The Bloom of Water Lilies

The Bloom of Water Lilies is a newly commissioned interactive ink art installation by Hong Kong based artist Desmond Leung, commissioned by UOB (United Overseas Bank). The presentation interweaves traditional ink with contemporary digital technology, inviting the public to interact and create a continuum of shared mindful experiences.

Even as we are engulfed in the flux of the modern world, an era of shifts and changes, Leung reconsiders the spirit of ink art and the purpose of digital art in today’s society. The artist believes in the ability of art to transcend boundaries and reconnect people through the beauty and magic of the natural world.

The water lily is a symbol of inner peace, enlightenment, self-regeneration, rebirth and compassion in the midst of impermanence. Drawing on this motif, the installation consists of 12 digital display screens, arranged in the shape of the bloom. Set against a backdrop of a water lily pond, the installation enables the public to experience the life force and the rhyme of ink through virtual interactive art.

Their interactions will transform the on-screen imagery from bud to blossoming flower, developed from detailed drawings of water lilies by Leung and Carolyn Yim, student winner of the 2021 UOB Art in Ink Awards, who further refined her brush skills under Leung’s mentorship. The Bloom of Water Lilies enables mindful presence and observations of light and shadow over time.

Creating points of connection, the work represents the interconnectedness of all life forms, reminding us that in our essence, we humans are inextricably linked to each other and to Mother Nature. The Bloom of Water Lilies spreads messages of positivity and sustainability through a cultural lens, a reminder to bring beauty and kindness to every encounter.

Samsung The Frame, Official Digital Display Canvas sponsored by Samsung.

《心墨相蓮》是香港藝術家梁嘉昊（Desmond Leung）受大華銀行（UOB）委託創作的全新互動水墨藝術裝置。這次展覽將傳統水墨與當代數位科技相融合，邀請公眾互動，共同創造持續的靜心體驗。即使身處瞬息萬變的現代世界，一個日新月異的時代，梁氏透過作品重新思考水墨藝術的精神，以及數碼藝術為現今社會帶來的影響。他相信藝術能夠跨越界限，透過自然世界的壯麗景觀和神奇魔力重建人與人的連繫。

睡蓮象徵著內心的平靜、覺悟、自我更新、重生和無常中的同理心。作品以睡蓮為創作基礎，由十二個電子屏幕組合並排列成花的形狀。觀者彷如置身於蓮花池中，透過藝術家的互動虛擬創作體驗畫中氣韻和流墨的生命力，將屏幕上的花蕾轉化為綻放的鮮花。屏幕上的花卉由梁嘉昊與「 2021 年大華銀行年度水墨藝術大獎」的學生組得獎者嚴可悅共同創作，嚴可悅於過程中一直得到梁氏的悉心指導，令其運筆技巧大大提升，將筆下各種花的美態呈現於觀者眼前。

《心墨相蓮》讓觀者在時間流動和光影交替之間，見證當下每個不平凡的瞬間。

作品以不同花瓣連結互動體驗，代表生命中形形種種的相遇相知，提醒我們作為人類彼此之間與大自然的千絲萬縷。《心墨相蓮》以文化視角帶出正面和可持續發展的訊息，道出人來人往、花開花落的美與善。

此藝術裝置中的十二組The Frame自訂畫框量子點智能電視由三星集團贊助。

Artist Desmond Leung
Artwork The Bloom of Water Lilies
Date 26 - 29 May 2022
Venue Hong Kong Convention Centre
Commissioner UOB (United Overseas Bank)
Organizer ART CENTRAL