An extension of its year-long “Arts in Hong Kong” initiative, the campaign includes talent from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The collection of artwork spans across various genres from painting and digital illustration to pottery, sand art, and embroidery.
Included in the lineup are four Malaysian artists, namely coffee artist Kent, who goes by the handle @Dududedoodles on Instagram; embroidery artist Anni Tai; painter and video game creator Kendrick Ng; and illustrator Chong Fei Giap, known for his beautiful and nostalgic drawings of life in Malaysia.
Kent’s artwork is inspired by his favourite things in Hong Kong – “from the classic junk boats and ‘Ding Ding’ trams to new developments such as the Xiqu Centre and Hong Kong Museum of Art”.
“This collaboration is an exciting opportunity for me as I love Hong Kong culture and it is one of my favourite cities in the world,” he said, adding that he is “humbled” by this opportunity as it validates the work he has put into perfecting his craft.
Elsewhere, Tai’s embroidery features Hong Kong icons inspired by neon lights, while Ng’s creation is described as a “Chibi drawing of a Hong Kong bookstore featuring local icons from the city”.
“Watching TVB dramas and reading ‘Old Master Q’ comics as a child provided me with an insight into Hong Kong art and culture, and I am delighted to be able to convey my chibi doodle art style by incorporating all of their famous food, transportation, buildings, culture, and art into this collaboration,” he wrote on Facebook.
Chong’s artwork for the campaign, meanwhile, is “an illustration of iconic Hong Kong landmarks, food, and culture”, taking people on a journey through the new arts and cultural district of West Kowloon, where “traditional and modern artforms work harmoniously to showcase the region’s artistic history”.
“Other inspirations include classic Cantonese cuisine, festivals and attractions that we all have come to love about the city,” he added.
Other artists in the lineup include embroidery artist Mela Gonzales from the Philippines; James Lim, artist and founder of Café Sketchers Singapore; and Painterbell, a digital artist from Thailand.
Raymond Chan, regional director of Southeast Asia at the tourism board, said these creations explore “different facets of old and new Hong Kong”.
“Some celebrate traditional crafts such as Mahjong carving and slipper embroidery, while others look towards the future with the West Kowloon cultural district and the modern M+ museum,” he added.
“Art holds clues to life in the past and present. By looking at a work of art’s symbolism, we can learn, rewind time, and experience a culture that is different to our time.”
The complete collection of art from all 18 artists will be available for viewing online here.