ten years of hong kong painting

The Arts Centre opened just ten years ago in 1977. In
another ten years, it wil! be 1997. Although ten years is a
very short time in creative development terms, the long
term question for the visual arts is whether Hong Kong
can retain its artists. Already several of Hong Kong's
leading painters have emigrated or have made plans to do
so. An exodus of talent at this crucial point of the
development of Hong Kong art would be very damaging to
what has been achieved to date. Government policy and
encouragement, both specifically and in general over the
next few years, will thus be critical to the continued
development of Hong Kong painting.
The Hong Kong Arts Centre will celebrate her 10th
anniversary in October, 1987. This exhibition is presented
to launch the Anniversary Year and to salute the men and
women who have made important contributions to Hong
Kong painting in the last decade. Altogether, 46 painters
are taking part in this exhibition. Although each painter is
represented by only two works, it is hoped that a general
impression of Hong Kong painting will emerge. The two
works of each artist, one completed around ten years ago
and the other more recently, coincide with the time span
of the Hong Kong Arts Centre and should offer a glimpse
into the maturing art of the individual painter. At ten years
old, the Hong Kong Arts Centre is still a young organisation.
We look forward to yet another ten years of co-operation
with Hong Kong painters who have done so much to
enrich the cultural life of our community.