HIYA
Hong Kong International Youth Artists Society
April to May
April’s art,
like a touch of spring’s greenery,
brims with vitality and hope,
inspiring creativity and the pursuit of beauty.
May in Hong Kong,
where art and passion go hand in hand,
whether at dawn or under the night sky,
both become sources of inspiration for creation.
HIYA past event
Inherit and Innovate | From Classics to the Future
HIYA successfully held the "Inheriting the Past, Embracing the Future" event on February 22, This event invites Masters Wong Pui Kong and Hung Chuen Wa to introduce the techniques of "Reviving the Brushstroke Technique of the Qing Dynasty Scholar Shen Zengzhi" and "Bird and Insect Seal Carving Technique". They will guide you through time, offering a deep exploration of the profound essence of calligraphy and seal carving. Through this experience, ancient art forms will be infused with new vitality, inspiring each participant to gain a fresh understanding of traditional art.
HIYA past event
"SATORI" Exhibition
The exhibition was successfully held from March 5 to 8 at the Fringe Club. In an era filled with challenges and uncertainty, art has become a profound expression of human emotion and thought. This exhibition brings together the works of four outstanding artists, showcasing the process of struggling, growing, and transforming in the face of adversity. These works will guide the audience into an artistic space full of emotional impact and deep reflection, encouraging a reconsideration of our relationship with ourselves and the world.
Event Recommendations
MIWA KOMATSU: Sacred Nexus
Exhibition Dates: March 25 (Tuesday) - April 15 (Tuesday)
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Venue: 8F / H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
Miwa Komatsu has presented works under the theme of “Sense of Sacredness,” aiming to evoke our inner spirituality. Now, as embarking on a new venture, the “Sacred Nexus” exhibition unveils over 20 new works by the artist.
A “Sacred Nexus” is a confluence of sacred resonance — a place or moment where we can have spiritual interaction and dialogue with divine spirits and the natural world. Historical sites of worship, lands imbued with earnest prayers, and nature itself are the inspirations of Komatsu’s practice; she envisions the “invisible energy”, and creates the intersection of the material and immaterial realms. By amplifying the resonance between her works and the viewers, the audience is reminded of the sacredness deep within themselves, prompting their connection to divinity in this new chapter of “Sacred Nexus”.
Event Recommendations
Maeve Brennan: Records
Exhibition Dates: March 21 – June 8, 2025
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed on Mondays; open as usual on public holidays, with closure postponed to the following day)
Venue: JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
By blending investigative rigour with poetic storytelling, UK–based artist Maeve Brennan explores the legacy of looted artefacts and underground economies. Her work sheds light on the illicit trade in antiquities, uncovering often-overlooked stories and knowledge within vast histories and intricate systems.
Maeve Brennan: Records marks the artist’s first presentation in Asia, bringing together a range of artworks in the mediums of moving image, sculpture, and printed matter. The Goods is an ongoing project that examines the trafficking of looted antiquities. The film Siticulosa makes its international debut in this exhibition. Weaving together local narratives and intimate depictions of the land, it traces stolen objects back to their place of origin in southern Italy, offering a multifaceted perspective on this region’s historically rich landscape.
Art World Information
Playing Hide and Seek in Classical Still Life Painting
A vase, a few shells, beautifully crafted silverware… This is undoubtedly an elegant classical still life painting, a common collection item in the homes of the wealthy middle class in 17th-century Europe, and one of the most popular genres of the time.
However, if you take a closer look and search carefully within the painting, you may discover a hidden twist: beyond the still life, there is another theme — the artist’s self-portrait! The artist’s face appears in the round convex decoration of the tall silverware in the background on the right. More specifically, it can be found in the reflective surface of the smooth metal, revealing the artist’s small face, as well as the paintbrush and palette in her hands, and not just once! The image of the artist appears due to the mirror-like effect of the smooth convex surface on the utensil, changing in size, direction, and form depending on the angle and position. Like variations of a musical theme, it reflects differently across the varying details of the high and low containers in the painting.
This is actually the unique and subtle signature method of Clara Peeters, a 17th-century Flemish female painter. Many may have never heard of her, and she has almost been forgotten in art history. There are almost no significant records about her achievements, and her name is rarely found in historical sources.
Knowledge Expansion
Knowledge Expansion | Quiz with Prizes
What theory is the artist Huang Peijiang's emotive use of color based on?
If you know the answer, please inform us via WhatsApp at 90621702!
Those who answer correctly will receive a exquisite gift from the association!
Art Column
Chun Fan | Vice Chairman of HIYA
Hong Kong Art Circle Luminary – Wong Pui Kong
Wong Pui Kong, a hall-of-fame figure in the art world, is one of the few contemporary artists who have steadfastly adhered to traditional techniques while elevating them to new heights. As a titan in Hong Kong's art community, his name is widely recognized and respected throughout the art and cultural sectors. Wong holds multiple influential positions, including serving as an art advisor to the Hong Kong International Youth Artists Society, and having taught at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong First Institute of Art and Design. He has also been an honorary advisor to the Hong Kong Museum of Art.
His artistic achievements are remarkable, having won the Urban Council Art Award in 1975. His works have been exhibited in prestigious institutions such as the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, and the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art in Japan. His artworks are extensively collected by both the Hong Kong Museum of Art and private collectors.
