Lai Kwan Ting (Hong Kong) was shortlisted for her work Draw Something, which adopts the traditional and meticulous style of Chinese painting known as ‘gongbi’. According to the artist, drawing is the art of representing a thought in one’s mind, especially for children.
How were you first introduced to ‘gongbi’ technique?
I was first introduced to Gongbi technique during my undergraduate study in Fine arts at CUHK. It was a very different experience from what I had been practicing. I started to learn Chinese calligraphy and Chinese ink painting since nine years old. Gongbi technique emphasises lines and layers of colouring, while ink painting more concentrated on the expression and the ink variation of every brushstroke. Gongbi seems like meditation to me.
Can you tell us a bit more about what inspired this artwork?
The artwork is inspired by an ordinary scene with my kids. Kids like to draw, especially on blackboard. Sometimes they pretend to be a teacher, sometimes they pretend to be the parents. They are creative and full of imagination. The purple ride-on suitcase symbolised travelling or going aboard experience. The Little Green Men from Toy story symbolised love and loyalty to family if referencing their characters in the movie.