Lingnan Colour: Ancient Trees and Extraordinary Rocks Paintings of Jao Tsung-i and the Lingnan Masters

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Jao Tsung-I Academy and Sun Museum have been jointly organising the “Lingnan Colour” exhibition series since 2023. Beyond honouring the memory of Professor Jao Tsung-i, the series aims to promote Chinese culture and art. Following the success of three previous exhibitions “Collaborative Paintings by Jao Tsung-i and the Four Masters of Lingnan”, “Jao Tsung-i and the Gentlemen of the Arts”, and “Bird-and-Flower Paintings of Jao Tsung-i and the Lingnan Masters”—this year marks the last exhibition in the series: “Ancient Trees and Extraordinary Rocks Paintings of Jao Tsung-i and the Lingnan Masters”, showcasing collaborative paintings by Professor Jao alongside Zhao Shao-ang, Yang Shan-sum, and Guan Shan-yue.

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The “Lingnan Colour” exhibition series originated from a collection of collaborative paintings between Professor Jao and distinguished masters of Lingnan painting. Known for exchanging calligraphy, paintings, and poetic responses, these artists frequently added finishing strokes to one another's works, co-creating numerous joint pieces. These paintings reveal Professor Jao’s open-mindedness, free from the constraints of artistic styles, and bear witness to the profound friendships shared among the artists. To complement the exhibition, Sun Museum and Jao Tsung-I Academy jointly published a fully illustrated catalogue titled “Lingnan Colour”, featuring 68 collaborative paintings by Professor Jao and his close friends. These works emphasise the tacit understanding between scholars and artists, capturing a harmonious unity that celebrates diversity in brush and ink while beautifully blending the characteristics of Lingnan painting and literati painting.

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Centred on the theme of “Ancient Trees and Extraordinary Rocks”, this exhibition explores a timeless motif in Chinese literati painting: rocks symbolise unyielding resilience, while ancient trees embody the unbending character of scholars who remain steadfast through hardships. In these works, Professor Jao’s central landscapes, trees, and rocks appear either simple and vigorously robust, or elegant and spacious. The Lingnan masters then applied their masterful brushwork to add elements like bamboo, rocks, swimming fish, and scholars. Despite their distinct individual styles, Professor Jao and the masters achieved a harmonious balance that reflects the core value of “Scholars appreciate each other’s work” in Chinese art. We cordially invite you to visit Jao Tsung-I Academy to appreciate the integrity and friendship captured within these ancient trees and extraordinary rocks, and to experience the unique charm and profound depth of ink art.
 

Lesley F.H. LAU
Director, Sun Museum