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S.H. Ho College at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) unveiled “She: In Progress — Solo Exhibition of Belle Yung” at an opening ceremony held today (27 October). Featuring a curated collection of 18 acrylic paintings and sketches by local painter Ms Belle Yung, the exhibition captures the multifaceted beauty, tenderness and strength of women and children across different stages of life. The exhibition runs from today until 4 January 2027 at The Gallery, G/F of Chan Chun Ha Hall, S.H. Ho College.

Officiating guests at the opening ceremony included the artist, Ms Belle Yung; Ms Cally Kwong Mei-wan, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress; The Honourable Ken Lee Kwong-yu, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR (Labour Constituency); Ms Liu Cheng-mui, Executive Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Artists Association and renowned painter; Professor Jiang Liwen, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & External Affairs), CUHK; Professor Vincent Mok Chung-tong, College Master of S.H. Ho College, CUHK; and Mr Yam Tin-lam, Vice-President of the Student Union Representative Council, S.H. Ho College, CUHK.

Art as a journey of self-acceptance and growth

In his welcome address at the opening ceremony, Professor Mok said: “In my conversations with Ms Yung, what impressed me most was her insistence on ‘beauty’: neither youth nor perfection, nor a standard defined by others, but the ability to live in one’s own light at every stage of life. Ms Yung reminds us that painting is not about pursuing perfection; rather, through observing and creating, it is about learning to appreciate and accept oneself as one is in the present. In university life, we are often in a hurry to become ‘better’ people, yet we rarely pause to appreciate what we already have at this moment—our own beauty. This exhibition invites our students to see their own radiance.”

Professor Jiang Liwen said: “The purpose of a university is not only to impart knowledge, but also to nurture how we perceive the world and ourselves. Art is one of the most honest forms of learning: it trains us to observe, to feel, and to question, while teaching us how to live with uncertainty. An exhibition themed around ‘In Progress’ is very interesting—it reminds us that a human being is not a finished answer, but a process of continual becoming and continual revision. On today’s university campus, young people face multiple pressures from academics, identity, relationships and the future. Ms Yung’s work tells us that strength, vulnerability, confusion and flourishing can all be part of what makes us resilient and complete.”

Ms Liu Cheng-mui said: “Getting to know Belle began when she came to my studio to do life drawing. She is courteous and refined, yet her paintings are free-spirited and powerful. Belle’s works carry the spirit of Abstract Expressionism, valuing spontaneity and the subconscious intuition of the creative process. Through traces and colours, she shifts painting from ‘representing an object’ to ‘expressing the spirit’; even when figurative forms appear, they serve merely as vessels of emotion. Viewing reality through a female perspective, the enlarged eyes in her works convey curiosity, longing and a belief in breaking free from constraints. I am very glad that she is holding a solo exhibition to share with us her love and passion for life.”

Ms Belle Yung said: “I am deeply delighted and grateful that today I am able to present my solo exhibition, ‘She: In Progress — Solo Exhibition of Belle Yung’, at S.H. Ho College, CUHK. I have a profound connection with CUHK: my parents once worked here, and I therefore lived on campus for sixteen years. Many memories from my childhood and upbringing took place here. Returning today to the familiar sloping road beside S.H. Ho College, this feels to me not merely like an exhibition, but more like a ‘homecoming’. ‘She: In Progress — Solo Exhibition of Belle Yung’ is my tribute, from a female perspective, to the journey of women’s lives. Looking back on every stage from childhood to the present, I have come to deeply realise that at every moment and in every role, women continue to grow and to radiate their own light—this, to me, is the most captivating meaning of ‘In Progress’. My heartfelt thanks go to S.H. Ho College for providing this platform for me to present my artistic work, and to all the distinguished guests, teachers, and family and friends for their support. I hope everyone will feel a sense of passion and strength through the exhibition.”

Following the ceremony, Ms Yung delivered a public lecture titled “Self-Dialogue Through the Brush: How to Embrace Every Version of Yourself Through Art, and See the Four Seasons Within You”, reflecting on her creative journey. A professional dancer also presented improvised performances representing spring, summer, autumn and winter. Inspired by the performances, Ms Yung demonstrated her painting process before engaging the audience in an interactive exchange on artistic creation. Together, the activities created a lively and enriching art salon.

Exhibition Details

“She: In Progress — Solo Exhibition of Belle Yung”