) 　Media: Dry Pigment on Canvas
Hur-Jin (Korea, 1962- ) 　Media: Ink and Pigment on Hanji
Kim Young Dae　(Korea, 1963- )　 Media: Oil on Canvas
Min Seong Sik (Korea, 1972- )　 Media: Oil on Canvas
Riusuke Fukahori (Japan, 1973- ) 　Media:  Acrylic on Canvas
Hideki Satoh (Japan, 1974- )  　Media: Pencil & Acrylic on Canvas
Song Hyeong-No (Korea, 1974- ) 　Media: Oil on Canvas
Jiang Nan (China, 1978- ) 　Media:  Acrylic on Canvas
Ikezoe Akira (Japan, 1979- ) 　Media: Oil on Canvas
Jun Jiwyoun (Korea, 1984- ) 　Media: Painting on Korean Paper

In recent years, the phenomenon of globalization and the development of technology have led to a lesser degree of disparity in cultural differences. Such phenomenon is reflected in the artwork by many contemporary Asian artists. The subject matters that many Asian contemporary artists explore seem to reflect a reality with imagination.  From the exhibited pieces, we can see that some artists depict daily objects, some depict ideal landscapes, and some portray imaginary and surreal worlds.  Albeit the different subject matters, both elements of reality and illusion coexist in the paintings. There is a sense of globalized uniformity in subject matters that concern these artists. However, stylistically, one can discern that traditional cultural elements are often embedded in the artist’s preferences on colors, techniques and medium. One can see that some contemporary artists depict with their own cultural references. Contemporary art is a dynamic mix of tradition and modernism, uniformity and individuality, introspection and observation.  Through this exhibition, we hope to introduce the 11 Asian artists’ manifestation towards their perceptions and aesthetics.

An Overview of Korean Contemporary Art:
The development of Korean Contemporary art can be traced back to 1950s.  Many contemporary Korean artists are influenced by the western modern art movement and express their works with western ideals and modes of expressions. For instance, some are inspired by minimalism rooted in modern western art.  However, despite the influences of the west, cultural elements are embedded in the works in that many Korean contemporary artists would synthesize traditional technique and medium into their creation.  Many also show the preferences of pictorial scenes that are harmonious, calm and subtle.  In general, Korean artists are concerned about the use of medium and the way of execution.  Many Korean artists emphasize on the technique of paintings with well- defined lines, rhythmic brushstrokes and distinctive medium.  Such elements in Korean artists’ preferences can be traced back to the pursuit of Korean traditional painting aesthetics. The rooted aesthetics and emphasis on medium and technique can also be reflected through the teaching of art in Korea, that art curriculum are divided into two courses: painting department and the college of technique and medium.

An Overview of Japanese Contemporary Art:
Cartoon and comic developed quickly in Japan from the 1970’s, and since the 1980s, manga and anime have spread across the globe. This gradually affects the new notion of aesthetic and pop culture. Cartoon and manga provide a new inspiration for the contemporary artist. Cartoon allows the viewer to imagine and execute the world beyond the reality, the world which is fantasized and dream-like. One may associate the popularity of manga and pop art to the development of the changing Japanese society and the thinking of new generations. A pictorial scene that shows the coexistence and dilemma of reality and imagination has been a popular topic explored by many contemporary Japanese artists.  For instance, in Ikezoe Akira’s Angels, the artist explores heaven through a seemingly delightful way at first glance. However, when one looks closer, surrealism and realism reflects the artist’s interpretation on the eccentric world.

An Overview of Chinese Contemporary Art:
The development of Chinese Contemporary art began in 1970s when social and political changes started to evoke social consciousness. In the early 1990s, some artists explore political matters through their works.  Critics coined the styles as “Political Pop” and “Cynical Realism”.  Chinese contemporary art began gaining recognition abroad.  Since late 1970s, China has undergone dramatic social reforms and development.  Many artists who were raised in the era have explored social reformation as subject matters.  With the change of social environment, younger generation such as artists who are born after 1980s express different views and emotions. For instance, the 80s generation are influenced by Japanese animation, which favors the use of bright colors of cartoon and imaginative embodiment to create a fantasized world. There are lesser young artists who depict revolutionary themes. Younger artists such as Jiang Nan would integrate the traditional Chinese landscape composition into her art. In her paintings, figures overlap each other with each engages in different motions. Jiang Nian's imaginary landscape embodies the elements of realism and at the same time, surrealism.

From a minuscule discovery, from a simple deliberation, and from a simple thought, the artists perceive their surroundings with insights and portray them with sentiments.  A unique sense of beauty within things can be discerned when looked from different angles. This exhibition invites the viewer to sense and perceive from the 11 artists’ angles on their journeys towards the coexistence of reality and imagination.