Fang Zhaoling

Fang Zhaoling (1914 – 2006) was one of the most prominent Hong Kong ink artists of her time. Her works take strong influence from calligraphy, which she explored in depth as a child. Also known as Lydia Wong, Fang Zhaoling was born in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China in 1914. She initially studied bird and flower painting under Chen Jiucun and landscape painting under Qian Songyan. In her teens, Fang travelled to the United Kingdom to study. As a result, she received her education in both Chinese and Western systems and was proficient in the terms and ideas used in each mode of thought. This formative time spent abroad allowed her to traverse cultural boundaries with more ease, perhaps informing the universal appeal and themes touched upon in her work. Indeed, her practice can be seen as a clear attempt to locate opportunities for development within the tradition of Chinese ink painting, but without ever losing its original language or sentiment. In 1953, after moving to Hong Kong, she became a student of Zhang Daqian, revered master of Chinese ink painting. Later closely studying works by Qi Baishi, Fang adopted a more free and energetic style, increasingly apparent in her more recent works. The 1960’s – 70’s saw her travel to Brazil and California, continuing to paint alongside Zhang and taking part in numerous overseas exhibitions. Fang Zhaoling passed away in 2006.

longevity (Mountain deer)

Summer, 1986

Signed and dated, with one seal of the artist

Ink and water-colours on xuan paper

148 x 83 cm

Provenance:

Acquired directly from the artist, Hong Kong, June 1987 aRtWORk PReSented By:

The Water, Pine and Stone Retreat Collection, Hong Kong. Price on request.

Pavilion, London

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