The ‘Arts in Hong Kong’ is a yearlong project that was created to generate awareness of the city's diverse experience of arts and culture as well as establish Hong Kong as a centre for international arts and cultural exchange.

As an extension, the Hong Kong Tourism Board brought together 18 diverse artists across Southeast Asia to create art pieces inspired by perennial icons of Hong Kong called ‘Arts in HK with S.E.A artists’.

We’re proud to note that four artists from Malaysia were featured including the illustrator team Loka Made, embroidery artist Anni Tai, painter Kendylife and artists Dududedoodles. Malaysia represent!

Hong Kong has many charms and the creations by the 18 Southeast Asian artists explore different facets of the old and new – some celebrate traditional crafts such as Mahjong carving and slipper embroidery while others look towards the future with the modern M+ museum and the West Kowloon Cultural District.

“As an international arts and culture hub, Hong Kong is excited to engage, nurture and develop the next generation of local artists across the region, while giving them a platform to showcase their talents to the world. 

"By amplifying the potential of artists through this initiative, we hope to positively shape and empower artists within the local arts community in the region,” said Raymond Chan, Regional Director of Southeast Asia at Hong Kong Tourism Board.  

Loka Made

loka made for hong kong tourism

One of the artists invited to be part of this project was the artist and illustrator best known as the co-founder of Loka Made, Chong Fei Giap and his team. His beautiful and nostalgic illustrations depict life in Malaysia.

His fantastical piece titled ‘Hong Kong Dreaming’ mainly inspired by West Kowloon is a visual roller coaster ride including details like a dragon boat and the city’s unique Goldfish Street that is worth taking the time to appreciate.

  “My artwork takes people on a journey through the new arts and cultural district of West Kowloon where traditional and modern artforms work harmoniously to showcase Hong Kong artistic history. Other inspirations include classic Cantonese cuisine, festivals and attractions that we all have come to love about the city,” said Fei Giap.  

Dududedoodle

Dududedoodle for hong kong arts

This mural using acrylic paints encompasses what artist Kent loves most about Hong Kong – from the iconic junk boats and 'Ding Ding' trams to new art developments in West Kowloon such as the XiQu Center, Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) and the M+ Museum.

“Collaborating with Hong Kong Tourism Board is an exciting opportunity for me because I love Hong Kong culture and Hong Kong is one of my favourite cities in the world. Furthermore, to be selected for this campaign is truly a humbling experience as it validates all the hard work that I have put in to perfect my craft,” said Kent, an illustrator.

Kendylife

Kendylife arts in hong kong

Using adorable chibi-styled art, Malaysian artist Kendrick Ng’s artwork depicts a girl in the library admiring the various aspects of Hong Kong. He said, “Creating this piece was so meditative. This piece draws inspiration from what Hong Kong has to offer - the architecture, food, people, art and the culture.

Anni Tai

anni tai arts in hong kong

Instead of paper and paints, this artist uses colourful thread! For her Hong Kong inspired art piece, Malaysia embroidery artist, Anni Tai drew inspiration from the city's neon signs. Neon signs were first used by businesses in Hong Kong to draw people’s attention to their shops.

Since then, neon has become an integral part of Hong Kong’s culture and artform. She said, “To me, neon signs are such a unique form of visual art. It’s no wonder it has become a visual language that’s unique to Hong Kong’s culture.”

The complete collection of Hong Kong inspired art from all 18 Southeast Asian artists are available to view online.

Image source: facebook.com/DiscoverHongKong, @kendylife88, @ annitai_