Kingfisher and Fish 

Ding Yanyong created this ink and color on paper work, Kingfisher and Fish. Born in China, Ding moved to Hong Kong in 1949, the year the People’s Republic of China was established. He dedicated himself to art education in the rapidly changing socio-political landscape. Ding Yanyong’s paintings often feature subjects from the natural world rendered with a blend of traditional Chinese techniques and modern sensibilities. The kingfisher, a symbol of prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture, sits on a branch, eyes fixed on a fish below. The composition is sparse, yet the scene is full of life and tension. The poem inscribed above adds another layer of contemplation, inviting viewers to reflect on the relationship between predator and prey, stillness and action. The artist’s personal experiences of displacement and adaptation resonate through his art. His work explores the negotiation between cultural heritage and individual expression. Ding’s art prompts us to consider how we find balance amidst life’s ever-changing currents.