A total of 100 artworks, comprising 30 running scripts as well as 70 calligraphy paintings by Yang Shanshen (楊善深), are being displayed at an exhibition titled “In the Breezes of Spring” hosted by the Macau Museum of Art (MAM) in Nape that runs until July 24, according to a recent statement by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC).
Yang is a Guangdong-born master of the Lingnan style of painting who moved to Hong Kong in 1930, but took refuge in Macau during World War II in 1941. Yang passed away in 2004.
He was also one of the founders of the Xieshe Art Society with Gao Jianfu and Feng Kanghou in Macau, the statement noted.
Yang is known as one of the Four Masters of the Lingnan School together with Guan Shanyue, Li Xiongcai and Zhao Shaoang, whose works show a combination of both meticulous and freehand styles, featuring delicate brushwork, precise design and diverse styles, the statement added.
IC President Leong Wai Man says in the statement that the artworks were donated to MAM by Lei Loi Tak and Lao Ngai Leong from their private collection including representative works of Yang. This has been the third exhibition of Yang’s works at MAM since 2004. In 2013, an exhibition was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of his birth. Leong noted that the exhibition title “In the Breezes of Spring” is the extension of the “Spring Breeze, Fine Brush” exhibition in 2013, to show how Yang’s “Chun Feng Cao Tang” (“Spring Breeze Cottage”) is thriving in Macau as well as to highlight the spring breeze-like good deed of Lei and Lao to contribute their art collection to the public.
According to the statement, Lei is a recipient of the Macau SAR’s Silver Lotus Medal of Honour, while Lao is a local deputy to the National People’s Congress (NPC).
The statement also points out that Yang’s calligraphy model has been published for those interesting in emulating and studying his style, thus bequeathing his running script technique to future generations.
The museum opens from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday with free admission.
In line with the Health Bureau’s (SSM) COVID-19 pandemic control and prevention measures, visitors must wear a facemask, undergo a temperature check, present a valid green Macau Health Code, maintain social distancing and follow on-site measures.
Photos courtesy of the Macau Museum of Art (MAM)
