Painter and seal carver Wang Xin was born in Xingtai, Hebei province, in 1964, and graduated from the Chinese Painting Department of the Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts in 1991. He currently lives in Beijing, where he teaches Master of Fine Arts students at the Communication University of China. This unprecedented exhibition of his paintings of pine trees offers specific insights into his philosophical mindset and, more specifically, the Buddhist influence of the Diamond Sutra (Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra). The opening of the exhibition was held at UMAG on February 26. Officiating guests included the artist

Wang Xin, Dr. Qiu Zhongming, Dr. Chan Kwun Nam, Phil, UMAG Director Dr Florian Knothe and UMAG Associate Curator Dr Shuo Hua.

The artist’s large compositions combine finely rendered ink drawings of rocks and trees with excerpts from the Diamond Sutra. Reminiscent of Wang’s daily religious practice and study of the text, the sutra’s philosophy influences his compositional choices and defines how Buddhist concepts affect his use of space. A pivotal Mahayana Buddhist scripture, the Diamond Sutra is a core text in the Perfection of Wisdom (Prajñāpāramitā) tradition. Through a dialogue between the Buddha and Subhūti—one of the Buddha’s ten principal disciples, foremost in “dwelling in peace”—it teaches that reality is illusory and empty, revealing profound insights on non-self (anātman) and liberation through non-attachment, impermanence, and emptiness.

Neither meant to illustrate the scripture nor directly support its narrative, Wang’s Diamond Pine depictions carry the gravitas of the Diamond Sutra’s philosophy by depicting trees that transcend commonly expressed symbolic meanings. While in Chinese culture the pine tree symbolises longevity, endurance, steadfastness, and integrity—often representing noble scholars or gentlemen who remain strong and true despite harsh conditions—Wang’s compositions stand out for their use of void spaces. They employ a pictorial language that emphasises the longing for tranquil and peaceful isolation taught by the sutra. ...

🕯️Find a moment of stillness through ink, colour and breath as you co-create an artwork with artist Wang Xin.✨

Join ink artist Wang Xin and meditation specialist Monica Laura Smith for a two-part workshop that begins with guided meditation and moves into a collaborative ink session where the participants and artist together explore the transformative interplay of ink, water, brushwork and space.

🕯️在水墨與呼吸之間，尋回片刻寧靜，一同與藝術家王新共同創作水墨作品。✨

是次工作坊由水墨藝術家王新及冥想導師 Monica Laura Smith 帶領，先引導參加者練習冥想內觀，再透過共同創作的水墨作品，細察墨、水、筆觸與留白之間的流動與轉化。
－－－－－－－－－－－－
[Workshop] Presence and Inner Coherence: Ink Art and Meditation Workshop with Wang Xin and Monica Laura Smith
當下融心：水墨畫和冥想工作坊
📅 Saturday, 28 February 2026
📅2026年2月28日（星期六）
🕕 14:00–16:00
📍 G/F and 1/F, Fung Ping Shan Building, UMAG, HKU, 90 Bonham Road, Pokfulam
📍香港薄扶林般咸道90號 香港大學美術博物館馮平山樓地下及1樓
🗣️ English (Meditation) | Mandarin (Ink Art)
🗣️冥想：英語 | 水墨畫：普通話
🎟️ HKD$350 per person, tools provided for use during class
🎟️港幣350元，本館將提供工具，惟需在課堂後交還。
🔗 For more information, please check the link in bio!
🔗詳情請參閱檔案內連結！ ...