Artist with a unique eye for calligraphy shows off his work
Dominic Lam Man-kit is an artist with a difference. The ophthalmologist and visual artist likes writing calligraphy with his eyes closed.
About 30 pieces of Dr Lam's work are on show at Central Plaza in Wan Chai as part of this year's Operation Santa Claus. Held by developer Sino Group, the exhibition - 'Calligraphic Culture by Dominic Man-kit Lam' - features Chinese calligraphy, Tang dynasty poems and paintings. One of the paintings on show is to be auctioned for the charity drive.
In an effort to create his own style, Dr Lam adopted unconventional methods. 'I painted my pieces either upside down, with my left hand or, on occasion, with my eyes closed,' he said, adding that he began learning Chinese painting at the age of six.
'I do so because I want my strokes to follow my mind, not my eyes. Chinese calligraphy is an art with thousands of years of history. It's hard to be innovative with it. Yet I still hope to create my own style from my mind, with little or no input from my eyes or previous experience.'
Dr Lam prefers to use long, slim brushes and strike the rice paper from a sharp angle.
Born in Guangdong, Dr Lam grew up in Hong Kong. He pursued medical research in Canada and the United States before working at Harvard University as an ophthalmology professor. In 1999 he founded the World Eye Organisation, which helps to prevent and treat eye diseases.
At the exhibition one of his works, A Motto by Mother Teresa, is up for silent auction with a minimum bid of HK$100,000. All the proceeds will be donated to Operation Santa Claus to help the needy through the 13 charities selected this year.
'I admire Mother Teresa very much, not only because she always helped others but also because of the spirit behind what she did,' said Dr Lam, referring to the nun's motto he featured in his painting: 'If a person is not capable of doing great charity work, he can use his compassion to do small charity work.'
The exhibition is part of Sino Group's 'Art in Hong Kong' project, which aims to promote local art. Being a major donor to Operation Santa Claus, the property giant has made it a Christmas tradition to contribute to the charity campaign.
'We think Christmas is a perfect time for giving back. We are very happy to see our funds will go to those in need through the charity drive,' said Daryl Ng Wing-kwong, executive director of Sino Group. The exhibition, on the first floor of Central Plaza, ends on January 2. Those interested in bidding can fill in a form.
Organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK, Operation Santa Claus, now in its 21st year, will aid 13 groups. Part of the funds will also go to the Post Homes for Hope project to help victims of the Sichuan earthquake.
