Artist Conversation and Book Signing
with ZHAO HAI TIEN

Date:  29 Jan 2026 - 29 Jan 2026

Join us for a conversation and book signing with the artist Zhao Hai Tien, as part of the University Museum and Art Gallery’s ongoing exhibition programme and the new publication, Cultivation: The Art of Zhao Hai Tien, which presents a comprehensive overview of her artistic journey.  

Born in Shanghai in the 1940s, Hai Tien emerged as a pioneering figure in modern Chinese art and was among the few of her generation to train overseas before China’s opening in 1979. She completed her early studies in Shanghai and Hong Kong, before moving to New York, where she earned a BFA from Cooper Union in 1969. Her work embodies a synthesis of Eastern philosophy, international modern abstraction, American colourist approach, and environmental art. It is distinguished by its technical precision, spiritual depth, and a rich cross-cultural and trans-medial dialogue, inviting viewers to explore themes of identity, the cosmos, transcendence, and the evolving relationship between humanity and technology. 

As a trailblazing Hong Kong woman artist navigating the evolving landscape of international modern art, she remains an inspiring figure whose work invites us to contemplate our inner landscape and connect it with the broader universe and humanity. Now in her eighties, Hai Tien continues to paint with unwavering dedication, extending her artistic vision into both technological and spiritual realms. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage directly with Hai Tien’s stories and insights as we celebrate her enduring influence and creativity. 

This is an event associated with the exhibition Zhao Hai Tien—Cultivation: 50 Years of Painting. For details, please click here.