Ink Arhats

Arhat denotes the saintly disciples of Buddha that live in the world to educate the public before their deaths. The term “arhat” also refers to the third level in the spiritual hierarchy of Buddha and Bodhisattvas’ austere practices. It’s said that initially there were only sixteen arhats, whom were the disciples of Gautama Buddha.  Later, another two joined in, leading to the legendary eighteen arhats that we know of today.

Abstract Ink Paintings

Mark Cheung’s abstract ink paintings have inherited the understanding of the ink spirits through knowledge passed down by predecessors and the “ancient people”.  Cheung follows the philosophy of “Hold[ing] spirits in the ink”, done by expressing the mind directly without restrictions or parameters.  Mark Cheung’s uses of writing brush and ink have exceeded all expectations, with a kind of engaging charm. In his works however, ink is not so abstract that it is attached to one singularity, but rather an array of “real” representations, showing a visual impact that you cannot find in the traditional works.  Cheung’s works emotes a sense of similarity to the American abstract expressionistic style that Jackson Pollock and Robert Motherwell had embraced. 

Ink Landscape Painting

Mark Cheung’s ink landscape paintings integrate the styles and skills of blue-and-green landscapes, golden-and-green landscapes, ink landscapes, light crimson tinge landscapes, skeleton-less landscapes. It’s proficient, dexterous and may even be considered superior to Cheung’s previous works.  His ink landscape paintings help express his personal understandings of the natural world to the fullest.