Returning to the Single-log Bridge, Facing the World: Wu Guanzhong’s Bequest of Art Collection to Hong Kong

Renowned painter Wu Guanzhong passed away in Beijing on June 25, 2010. At his memorial, Szeto Yuen-kit, writer of this essay, then Curator (Xubaizhai) of the Hong Kong Museum of Art spoke as Hong Kong representative. Key messages in his speech is repeated in this essay, including the concurrent exhibition of Wu’s works in the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the city’s tribute to the painter, who had left behind many great works here. The writer then traces the relationship between Wu and Hong Kong. Albeit hardship in his Motherland, Wu had never shown regrets upon his decision to return to China from Paris, detour Hong Kong, and has always maintained his lofty integrity. Analyzed in this essay is the characteristics of Wu’s later works, including four of his last paintings donated to the Museum as tokens of his affection to Hong Kong. The writer also quotes messages from the last batch of visitors of “Lofty Integrity: Donation of Works by Wu Guanzhong” as examples of how people appreciate the painter’s distinguished virtues and talents, and enormous contributions to the world.