CONNECTA - An exhibition of the Artist Wong Yee Ki & Kidist Leila Ip《連・謰》黃綺琪x葉天怡小朋友作品展
“The Heart of creativity is to reconnect your inner child”
As I delved deeper into my art learning process, I began to realize the many historical gaps that need to be filled and this sparked my imagination about lines and Bi Mo (筆墨). The exhibition, "Connecta" (連・謰), seeks to bridge these gaps and connect unclear meanings. "連"means “to connect” and the concept of "謰" means nonsensical speech like the way a child talks. I personally believe that art doesn't always have to be clear or perfect; rather, it requires a simple belief, like the directness and innocence of a child. This exhibition showcases a collection of narrative works that may appear disconnected or unrelated at first. However, when viewed together, a clear and consistent discourse emerges.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the "Learning Innocence" series, in which I collaborated with a child. Combining the unfiltered creativity of a child's wild ideas with my Gongbi techniques, we created a unique fusion of untainted innocence and refined artistic skills. This series represents a departure from simply copying the grandmasters, and instead embraces a new approach to Bi Mo (筆墨）. The child featured in this Crossover series is someone I've had the privilege to teach for eight years, starting when she was only four. During our art classes, we embraced the idea of making "perfect mistakes." Even if the drawing was flawed or the coloring strayed outside the lines, we never gave up on our creative process.
Through this experience, I opened up the door in embracing the pure and unbridled creativity of a child. In essence, I've regained a sense of childlike faith and liberation. In my art making process, I brought my faith into it by incorporating worship and dance to unlock a deeper level of creativity. By doing so, I'm able to create pieces that are more dynamic and unrestrained. When I was first introduced to Gongbi, a lot of people said that my lines looked like those drawn by a computer. They were so neat, sharp and straight. When I continued to create, I learned different Gongbi drawing methods that added an academic quality to it. But this time, the lines I paint and draw are more impassioned and even with a certain level of inadvertence, between control and loss of control.
Qi Baishi once said: "The excellence of a painting lies in its being alike, yet unlike.” As for me, “The excellence of creation lies between control and loss of control.” I hope this exhibition gives the audience a fresh perspective on Bi Mo (筆墨）.
Artist
Wong Yee Ki
Exhibiton Details:
Period: 14/10/23 - 11/11/23
Venue: Grotto SKW 2/f, East 17, No. 17 Main Street East, Shau Kei Wan
Artist Reception: 21 Oct 23 2pm-6pm
