More than 80 pieces of ink and wash paintings created by 26 Hong Kong artists are on display at the Guan Shanyue Art Museum through Wednesday.

The exhibition showcases the artistic achievements of the first members of the Chinese Painting Institute, Hong Kong, which was established last week as the 10th organization under the Chinese Painting Institute.

Ink and wash paintings are considered a typical genre of traditional Chinese art, wherein landscapes, sceneries, birds and plants are dominant subjects. However, the exhibits clearly deviate from tradition in that the artists embrace obvious modern expressions in their paintings.

Urban life is a recurring theme in the paintings, and human figures take on a cartoonish style.

In addition, the artists tended to avoid warm colors in their landscapes, but frequently used hues of black and grey for mountains and plants. Even a painting of bustling urban life seems shrouded in dark colors, provoking a sense of heaviness and confusion.

Liu Dawei, chairman of the China Artists Association, said Hong Kong art has a unique position on the world stage with its distinctive artistic style that integrates both Chinese and Western traditions.

“Hong Kong itself is a port city that embraces a high degree of open-mindedness in many respects. Hong Kong ink and wash painting artists have absorbed different art forms while retaining the essence of traditional Chinese art. They have played a vital role in spreading traditional Chinese art, and their art works are pursued by art buyers from around the world,” Liu said.

Wang Wuxie, honorary president of the Chinese Painting Institute, Hong Kong, said at the inaugural ceremony Thursday that the exhibition is an opportunity to prove that Hong Kong artists constantly refresh their artistic skills and philosophies. Wang said the exhibition would encourage discussions about how mainland artists and Hong Kong artists have developed independently under global influences.

Dates: Until July 2

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Venue: Guan Shanyue Art Museum, Hongli Road, Futian District (福田区红荔路关山月美术馆)

Metro: Longhua or Longgang Line, Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit C