Blending abstract aesthetics with high-end living, an exhibition brings the artworks of Chinese abstract master Ho Kan back to the city.
Ho Kan@Hong Kong invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Eastern geometric abstraction within the refined setting of the Peak Salon at Wheelock House in Central. It is presented by Wheelock Properties and Wharf Holdings in collaboration with Chini Gallery.
The 40 geometric abstract artworks on show are deeply integrated into the culture of Hong Kong, among which 90 percent are displayed to the public for the very first time.
Ho Kan, the 92-year-old pioneer of Chinese geometric abstraction, has lived in Nanjing, Taiwan, and Europe, combining the art of Eastern calligraphy with Western minimalism of geometric abstraction.
Inspired by Chinese characters, his artworks always include “space,” “point,” “circle,” and “triangle.” By using these simple elements, Ho Kan’s paintings convey the essences of human beings – sincerity, intuition and subconsciousness.
Playing the symphony of art and daily life, the exhibition pairs his distinctive artworks with elegant designs. From the dining area to the music room, the paintings decorate the show home in poetic visual language, exuding a noble and romantic atmosphere.
Entering the exhibition, Abstract 2024-001 on the left immediately catches visitors’ eyes. The piece presents a harmonious fusion of yellow, blue and white with realms defined by delicate lines, showcasing the artist’s unique sense of style.
Its composition on the left echoes the shape of Wharf Holdings’ iconic logo, while the arrangement of lines on the right evokes the simplified Chinese character “fong” (丰), as seen in the Chinese name of Wheelock Properties.
In addition, the abstract geometric artwork in the dining area presents the modern minimalist aesthetic style. The vibrant interplay of colors – green, orange and yellow – creates a dynamic visual contrast against the muted tones of the space. Its symmetrical design and bold shapes also add a sense of structure and order.
Displayed on the living room wall, Abstract 2020-020 bursts with life. Using green as its main color, swirling lines dance and weave on the canvas, which is reminiscent of organic movement. The painting’s dynamic balance of color and form evokes a sense of growth and renewal, corresponding to nature – the theme of Wheelock’s latest luxury development, 1 Plantation Road.
Reflecting a vibrant and eye-catching sense, a set of six small horizontal-format works is displayed in the music room. Even though the paintings are presented in different vivid colors, the contrasting design of the space enhances the overall elegant texture.
Ho Kan’s works are full of innocence and vitality, providing infinite space for people’s imagination. As different people have different understandings of abstract works, some people think the set of works presents the structure of Chinese characters, while visitors in Hong Kong will interpret it as the microcosm of the city’s architecture.
The exhibition runs for free till May 30 on an appointment-only basis.
Helen Zhong
