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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s S.H. Ho College held the opening ceremony of “Rhyme of Ink and Wash – Prof. Emily Lai’s Ink Painting Exhibition” today (21 November). The exhibition features 27 selected works by Professor Emily Lai – modern ink painter and Chairperson of the Hong Kong Ling Ngai Art Association – many of which are being publicly displayed for the first time. The exhibition runs from today until 16 January 2026.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of numerous distinguished guests, who came to officiate and witness this distinguished artistic occasion. Among them were Professor Lai herself; Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, Deputy Secretary for Justice, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China; Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum; Professor Ng Yuet-lau, renowned Lingnan painter, Honorary Fellow of CUHK and President of the Hong Kong Ling Ngai Art Association; Professor Ambrose King, Emeritus Professor, Department of Sociology, CUHK; Professor Richard Ho, Honorary Professor, Department of Chinese Language and Literature, CUHK; Professor Vincent Mok, Master of S.H. Ho College, CUHK; and Mr Jonathan Law, Member in Charge of Registered Societies, Student Union Representative Council, S.H. Ho College, CUHK.

In his welcome address at the exhibition opening ceremony, Professor Mok commented: “The College sincerely thanks Professor Emily Lai for holding this exhibition at the College, offering CUHK students and staff the opportunity to appreciate Chinese ink paintings that are meticulously refined and full of vitality. Over the past decade, Professor Lai has been a staunch supporter of the College’s cultural and artistic initiatives, promoting the inheritance of Chinese ink painting among the younger generation. Not only has she personally conducted numerous ink painting workshops on campus but she has also led students beyond the classroom to engage in plein air sketching and cultural experiences in various locations, where she guided students through first-hand observation and artistic exploration. These journeys have taken them to Dunhuang, Shaoxing, Xinjiang and Taichung in China; Kyushu and Mount Fuji in Japan; and Gyeongju and Busan in Korea. As next year marks the 20th anniversary of the College, Professor Lai, alongside Professor Ng Yuet-lau and other senior members of the Hong Kong Ling Ngai Art Association, will lead students on a sketching tour to the scenic landscapes of Hokuriku, Japan. We eagerly look forward to this trip and hope that through such diverse activities, our students will gain cultural inspiration and personal growth.”

Dr Ng remarked: “Professor Lai masters Lingnan painting from her teacher, Professor Ng Yuet-lau. Integrating creativity into traditional Lingnan style of painting, her fresh approaches in conception, composition and brushwork compose her own distinctive style. Blending artistic inheritance with innovation, she developed her own path in the artistic world, reaching new heights in the realm of ink and wash.”

Professor Lai’s artworks are deeply rooted in the rich traditions and techniques of Chinese ink painting. She masterfully utilises the variations of ink tones – ranging from dense to light and from dry to wet – to portray the layers and vitality of nature. Going beyond traditional boundaries, she boldly integrates classical texturing techniques (cunfa) with modern approaches to light and shadow. As a result, her works embody the freehand spirit of Eastern aesthetics while also exhibiting a dramatic visual tension. This exhibition is not just a showcase of technical innovation; it is also an exploration of how ink art can evolve with contemporary times.

Professor Lai added: “It is a great honour to be invited by CUHK’s S.H. Ho College to present my solo exhibition ‘Rhyme of Ink and Wash’. This exhibition seeks to explore the profound art of Chinese ink painting. My pursuit in ink art has always been to innovate while staying relevant. I hope these works, which blend a traditional essence with modern sensibilities, will offer viewers a fresh and inspiring artistic experience.”

On the day of the opening, Professor Lai held a public lecture, “Ink Flows as the Heart Desires”, reflecting on her creative journey and artistic development. A video shown during the lecture showcased the process behind Professor Lai’s painting “Field Paths”, which she has generously donated to S.H. Ho College. The lecture allowed the audience not only to appreciate the artworks up close but also to deepen their understanding and appreciation of ink art and engage directly with the artist.

Exhibition Details

“Rhyme of Ink and Wash – Prof. Emily Lai’s Ink Painting Exhibition”