Curatorial Statement

“Sit and Watch the Rising Clouds” is a well-known quote from “My Retreat from Mount Zhongnan”, a masterpiece poem by Wang Wei (699-759 A.D), one of the greatest Tang Dynasty Chinese poets. His poems articulate conceptual imagery and artistry; one can feel Wang gazing at Mount Zhongnan, crossing streams and overlooking amid the beauty of his country until finally resting weary and tired from his travels. Nearly 1,300 years later, his words find comfort to modern travelers who take retreat in the beauty of The Upper House, where gazing guests can still “sit and watch rising clouds” as Wang Wei so beautifully described.

“My Retreat from Mount Zhongnan”

Wang Wei (699-759 AD)

My heart in middle age found the way.
And I came to dwell at the foot of this mountain.
When the spirit moves, I wander alone
Amid beauty that is all for me....
I will walk till the water checks my path,
Then sit and watch the rising clouds --
And some day meet an old wood-cutter
And talk and laugh and never return.

French & Chinese art and literature have been objects of national pride for centuries, both countries sharing one of the most brilliant and most influential histories of Western and Oriental arts. The project featuring a group of Chinese and French artists with their original works is a unique public art exhibition staged at The Upper House, Hong Kong’s most stylish luxury hotel. The artists capture and continue the traditions of their own cultures as they share artistry sans frontières; different histories; diverse cultures and united dreams.

“Sit and Watch the Rising Clouds” commemorates the collaboration between Fine Art Asia and the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau.

This exhibition is a programme of Le French May 2012.