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6 unmissable themes for your art collection

Discover which artwork themes are loved by Hong Kong art collectors, and feel inspired to start your own collection…

Affordable Art Fair

Monday 4 July, 2022

Walking into an Affordable Art Fair is an exciting experience, not only because the beloved annual event has returned but also because you are greeted by thousands of extraordinary artworks. And best of all? you might even find the piece you love, and begin your own collecting journey.

We have seen many, many artworks find happy homes across the world. We also know that taking the plunge into collecting may feel daunting if you haven’t bought your first piece yet. But fear not! Whether it’s something for your home or a gift for a friend that you’re looking for – we have a number of themes that can help guide your way.

These chosen themes are consistently favoured by Hong Kong art collectors and lovers of art, and they can easily fit into one’s taste, budget or space! Read on to be inspired…

HONG KONG

Good Old Kai Tak, Rick Lo, digital drawing, Hong Kong Arts Collective

Don’t we all love our city? No matter what creative twist an artist puts on this place, Hong Kong is always the Pearl of the East.

There is just so much to talk about: it could be the century-old transportation that traverses the island to this day, the local cuisine that captures tourists’ taste buds, the iconic cityscape and Victoria Harbour, or the long-gone airport that existed in the middle of Kowloon City, and put pilots’ skills to the test!

A slice of Hong Kong reminds us not only of the beauty of our home, but also how much we love it here.

2021 HK, Anna Salenko, acrylic on canvas, Esora
Untitled #3, Chong Ling, oil painting, art tu: gallery

PRINTS

This frequently underestimated medium is perfect for new art buyers. With each print lovingly handmade by the artists, whether it’s a screen print or a woodcut, each one is an original piece.

At Affordable Art Fair, we limit the edition size of prints. This means the artworks are unique to you. Prints are often more affordable than many other mediums, and they are reasonably easy to frame and look after – so a perfect start for your art collection.

Because each print is unique, there are always small differences between each one. Do ask the gallerists to show you what they have in their collection, sometimes it is the small details that draw you in!

One Bamboo (Bubble Gum), Ghost Mountain Field, screen print on paper, Odds and Ends
Gummy Robot, Wing Sze Lo, print, Artzioneer

OIL PAINTING

Another popular medium at the fair, oil is a classical art medium that never ceases to be a favourite. Its nature and texture bring a wide range of possibilities, all due to the skill and technique of the artists!

Oil is such a flexible medium that it can depict both a hyper-realist seaside scene, or an abstract form that invites audience to stand, stare and ponder. A beautiful oil painting will always provide a talking point in your home – you just can’t ignore its presence!

Contemplation I, Luis Fuentes, oil painting, Diverso Art Gallery
An old man crosses a scarlet wooden bridge in Kyoto, Kos Cos, oil painting, Kambal Gallery

BOTANICALS

A slowly blooming flower or an evergreen cactus can always boost one’s mood up. The energy it brings into a room is so gentle yet strong: from ancient times to today, botanicals have always been a popular subject to study and practice.

If you would like to bring the outdoors into your home but don’t have green fingers, how about a plant artwork? Arguably less effort to take care of, and it lasts forever!

The options are varied too: a potted plant, a bouquet of flowers or a close up of green leaves are all just perfect to soothe your eyes and mind after a long day.

Flowers, Remy Aron, oil painting, Art of Nature
Purged of All Evil [remixed], Demster, spray paint and acrylic on canvas, Toyol Gallery
Screenshot

LANDSCAPE

Always on top of the list, landscape symbolises a beautiful spacious calm of where our mind can be when we are in the home. At times that we cannot travel, art of landscapes around the world can remove us from the hustle and bustle.

The creative freedom of landscape art can be breathtaking. Ranging from surrealist depictions of nature to a fusion of artists’ imaginings in the wild, the opportunity for creativity is vast.

Where Chinese artists might use just a few ink colours to paint and infuse philosophical thoughts into their work, colourful landscapes offer an equally pleasing sense of calm.

Xanadu (Nature), Pann Kyi, acrylic on canvas, V’Art Space
Alpha, Wai Kin Wong, ink and colour on paper, Cawah Gallery
At Mountain, Poon Kwing Wing, ink on paper, BLINK Gallery

INSTAGRAM HIT

There is likely a few artists you’ve seen on Instagram whose work you you appreciate, or whose artistic life you are interested in.

This year quite a few exhibiting artists are Instagram hits, having captured followers with their online content. If you liked their works online, this is the perfect chance to have one hanging on your wall!

There are a multitude of reasons why an artist can be popular: their skills and techniques, the beauty of their works, inspiration that resonates with the public or their hard work and continuous creation. If you want to show support to your favourite artist, here is the chance.

Ça lui est égal, JM Robert, spray, ink and acrylic, Art Supermarket, @jm.robert_official
Untitled, Humchuk, drawing, art tu: gallery. @humchuk
Gentle Reflection 4, Joyce Chiang, ink and resin, Koyce & Kate. @joycechiang_

So, you have some starting ideas – but there are many more themes and types of artworks to discover at the fair. Don’t just take our word for it, join us on 4 – 7 August, see what over 60 galleries have to offer and bring home your new favourite artwork!

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