A Journey of Diverse Experiences, Laying the Foundation for Artistic Excellence
Born in 1931 in Macau, Wong Pui Kong spent his childhood in Kobe, Japan, where his early exposure to foreign cultures and art opened a window to the world of artistic diversity. His life journey then took him to various places, ultimately settling in Hong Kong at the age of twenty. Despite the challenges of not receiving formal education during his youth due to the political climate, his passion for painting drove him to draw on any piece of paper he could find, and with unwavering perseverance, he embarked on his artistic path.
In his early years, Wong worked tirelessly in various Hong Kong galleries, creating artworks for clients. Although these were difficult times, this period of struggle honed his skills, strengthening his foundation in painting and laying the groundwork for his future artistic achievements.
Teaching and Learning, Cultivating Future Generations of Artists
Wong Pui Kong is not only an exceptional artist but also a key figure in the early development of visual arts education in Hong Kong. He served as a mentor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong First Institute of Art and Design, and held notable positions such as director of the Hong Kong Artists Association and honorary advisor to the Hong Kong Museum of Art.
Throughout his teaching career, Wong generously shared his vast knowledge and expertise, nurturing over ten thousand students from around the world. Among his many accomplished pupils are renowned artists such as Timmy Yip, the Best Art Director at the Hong Kong Film Awards; Ho Siu Kee, Associate Professor at the Department of Art at The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Louis To Wun, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage artist; and Ho Leung-Wai, an advertising director. These accomplished individuals continue to inject vibrant energy into Hong Kong’s art scene, solidifying Wong’s legacy as one of the first-generation art educators of Hong Kong.
Incorporating Diverse Influences, Creating a Unique Artistic Style
Wong Pui Kong’s artistic style is distinctive and free from the constraints of any particular tradition. Early in his career, he primarily worked with Western oil and watercolor techniques. However, through continuous study and exploration, he gradually shifted his focus to Eastern ink painting and calligraphy.
Rooted in Eastern philosophical thought, Wong adheres to the principle of “embrace the essence, not the form; capture the spirit, not the appearance,” surpassing traditional approaches to art. His works are imbued with a sense of enduring meaning, fluidity of color, and expressive brushwork. His art reflects the philosophical spirits of both the East and West, and he is renowned for his ability to achieve the highest level of mastery with seemingly effortless strokes, transcending the boundaries of conventional techniques.
Awarded with Numerous Honors, His Works Are Highly Esteemed
In 1975, Wong Pui Kong was honored with the prestigious Urban Council Art Award (Painting) for his exceptional talent, a recognition that marked a milestone in his artistic career. His works are not only collected by the Hong Kong Museum of Art but are also highly sought after by private collectors around the world, with over 10,000 pieces in circulation. Whether displayed in exhibitions or traded in the art market, his works continue to attract significant attention, becoming a shining representation of Hong Kong’s artistic excellence.
Artistic Legacy, Inspiring Future Creations
Wong Pui Kong’s life is a testament to his relentless pursuit of art. Drawing upon his rich and diverse life experiences, he has continuously expanded and deepened the essence of his creative work. His dedication to art education, through which he has selflessly shared his knowledge, has cultivated a new generation of talented artists in Hong Kong, playing a vital role in the city’s ongoing artistic development.
With his uniquely personal artistic style, Wong has showcased an exceptional artistic charm that transcends tradition. His significant contributions to both the local and international art scene have established him as a pivotal figure in Hong Kong’s art history. His achievements continue to inspire future generations of artists, ensuring that his influence remains central to the ongoing evolution of Hong Kong’s cultural landscape.
Wong Pui Kong not only boasts a prolific portfolio of artistic achievements but is also committed to sharing his expertise and philosophical insights with others. In March 2025, he will be offering a unique Calligraphy Course in Hong Kong, where he will impart his distinguished techniques and deep artistic philosophies.
For those interested in exploring the world of calligraphy from a master’s perspective, this is an unmissable opportunity to witness Wong Pui Kong’s artistry firsthand. Join us to discover new techniques and perspectives that will open the door to endless creative possibilities.
Member's Artworks
Zhou Xihong | HIYA Member
Auspicious Six Times
Acrylic on Canvas
50x50cm (each piece)
"Auspicious Six Times" is inspired by the Buddhist concept of "Six Auspicious Times," which refers to the idea of "auspiciousness during the day and night, with six auspicious times continuously throughout both day and night," symbolizing good fortune and a life of peace and safety.
The artwork uses female portraits as the subject, depicting the six times of day and night. This is a series of paintings reflecting the mental state of women. The works aim to express the current spiritual condition—a soul that is forced, confined, exhausted, and domesticated. It is not easy to express the struggle of the soul or spirit, but showing a loose, collapsed state is relatively easier, turning destruction (or construction) into a form of spirit. In the present day, who is not "spiritually empty, like a dead tree that cannot support itself"?
HIYA supports various forms of artistic exchange. We welcome all members to submit and share their latest activities and works with us. Contributors will receive a exquisite gift from our association, and the works will also be promoted for free by the HIYA. Please stay tuned for more updates on our Hong Kong International Youth Artists Society's art events.
