The Art of CUHK
The Sunday leisure was luxurious even though it's just a free afternoon session, in between meetings. And there's nice sunshine. Plus an extra pleasure to (try to) drive a long way to the Chinese University to watch the graduation show on its last day. As expected, the experience was enriched by a certain level of nostalgic essence.The Fine Arts Department has been criticized for being conservative for the slow inclusion of new media in its curriculum, and since the new development of the Creative Media School@City Univeristy, the Design School@Polytechnic University, and The Arts School, as keen competitors for creative students. To certain extent, it's indeed less compelling to view such a graduation exhibition when there are a dozen of them scattered around the city at the same time.
The works this year are nice, I thought rationally, but felt strangely detached, particularly in front of the paintings. Perhaps, except at one or two works. "King of Trees" is one of those exceptional pieces because gave me some intimate feeling about the artist and his concern, but not just presenting an "idea", which was almost too extravagantly emphasized (if not sold) by many contemporary artists.
I have to say, it's more enjoyable to watch the Annual Exhibition at the corridor gallery of the Department. The slightly more casual works of the students display more lives than the composed works at the graduation show. That part of life that I've missed for a while... which achievements at work cannot compensate. Hmmm...(5 July update: the students have organized a follow-up exhibition at Central Plaza till 25 July)
