Lui Shou-Kwan: A Modern Artist in Hong Kong

Lui Shou-Kwan ??? (1919–1975) was one of the pioneers of the New Ink painting movement, which aimed to modernize traditional Chinese ink painting in Hong Kong in the 1950s–1970s.

Lui had extensive training in various traditional styles, including calligraphy and landscape painting, where the emphasis is on copying a master’s work. Moving to Hong Kong in 1948 when it was a British colony (which it remained until 1997), Lui also had exposure to Western modern art, including Abstract Expressionism. He came to believe that an artist should not merely copy an established style but should express themselves and develop their own unique approach to art.

Ink Play: Paintings by Lui Shou-Kwan—the first major solo show of this important artist in North America—features approximately three dozen works, including the artist’s signature Zen paintings. These selections document different periods in his practice and illustrate his revolutionary impact on the development of Chinese art in the mid- to late 20th century.