To mark the opening of the Hong Kong Central Library, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum staged a special exhibition of Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy by FANG Zhaoling in the Library's Exhibition Gallery.


Born in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province in 1914, Dr FANG Zhaoling developed an early interest in Chinese painting and calligraphy. Under the tutelage of masters such as QIAN Song-yan (1899-1985), CHAO Shao-an (1905-1998) and CHANG Dai-chien (1899-1983), she first learned flower-and-bird painting before later specialising in landscapes. After years of exploration, she then developed her own individual style.


In works that are rich in content and brimming with her passion for life and a concern for her hometown, Dr FANG skilfully integrates traditional Chinese brushwork in her treatment of contemporary subjects. Her works dealing with current affairs such as Vietnamese boat people, environmental protection and world peace, display to the full her refreshing vision in composition. Over the past few decades, Dr FANG has made breakthroughs in the realm of painting and calligraphy. As well as earning her great acclaim from the art community at home and abroad, her groundbreaking endeavours have also contributed immensely to the promotion of Chinese painting and calligraphy worldwide.


The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is deeply indebted to Dr FANG for the loan of her collection of works in support of the exhibition. Featuring landscapes, flower-and-bird paintings and portraits as well as various calligraphy scrolls, this exhibition was sure to bring the public great pleasure and an appreciation of Dr FANG's creativity, her art and her achievements.