Peng Ximing (1908-2002), the courtesy name of Zhao Kuang, was a native of Liyang in Jiangsu province. Peng cultivated an interest in painting during childhood, and graduated from the Shanghai Fine Arts School. During his youth, he travelled widely in mainland China, and also had the chance to study the art collections of Gu Xieguang, his granduncle Di Pingzi and Zhang Daqian. In 1950, Peng moved to Hong Kong, where he made his living teaching painting. He also dedicated himself to landscape paintings, developing a strong individual style overflowing with vitality and expressive brushwork. Two select exhibits from the Art Museum exhibition are described in the following.
Treasure of Landscapes, album leaf, dated 1979  This album, consisting of 10 leaves, is a collection that Peng painted in 1979 at the age of 71. In these paintings, he depicts strange rocks and mountains, rivers and waterfalls, and trees in various poses. According to the inscriptions on these pieces, some were adapted from sketches he made during his travels, and some were products of his imagination, i.e. an idealisation of real landscapes. By combining brush strokes and washing with ink and colour, the artist expressively rendered these vibrant landscapes – whether real or imagined – in various shades and depths. In addition, void areas presented as mist or clouds are skilfully employed to intrigue and grasp the attention of viewers. Viewers will also discern the influence of Huang Gongwang, the great master of the Yuan Dynasty, and fully appreciate Peng's masterly skills in capturing the vigour of landscapes.
Landscapes in Expressive Manner, album leaf, dated 1987
 The ten leaves in this album were painted in 1987, when Peng was 79. His brushstrokes had evolved by then, becoming even more simplified and expressionistic. Be it mountain, cloud, tree or rock, everything is sketch-like and integrated with the painter's contemplation and memory, testifying to the vast possibilities of expressionism. In these paintings, the lines are brisk and the ink washes are blended with colour. All elements are indistinct, and combine to form a whole. These ten landscapes are the quintessence of abstraction and sophistication.
| Exhibition Period: | 24 August–1 November 2013
(closed on public holidays) | | Exhibition Venue: | Gallery I, Art Museum, CUHK, Shatin | | Opening Hours: | Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm |
Members of the public are welcome to visit the exhibition. For further information, please browse http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/ics/amm/. |
