從寫實到人情:周秀蘭的藝術筆記|From Realism to Humanity: The Art of Chau Sau-lan

周秀蘭畢業於香港中文大學藝術系,是一位紮根於香港本土文化的藝術家。她的藝術旅程始於精細入微的照相寫實主義,並憑藉作品《Good afternoon! Sai Kung!》於2014年榮獲香港視覺藝術獎,從而在藝壇嶄露頭角。其後,她獲選前往韓國南松美術館進行駐村創作,拓寬了她的藝術視野。

Chau Sau-lan, a graduate in Fine Arts at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, is an artist deeply rooted in the local culture of Hong Kong. Her artistic journey began with meticulous photorealistic paintings, and she gained significant recognition when her work “Good afternoon! Sai Kung!” won the Hong Kong Fine Art Prize in 2014. This achievement was followed by an artist residency at the Namsong Art Museum in Korea, which broadened her artistic horizons.

周秀蘭 Chau Sau-lan
Good afternoon! Sai Kung!
2012
塑膠彩布本 Acrylic on canvas
51 x 76 cm

隨著創作的深化,周秀蘭轉而從自身成長的草根環境中汲取豐厚靈感,發展出引人入勝的風俗畫創作。她的作品生動描繪市井小民的日常生活與社會底層的現實情景,無論是旺角天橋上的眾生相,還是街頭小販的日常,都充滿了濃厚的生活氣息。她以幽默和積極的態度來處理嚴肅的社會主題,這種獨特的視角已成為其標誌性的藝術風格。

As her practice evolved, Chau began drawing rich inspiration from her grassroots upbringing, developing a series of intriguing genre paintings. Her works vividly depict the daily lives of ordinary people and the realities of the lower class, from the bustling scenes on Mong Kok footbridges to the routines of market vendors, all infused with a strong sense of vitality. Her approach to serious social themes is uniquely blended with humour and positivity, which has become her signature style.

周秀蘭 Chau Sau-lan
旺角天橋上的女傭 Domestic Workers on a Mongkok Footbridge
2018
塑膠彩布本 Acrylic on canvas
61 x 91 cm
周秀蘭 Chau Sau-lan
旺角立食 Street Food Stalls in Mong Kok
2019
塑膠彩布本 Acrylic on canvas
41 x 122 cm

近年來,周秀蘭更加注重藝術與公眾的連結。她創立了個人品牌「秀秀肖像」,衍生出迷你肖像計劃,為大眾創作個性化肖像。她筆下的人物,既有親切如鄰的街坊,也有香港電視劇中令人懷念的經典角色,以豐富的色彩捕捉人物鮮明的個性與生動的表情。這一轉變不僅讓藝術更貼近人群,也讓觀眾得以直接參與創作過程,豐富了彼此的藝術體驗。

In recent years, Chau has focused on forging stronger connections between her art and the public. She established her own brand, “Sau Sau Portrait,” which incubates the Mini Portraits Project, creating personalized mini portraits for her audience. Her subjects range from familiar, neighbourly figures to iconic characters from beloved Hong Kong TV dramas, all rendered with rich colours that capture their distinctive personalities and lively expressions. This shift has not only made art more accessible but has also allowed the audience to participate directly in the creative process, enriching the artistic experience for all.

周秀蘭的藝術不僅是對外界的觀察,更是她個人內在旅程的映照。她曾坦言,透過寫實繪畫的嚴格訓練,她學會了更細心地觀察生活與管理情緒,這對她的情緒病復元歷程起到了積極作用。如今,她的作品在香港、澳門、台灣、韓國、英國及荷蘭等地廣泛展出,並被多家藝術機構及私人藏家收藏,持續以其真摯而充滿生命力的筆觸,記錄並頌揚著香港的人文風情。

Chau Sau-lan’s art is not merely an observation of the outside world but also a reflection of her personal journey. She has shared that the disciplined training of realistic painting helped her learn to observe life more carefully and manage her emotions, playing a positive role in her recovery from mental health challenges. Today, her works have been exhibited extensively in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, and are collected by various institutions and private collectors. She continues to use her genuine and vibrant brushstrokes to document and celebrate the human spirit of Hong Kong.

周秀蘭 Chau Sau-lan
寮屋小食店的暖光 Warm Light of the Squatter Snack Shop
2024
塑膠彩布本 Acrylic on canvas
60 x 80 cm
周秀蘭 Chau Sau-lan
金魚街角落 On the Corner of the Goldfish Market
2017
塑膠彩布本 Acrylic on canvas
50 x 70 cm
周秀蘭 Chau Sau-lan
鎖匙店 Key Cutting Store
2017
塑膠彩布本 Acrylic on canvas
60 x 80 cm

圖片提供:周秀蘭|Courtesy of Chau Sau-lan

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