The Chinese Civilisation Centre (CCIV) of City University of Hong Kong (CityU) is staging the “Legacy of Cang Cheng, Masters of Lingnan School: The Art of Nigel Szeto” exhibition, from 17 November, with more than 50 paintings and stationery masterpieces on display.

The opening ceremony was held on 16 November and officiated by Mr Nigel Szeto, member of the Chinese Artists Association and founding Chairman of Cang Cheng Art Studio; Mr Li Gang, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Dr Louis Ng Chi-wah, Assistant Director (Heritage & Museums) of Leisure and Cultural Services Department; Mr Kenny Chan Ngai-san, District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 303, Hong Kong & Macau, China; Professor Way Kuo, CityU President and Professor Cheng Pei-kai, Director of CCIV.

The exhibition displayed one of Mr Szeto’s largest artworks, “The Spring of South China” (3 x 10 metres) and “Hundred Flowers Scroll” (100 metres-long). The exhibition also showcased the calligraphy of Master Chao Shao-ang and Master Guan Shanyue, the Chinese style ink pad that had been used by Ji Xiao-lan of the Qing Dynasty, and the paintings of Szeto Qi.

The Lingnan School of painting comprises a collective of Guangdong painters. The Lingnan School of painting emphasised life and nature, and created a new Chinese art movement by instigating a synthesis between East and West. It retained what was exquisite in Chinese painting and adopted the finer elements of western art. The art is abundant in regional style and bright colouring techniques.

The exhibition allows visitors to observe the distinct characteristics of the Lingnan School of painting, and to view masterpieces from the Lingnan masters. The exhibition also highlights the significant status of the Szeto family in Chinese literature and art history in the 20th century.

The “Legacy of Cang Cheng, Masters of Lingnan School: The Art of Nigel Szeto” exhibition will open on 17 November and run till 3 January 2010. It is open from 10am to 7pm daily, at CityU Gallery.

Media enquiries: Ellen Chan, Communications and Public Relations Office, CityU (Tel: 3442 6808 or 9687 9841)