The "Reform Mission: Guangdong Art Centennial Exhibition Hong Kong" exhibition, jointly organized by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the Hong Kong SAR Government's Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau, the Guangdong Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and Bauhinia Culture Group, officially opened today (May 22) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
The exhibition, running until June 2, showcases over a century of artistic evolution in Guangdong, from the pioneering Lingnan School of Painting to contemporary innovations.
Leaders Highlight Cultural Unity and Historical Legacy
At the opening ceremony, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and Zheng Yanxiong, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong, delivered keynote speeches. Lee emphasized the exhibition's role in bridging cultural ties between Guangdong and Hong Kong, noting their shared historical and artistic heritage.
"This exhibition traces Guangdong's artistic journey—from the bold 'Western Painting Movement' to today's vibrant contemporary creations,' Lee said. He highlighted the Lingnan School's legacy of "synthesizing Chinese and Western techniques" and the "Revival of Traditional Chinese Painting" movement in the early 20th century, which championed cultural preservation amid modernization.
Art as a Mirror of National Struggle
Lee underscored the wartime contributions of Guangdong-Hong Kong artists, many of whom used their craft to fuel anti-Japanese resistance during World War II. "These works, themed on national salvation, remind us of our shared resolve during times of crisis," he said, adding that the exhibition aligns with the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The SAR government plans commemorative events to "honor hard-won peace through cultural soft power."
Three Visions for Hong Kong's Cultural Future
Lee outlined three priorities for fostering Greater Bay Area (GBA) cultural collaboration:
- Deepening Guangdong-Hong Kong Integration: Citing the 2023 GBA Arts Festival, which drew over 2.16 million attendees and 14,000 cross-border participants, Lee pledged to strengthen ties to "showcase Lingnan culture and build a cohesive cultural hub."
- Embracing Innovation: He urged the art sector to leverage digital and immersive technologies to "globalize traditional and emerging art forms," appealing to younger audiences worldwide.
- Cultivating National Identity: Lee stressed the role of art in nurturing patriotism, calling for "cultural warmth" to unite communities and advance China's rejuvenation.
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