Director of Providence University Art Center

Yushun Elisa Pong

When Dr. Sarah Ng enquired if there was any opportunity to hold an exhibition of bookplates in Taiwan two years ago, I did not hesitate to invite her to plan this special exhibition for us. Since then, Hong Kong has experienced considerable changes, and Dr. Ng and Mr. Andy H. T. Cheng have jointly planned a series of bookplates exhibitions, which reflect the spirits of the times and are very worthy of attention. We feel honored that Providence University has been part of these events.

Bookplates were originally personal art objects related to books, knowledge, taste, and vision. As the times progress, when the prints are generally available, and the value of book and knowledge is no longer exclusively enjoyed, it must find a way out. Fortunately, there are still many artists who are fond of this kind of creation that can be held and touched on the palm. Their effort also continues to provide a variety of brilliant works. Through the “Inspiration and Ingenuity” part of this exhibition, we have seen the achievements of the integration of classic and modern styles as well as the various media techniques from all over the world. In “Peregrination in Bookplates”, the artists’ narrative skills for the space of Hong Kong deeply impress us. And finally, "The Spirits of Times" shows young artists' attention to current affairs. With the greatly expanded themes, the bookplates may have to some extent escaped the original state of being at home in books, and gradually transformed into statements regarding the relationship between the self and the other, which has intensified the emotions and highlighted the criticism of current situation. Therefore, the artistic objects that can be touched and played in daily life share a thoughtful element more than ever.

Art participation in social movements is becoming more and more popular. We are optimistic about its success and hope that the world will move towards a more harmonious life through artistic influences. We thank the two curators for their efforts to contribute to this exhibition, as well as the generous loan of artworks by the HKBU Library and the Imagine Hong Kong, which overall enhance the exquisite quality of the exhibition. Whether these artworks are the presentation of the individual or collective consciousness, we appreciate the various possibilities of human existence. I believe that Taiwanese friends will be closer to the mood of friends in Hong Kong in this exhibition.

United in Bookplates is embodied with Hong Kong's internationality, regionality, and the sense of nowness. It travels thousands of miles to seek empathy and there is no doubt that it will carry Taiwan's blessings back to Hong Kong!