Broaden horizons, enlighten the mind.

In the past six months, the Visual Arts Department has guided students in exploring the wonderful world of art, including a visit to the special exhibition "Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now." We were fortunate to appreciate the largest retrospective of the contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama held in Asia outside Japan, allowing us to understand her unwavering creative spirit and pursuit of avant-garde artistic practice. Over her more than seventy-year career, she has developed a distinctive core aesthetic and life philosophy, broadening students' artistic horizons through this experience.

Additionally, we invited our alumnus, Ms. Cecilia Chan, to share insights on "Preparing for Public Examinations and Studying Art at University," guided students during the post-exam activities to visit the "Visual Arts Exhibition." Besides, starting from this academic year, we also launched an artist-in-residence and exchange program, "Advanced Painting Class," aimed at enhancing students' awareness of career planning and improving various creative skills.

Furthermore, in the new academic year, we held a lecture for junior students titled "Practicing Humanitarian Concerns through Art and Design Thinking" to expand their perspectives and understanding of the art world. Students learned to see the world through the lens of art, fostering a greater awareness of society. Art undoubtedly inspires and connects us; it allows us to rethink the world, express our inner selves, and find satisfaction, enjoyment, and pleasure through participation in artistic activities. 

11/4/2023 Visit to the Special Exhibition 'Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now' 

The department invited painter Mr. T-man Tse to engage with students, guiding them in various painting techniques. 

Student Reflections on the Visit

6B Selina Ho

I have always known that Yayoi Kusama is a renowned Japanese artist, and her works are unique and full of personal style. As soon as I entered the exhibition space, I was captivated by the artistic atmosphere and decorations. The pieces composed of various polka dots were vibrant and eye-catching. The installation art, in particular, allowed me to feel her distinctive creative characteristics, showcasing the contrast between her life's lows in her youth and her maturity in later years. This was truly a rare experience, and I gained a lot of inspiration from Kusama's extraordinary artistic career and her ups and downs.

5D Perzsi Chan

I believe that visiting Yayoi Kusama's exhibition at M+ will help develop my future artistic ideas. The artist explores the relationship between humanity and the universe, from life to death, and then accumulates these concepts to extend into infinity. What struck me most was Kusama's promotion of "love and peace" during wartime and her courageous confrontation of "gender" in a patriarchal society. This avant-garde artistic spirit inspires me to explore more possibilities in expressing my ideas, such as addressing social issues.

6D Katniss Ng

The work that impressed me the most was the immersive spatial art. Although the entire piece used only black and white polka dots and spherical shapes, the combination with mirrors and an enclosed space made me feel as if I were in an expansive and boundless place. It felt like I was completely immersed in Yayoi Kusama's universe, allowing me to truly experience her inner world.