Cherie Cheuk and Wilson Shieh Talk on Gongbi Painting

Description

Alisan Fine Arts’ upcoming artist talk spotlights the intricacies of contemporary gongbi (Chinese fine-brush) painting, inviting the audience to discover the exceptional patience, technical mastery and dedication required for this highly detailed art form. Cherie Cheuk and Wilson Shieh engage in a rich dialogue on how Hong Kong’s contemporary gongbi practice differs from styles seen across East Asia, namely in mainland China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. It also showcases its unique vitality and relevance in today’s fast-paced world.

Moderated by Peggy Ho, research fellow at the Art Museum of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the talk is held in tandem with Cherie Cheuk’s first solo exhibition, A Wrinkle In Time, running from now until 6 September. Featuring 15 works across four distinct series, her art bridges Song Dynasty painting techniques with digital-age visual culture. Cheuk bridges antiquity and modernity with lyrical wit, transforming classical techniques into dynamic dialogues with our times. Her inventive screens and large-scale “handscrolls” invite audiences into a multi-sensory journey through Hong Kong’s sights, scents and stories. 

Shieh, acclaimed for his meticulous gongbi technique and insightful allegories on Hong Kong’s social context, brings decades of expertise to the discussion. Born in 1970, Shieh’s practice merges fine-line ink painting with clever cultural storytelling, often blending tradition with references to pop icons and his signature motif of interpreting skyscrapers as women (and occasionally men). This striking imagery encapsulates the tension and harmony between genders and Hong Kong’s urban landscape.

The artist talk will be held on 23 August, from 15:00 to 16:30. Please RSVP via email to secure your spot.