Hong Kong Tourism Board brought together the diversity of 18 Southeast Asian artists to create art pieces inspired by perennial icons of Hong Kong.

This initiative, “Arts in HK with S.E.A artists” is an extension of the year-long “Arts in Hong Kong” to generate awareness of the city’s always-on, diverse experience of arts and culture, and establish Hong Kong as a centre for international arts and cultural exchange.

“Arts in HK with S.E.A artists” campaign features artistic talents from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The collection of artwork spans a spectrum of genres from paintings to digital illustration, pottery, embroidery, sand art, and more.

“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.

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 from our time.

The creations by the 18 Southeast Asian artists 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 modern M+ museum and the West Kowloon Cultural District.

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

“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’s artistic history. Other inspirations include classic Cantonese cuisine, festivals, and attractions that we all have come to love about the city,” said Fei Giap.

“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 from Malaysia.

Mela Gonzales, an embroidery artist from the Philippines has never been part of a project of such scale.

“It’s been a long time since I was last in Hong Kong, but I can’t wait to visit again. It is heart-warming to see so many Southeast Asian artists coming together, bringing expertise from different artistic expressions to celebrate Hong Kong. I hope one day we can all gather in Hong Kong to see its iconic skyline in person once again.”

“Hong Kong Through the Sand of Time” by Indonesian sand artist, Vina Candrawati

“It is inspiring to see how culture is integrated and preserved through its artistic ways in Hong Kong. I was moved to capture some of these locations and am looking forward to experience Hong Kong again, especially the new West Kowloon Culture District” Said James Lim, an artist and founder of Cafe Sketchers Singapore

“Having not travelled in the past 3 years, I have forgotten so much about what is out there. Dreaming about Hong Kong through my illustration got me excited about visiting!” said Tiffany, illustrator from Singapore

“My characters – John, Lulu, and friends represent joy and brightness which was how I felt when on a virtual tour to West Kowloon Cultural Centre. My inspiration was to send them to West Kowloon so they could experience the traditional culture and modern offerings the neighbourhood has to offer,” said Painterbell, a digital artist from Thailand.

The complete collection of Hong Kong-inspired art from all 18 Southeast Asian artists will be available to view online here.

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Cover image sourced from dududedoodle and ciaragan.