Asia Art Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 22 Week of 7 July 2025
(1) Center displays objects that enriched ancient era
The Poetic Realm of Refined Living exhibition in Beijing showcases over 100 artefacts reflecting the elegant lifestyle of Ming and Qing dynasty intellectuals.
(2) Li Xiaoke retrospective opens at Xizang Art Museum
An exhibition in Lhasa showcases Li Xiaoke’s ink paintings and prints inspired by Beijing, Xizang and Huangshan, highlighting his deep artistic and cultural connection to the region.
(3) Golden collections of calligraphy, paintings
The Hong Kong Museum of Art is showcasing 93 ancient Chinese artworks from three major local collections until 7 October 2025.
(4) Tai Kwun presents second edition of Open the Box featuring Shinji Ohmaki’s Bloom of Light
Tai Kwun Contemporary’s Bloom of Light, led by artist Shinji Ohmaki, invites visitors aged five and up to collaborate in creating floral art and exploring themes of memory and light from 5 July to 3 August 2025.
(1) Center displays objects that enriched ancient era
(Photo Credit: China Daily)
The Poetic Realm of Refined Living exhibition in Beijing offers visitors a calming experience as they explore a collection of over 100 historical items once owned by Chinese scholars and elites. The display features paintings, calligraphy, ceramics and paper fans that reflect the elegant lifestyles of intellectuals during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Held at Guardian Art Centre, the exhibition presents how these objects were used both to decorate refined living spaces and to support personal growth and self-discipline. The collection highlights the cultural values and daily life of the upper class during those historical periods.
Among the key pieces are scroll paintings by Tang Yin, a master artist from the Ming dynasty, and Wang Hui, a celebrated painter from the Qing dynasty. Their work adds historical and artistic depth to the exhibition, showcasing the rich heritage of classical Chinese art.
News Source: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202507/07/WS686b437da31000e9a573a8cb.html
(2) Li Xiaoke retrospective opens at Xizang Art Museum
(Photo Credit: Li Keran Art Foundation)
An exhibition of works by Chinese artist Li Xiaoke has opened at the Xizang Art Museum in Lhasa and will run until 23 August 2025. The show features 90 pieces, including 50 ink paintings and 40 prints, organised into three themed sections focusing on Beijing, Xizang and Huangshan Mountain, his major creative inspirations.
Li, son of the famous artist Li Keran, visited Xizang 34 times and was deeply moved by its landscapes and culture. His artwork reflects this connection through traditional ink painting techniques blended with modern elements, capturing both the scenery and the spirit of the region.
The exhibition is viewed as a tribute to Li’s artistic contributions and his lifelong dedication to promoting Xizang’s heritage. Organised by several major cultural institutions, it gives local audiences a valuable opportunity to experience his works and appreciate their cultural and artistic significance.
News Source: http://www.china.org.cn/2025-07/08/content_117967803.shtml
(3) Golden collections of calligraphy, paintings
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Three major collections of Chinese paintings and calligraphy are on display at the Hong Kong Museum of Art in an exhibition titled Pride of Hong Kong: Three Preeminent Collections of Ancient Paintings and Calligraphies. The 93 sets of works span the Tang to Qing dynasties and were formed by local collectors Low Chuck-tiew, Ho Iu-kwong and Lee Jung-sen during Hong Kong’s golden age of art collecting in the mid-20th century.
The Xubaizhai Collection reflects the evolution of painting and calligraphy through the Ming and Qing periods, while the Chih Lo Lou Collection focuses on late Ming and early Qing works and prioritises moral character in its selection. The Bei Shan Tang Collection includes a wide historical range, especially Ming and Qing pieces, and highlights rare masterpieces. Notable artists featured include Dong Qichang, Luo Ping, Zhu Da, Wu Bin and Wen Zhengming.
Contemporary artist Yau Wing-fung contributes two modern installations inspired by the collections and Hong Kong’s natural landscape. The exhibition, part of the Chinese Culture Promotion Series, is co-organised by the museum and the Chinese University of Hong Kong and runs until 7 October 2025.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/arts-and-culture/article/306062/Golden-collections-of-calligraphy-paintings
(4) Tai Kwun presents second edition of Open the Box featuring Shinji Ohmaki’s Bloom of Light
(Photo Credit: Tai Ngai Lung/ Tai Kwun)
Tai Kwun Contemporary will host the second edition of its interactive programme, Open the Box, titled Bloom of Light, from 5 July to 3 August 2025. Led by Japanese artist Shinji Ohmaki, this initiative invites visitors aged five and above to take part in creative activities within gallery spaces that are usually reserved for curators and artists.
The programme encourages the public to become active participants by creating floral designs together with others. It aims to promote community involvement and offers a fresh approach to museum experiences. Visitors will be able to express their creativity and engage directly with the art-making process.
Bloom of Light is part of Ohmaki’s Echoes Infinity series and explores themes such as memory, time and the shared experience of creating light. The project combines artistic collaboration with immersive learning, fostering a deeper connection between individuals, art and the surrounding environment.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/tai-kwun-presents-second-edition-of-open-the-box-featuring-shinji-ohmakis-bloom-of-light/
