The saying goes that there is strength in numbers.
One may want to alter that somewhat to include the aspect of expressive cohesion when it comes to describing the current exhibit at the Richmond Art Gallery, which spotlights the works of Victoria artist Rick Leong and is enhanced by the inclusion of three other Richmond talents who connect their individual styles and disciplines to the show.
Called Rick Leong: The Transformation of Things, the exhibit showcases Leong’s distinctive paintings that capture natural and mythical settings — dense landscapes, star-laden skies and symbolic collections.
Adding to them are watercolours by Winifred Lee, calligraphy created by Li Desheng and ceramics from Ping-Kwong Wong.
This is the first time the gallery has sought to complement a featured artist’s work with pieces from different media, said RAG curator Nan Capogna.
“This is a little bit unusual, but it’s the nature of how we conceived the exhibition,” she said, adding Leong was open to the idea, especially since his work delves into the evolving nature of visual language. “Rick also does a lot of research into Chinese iconography and the history of Chinese painting and brings that into his work.”
So, when the call went out to source the three artists to join and complement the exhibit with their work, Capogna said it was well suited that each produced pieces in other media and had the background of all being immigrants from China who had “evolved” and started new lives here in Canada.
“Plus, they all maintained the practice of their traditional (Chinese) training and we wanted to see what correlations and connections they were able to make with Rick’s paintings,” she said. “And we were very excited to bring in three artists from Richmond into this different context.
“They are pleased, as well, to be placed in a context like this, where their work can be potentially perceived a little bit differently.”
Nature and quality of life are just two aspects that link the Richmond trio to Leong’s work.
One of Lee’s contributions is a 24-foot-long watercolour of flowers that folds out from a book called Lotus.
“She has many of these,” Capogna said.
“Obviously, Winnifred (Lee) and Ping (Wong) observe from nature. For him (Wong), he’s fascinated with water birds. And these migrating birds are like he and his wife who moved here.
“And some of the texts that Li (Desheng) has chosen, there’s mention of flora and fauna, plus blessings and good life. Then Leong’s work looks at the community in landscape, also Chinese landscape, and all the symbolism he finds in Chinese art.”
Capogna added that each piece in the show can be viewed individually, but also as single installation through their connective threads.
“Li (Desheng), he was very excited to have the opportunity to work with Rick and he chose to show the evolution of (Chinese) calligraphy which covers about 1,000 years. And in some ways, that covers this whole evolving nature of the exhibition.”
Rick Leong: The Transformation of Thingsruns at the Richmond Art Gallery until Oct. 2.
