Jao Tsung-I Academy (JTIA) has received a donation of HKD 10 million from the Simon Suen Foundation to support its gallery operations and facility enhancement.
In addition, DSimon Suen, BBS, JP, the Founding Chairman of the Simon Suen Foundation, the Founding President of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole Fan Club of The University of Hong Kong, and the owner of the Yitao Collection, will lend his collection of collaborative paintings by Jao Tsung-i and the Four Masters of Lingnan School of Painting for long-term display at JTIA. This exhibition, jointly organized by JTIA and Sun Museum, is officially opened today by Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, GBS, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; Dr. Simon Suen, BBS, JP, the owner of Yitao Collection; Thomas Tang Wai-hung, Permanent Administrative Director of the Jao Studies Foundation; Professor Lee Chack-fan, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Jao Tsung-I Academy Management Board; Chloe Suen, Chair of the Simon Suen Foundation; and Yeung Chun-tong, Director of the Sun Museum.
Since its establishment in 2012, the Foundation has been dedicated to promoting Chinese culture and arts, sharing the same mission of JTIA. Through this project, the Foundation aims to support the long-term development of JTIA, thereby realizing Jao Tsung-i's vision of revitalizing Chinese culture. Additionally, the Foundation seeks to provide visitors with more opportunities to appreciate Jao Tsung-i's artworks and become acquainted with Chinese culture and arts. With the support of the Foundation, JTIA will continue to showcase Jao Tsung-i's works through its existing permanent exhibition, "Cultural Heritage: The Story of Professor Jao Tsung-i, Master of Chinese Studies", alongside with rotating exhibitions of Professor Jao’s collaborative paintings, as well as an exhibition series of young Hong Kong artists. This special series is to help promote the artworks by the young generation and to carry forward Jao’s vision of revitalizing Chinese culture. In addition to financial support, the Foundation will also provide curatorial support through its Sun Museum, and stage the above activities and other educational programs.
With the donation from the Simon Suen Foundation earlier this year, JTIA already initiated a six-month facility enhancement project - The Gallery at JTIA, renovated to elevate visitor’s experience, will be unveiled today at the Ceremony. The inaugural exhibition "Lingnan Colour: Collaborative Paintings by Jao Tsung-i and the Four Masters of Lingnan", features a total of 36 Chinese paintings by Jao Tsung-i and the four renowned Lingnan masters, Zhao Shao-ang, Li Xiong-cai, Guan Shan-yue, and Yang Shan-sum. The exhibition will commence on 12th October, 2023 till 31st March, 2024.
These collaborative paintings were created between 1983 and 2001. Jao Tsung-i entrusted his completed works to the four Lingnan masters, inviting them to add their own brush works. Each painting signifies the friendship between Jao Tsung-i and the respective masters, reflecting Jao's open-mindedness and his commitment to artistic exchanges. These artworks carry profound historical, artistic, and educational value.
Professor Lee Chack-fan, Chairman of the Jao Tsung-I Academy Management Board, said, "With more of Jao Tsung-i's artworks on display, the artistic value of the Academy is enriched tremendously, making it a truly comprehensive showcase of Jao Tsung-i’s treasures. Simon Suen has been a staunch and crucial supporter of Professor Jao Tsung-i and his research activities. He is undoubtedly a role model for our community, and his strong commitment to the study and promotion of Chinese art and culture is simply exemplary. "
Chloe Suen, Chair of the Simon Suen Foundation, said, "Jao Tsung-I Academy aims to promote Chinese culture and has organized numerous cultural activities over the past decade. It has greatly enriched the cultural life of HK and contributed significantly by encouraging young students to explore Chinese traditional culture and the achievements of Professor Jao Tsung-i."
"Chinese culture is our foundation, and it is delightful to see it revitalized and flourishing. Through this donation, the Foundation hopes to support the long-term development of Jao Tsung-I Academy and enhance everyone's understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and art,” Suen added.
Comment