A Journey with Pens and Brushes: From Hong Kong to Wales
On a warm Newport evening, Gallery 57 opened its doors to a crowd eager to witness the artistic voyage of Gary Yeung—a figurative artist whose work bridges continents, cultures, and communities. The exhibition, A Journey with Pens and Brushes: From Hong Kong to Wales, is more than a collection of sketches and watercolours; it’s a visual memoir of migration, belonging, and the quiet power of observation.
Originally from Hong Kong and now based in Wales, Yeung’s practice is rooted in the immediacy of place. As a co-founder of Urban Sketchers Hong Kong and Urban Sketchers Newport, his work is steeped in the ethos of drawing on location—capturing the world as it unfolds, one line at a time. This exhibition traces his transition from the bustling cityscapes of Hong Kong to the layered landscapes of Wales, presenting studio pieces and plein air works that span urban density, rural quietude, and natural beauty.
A Dialogue Between Two Worlds
The exhibition is curated with a deliberate rhythm—juxtaposing scenes from Hong Kong and Wales to reveal both contrast and kinship. Cityscapes of Cardiff, Newport, and Hong Kong sit alongside rural vistas and wildlife studies from both regions. The result is a compelling visual dialogue: the verticality of Hong Kong’s skyline mirrored in the industrial silhouettes of Newport; the lush greenery of Welsh hills echoing the subtropical foliage of the New Territories.
Yeung’s documentary-style sketches are particularly arresting. Rendered with precision and spontaneity, they capture fleeting moments—a market vendor mid-sale, a ship docked in Cardiff Bay, a quiet alleyway in Kowloon. These works are not just records of place, but reflections of lived experience. They invite viewers to pause, to look closer, and to consider the textures of everyday life.
Technique That Tells a Story
One of the most striking aspects of Yeung’s work is his interplay between line and wash. In several pieces, detailed ink sketches are only partially coloured with watercolour, creating a layered effect that feels both intentional and intimate. These works lift the veil on process—revealing the scaffolding beneath the finished image and highlighting the artist’s hand in every stroke.
This technique also serves a narrative purpose. The restrained use of colour draws attention to specific elements—a figure, a façade, a tree—guiding the viewer’s eye and inviting interpretation. It’s a masterclass in balance: between spontaneity and control, detail and suggestion, memory and immediacy.
A Chance Encounter, A Lasting Impression
My own introduction to Gary Yeung was serendipitous. I first encountered him sketching a ship in Cardiff Bay, seated on a folding chair with pen in hand and paper balanced delicately on his lap. In an age where photography often replaces direct observation, it was refreshing to see someone so immersed in the act of drawing from life. I asked if I could photograph him and his work in situ—a moment that felt quietly radical in its simplicity.
Seeing his work now, fully realised and thoughtfully curated, is a testament to that same ethos. There’s a generosity in Yeung’s practice—a willingness to share not just the finished image, but the journey of its creation.
A Must-See Exhibition
A Journey with Pens and Brushes is a rare offering: deeply personal yet universally resonant. It speaks to migration, memory, and the ways in which art can connect disparate geographies. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or a curious passerby, this exhibition invites you to see the world through Gary Yeung’s eyes—one sketch at a time.
Visitors should allow extra time to locate Gallery 57, tucked away in Newport’s creative quarter. And if opening night is anything to go by, expect a queue—this is an exhibition that’s already capturing hearts and imaginations.
