Interview by William Chan
Local artist and curator Leong Kit Man told the Post in an online interview last week that she is currently showcasing her exhibition “Innermost,” featuring Gongbi paintings, at 10 Fantasia gallery until August 30.
Gongbi (工筆), a meticulous and traditional Chinese painting technique, involves a detailed step-by-step process of creation.
With a doctorate in Fine Arts from the Chinese National Academy of Arts, Leong serves as an Assistant Professor of Fine Arts at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST). The exhibition comprises eight exquisite Gongbi paintings capturing everyday scenes with an ancient touch, aiming to evoke tranquillity.
Inspired by her studio, Xintian She (Innermost Corner), Leong’s paintings reflect the charm of the Song Dynasty, using mineral colours on silk for an antiquated look. The meticulous process of Gongbi involves sketching, drawing lines on silk, applying colours and water, and layering pigments meticulously for refinement.
“Given the intricacy of the painting process, these stages were occasionally known as sanfan jiuran (三番九染), which literally means to three layers of alum and nine layers of colour, highlighting the importance of repetitive techniques,” she said. She illustrated with an example of colours being meticulously applied to each leaf multiple times, layer by layer as the previous one dried, underscoring the necessity for patience in this art form.
The exhibition runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Mondays until August 30. Entry is free for all visitors.
Paintings and poster image provided by Leong Kit Man
