After a deeply moving run, "A Moment That Stays," the solo exhibition by Australia-based Hong Kong artist Kelvin Kwan Ka-leung, has concluded with his expressive inks on life's little blessings across the city's streets.
Curated by BLINK Gallery, the exhibition ran from February 7 to 15, marking the artist's emotional return from Australia and offering visitors a rare glimpse into a world where ink and memory intertwine.
The exhibition brought together Kwan's recent works, blending ink painting and calligraphy with familiar Hong Kong's scene–ranging from beloved red minibuses, Star Ferries, and trams.
Drawing on his experience living abroad, his distinctive brushstrokes also reflected daily observations and personal thoughts from Australia.
"My inspiration comes from everyday moments—each fleeting scene, ever-changing and unpredictable seconds," Kwan reflected. He likened life to ink, noting that both are irreversible—every stroke happens only once.
“There are no revisions, no regrets—only the chance to enjoy the process,” he added.
Kwan's connection to ink began at age five, guided by his father, Kwan Po-kui. After moving to Australia, he spent months navigating unfamiliar terrain—working on farms, adapting to a new culture—before finding his footing through art.
He transformed his garage into a small studio, teaching calligraphy to local Chinese children and reconnecting them with the beauty of traditional characters and Hong Kong memories.
One of the most cherished pieces in the exhibition was a collaborative work, titled “Large Airport”, featuring three generations of Kwan's family.
Together with his parents, brother, and daughter, he created an ink composition exploring themes of departure, rootedness, and reunion through planes, buildings, and flowers—a heartfelt record of a family farewell.
The ink's irreversibility echoes the bittersweet love of families shaped by emigration. For Kwan, it became a quiet realization to learn to cherish every fleeting moment.
Beyond the exhibited works, the exhibition invited guests to try their own brushwork at the “Expressive Drawing Station”, transforming the gallery into a space of shared creativity.
On selected afternoons, Kwan was present guiding the participants to create paintings to express their personal stories.
Notably, specially handwritten Spring couplets were offered free on weekends, adding a festive touch to the reflective atmosphere.
For those who missed Kwan's work, or wish to see it again, select pieces from the exhibition will be featured at the Affordable Art Fair in May, providing another opportunity to explore all of his cherished moments.
