Tribute to a mentor

A joint exhibition of Chinese paintings by Professor Ting Yen-yung (1902-78) and his student Nancy Koh, is on at the Beijing World Art Museum and will run until March 26.

The show is a tribute to Ting, a respected art educator and pioneer of contemporary Chinese fine arts. Born in Guangdong province, Ting studied at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. Upon his return to China, he actively promoted Western painting and art education. He moved to Hong Kong in 1949 and was keenly committed to teaching and combining Eastern and Western arts. The works on display have a certain oriental elegance but also embody childish sentiments.

Born in Singapore and now living in Hong Kong, Nancy Koh was in business before she studied Chinese ink-and-water with Ting in the 1970s. She continues to cultivate her love of Chinese calligraphy and oil painting. Her creations feature vigorous colors and lines and simple composition, with a touch of poetry and philosophy.