This presentation will look at the history, techniques and philosophy behind Chinese watercolor painting (traditionally called 国画 - Guóhuà) and seal carving (篆刻 - Zhuànkè).  To appreciate these Chinese arts, one must see their relationship with calligraphy and poetry. Chinese painting has a long history of expressing nature by the literati, more as an expression of the human spirit and less for decorative purposes. That is why many of them are rolled up in scrolls, not for public display. How Western impressionist movement derived from this tradition will be mentioned. Seal carving is also an ancient artform originally meant to record and authenticate.  It is closely related to the evolution of the Chinese language and calligraphic fonts, and opens up a space to explore the relationship between the Chinese literature, religious sayings and traditional proverbs with Christian spirituality.

The Speaker

Fr. Joseph Tham was born in Hong Kong. He started painting in the Chinese water color style at the age of 12. He studied under Professor Lau Tai Po, focusing on the techniques of painting bamboo. At the age of 15, he moved to Canada and studied under Professor Chung Ping Kwong, in the tradition of the Lin Nan School. He also studied Chinese calligraphy and seal carving while in Canada. His work has been exhibited in Canada, USA, Mexico, Hong Kong, and Italy. Fr. Joseph later entered the seminary and after ordination is now teaching bioethics in Rome, Italy. He continues to do calligraphy, Chinese paintings and seal carving in his free time.

Fr. Joseph Tham's Website: www.regnumchristihk.org

Fr. Joseph Tham's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Regnum-Christi-Activities-in-Hong-Kong-290871988479124/  

Venue: Online on Zoom, link here

Admission:No charge, please register your attendance in advance

Booking: Please email membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk in advance to register your attendance