Interview by Rui Pastorin
The calligraphy of local primary school teacher Wong Hei U is being showcased at the Pavilion of Exhibitions and Artistic Shows for Young People in Praça do Tap Siac (塔石廣場), hoping not only to introduce more youngsters to the art, but inspiring them to pick it up as well.
Presenting 40 works created over the past few years, the “Mok hoi ching kam [‘墨海青襟’]* Personal Calligraphy Exhibition” kicked off last week and showcases four types of calligraphy.
Wong was at the pavilion yesterday, introducing her works to guests and passers-by. “I think this is a part of traditional Chinese culture. I want to continue to pass it on”, the artist told the Post.
Wong, who was born in 1997, has been passionate about Chinese calligraphy and painting from a young age, having won her first award when she was just six years old. Among the prizes she has garnered are the High Distinction Award in the 12th Chinese Pen-Calligraphy Competition for Macau Students, First Prize in The 38th Calligraphy Competition for Macau Students, and the Bronze Award in the 4th Macau Teacher Calligraphy Competition, according to an artist’s introduction provided by Wong yesterday.
She has exhibited works in the Chinese mainland, Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore, but she also has a passion for music, where she has also made various achievements.
Regarding her current exhibition’s title, she explained that “mok hoi” refers to the vast ocean of calligraphy, while “ching kam” originates from ancient Chinese, meaning a scholar or learner. She noted that this reflects her desire to forever pursue and learn in the art of calligraphy. She further pointed out that the traditional art of calligraphy is very important for the whole of China, but despite this, she thinks that nowadays, not many youngsters pay much attention to it. “I want to show everybody. This is very important to our country”, Wong said.
Wong hopes that exhibitiongoers will not only learn more about her and her works, but Chinese culture as well. She also wants to inspire young students to learn more about calligraphy and that, if they keep working hard, they can also showcase their works to others.
This is further echoed in the exhibition’s theme of youth aspirations, which according to a recent statement on the youth pavilion’s website, embodies the “spirit of youthful ambition and steadfastness” as well as representing Wong’s dedication and love for calligraphy from her days as a student to now as a teacher.
Members of the public can view Wong’s calligraphy until November 23. One can visit the free-admission pavilion from 12 noon to 8 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday, with the venue closed on Mondays.
* Directly translated into English, the phrase means “the blue collar of the ink sea.” This phrase often has poetic and metaphorical connotations, typically referring to the deep, expansive world of literature or scholarly pursuits, evoking imagery associated with ink and the beauty of knowledge or artistic expression. – Poe
Wong Hei U introduces one of her exhibits displayed at the Pavilion of Exhibitions and Artistic Shows for Young People in Praça do Tap Siac to one of her students. – Photos taken yesterday by Rui Pastorin
