Fairs
Be inspired by Hong Kong Collectors
Check out how four art collectors from different paths of life started or continued their art collection at our Hong Kong 2022 fair.
Cleo Tse
Thursday 19 May, 2022
With the return of the 9th edition of Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong on 4 – 7 August, we are thrilled to share some collectors’ stories that might inspire you with your own. Join us to explore their collection journey, you might even find a tip or two!
JEANNIE PARK & ALAN CHOI
Stepping into Jeannie & Alan’s house in Repulse Bay is a joy. Thoughtfully curated art fill the walls: in the living room a pair of abstract and textural paintings provide a focal point to the space, whilst the dining room is host to more classical artwork styles.
Experienced collectors, Jeannie and Alan are art lovers through and through. When looking for art for their home, the couple seek out brightly coloured, joyful pieces – as well as ones that go well alongside their existing collection.
Visiting Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong in August 2021, the couple went home with four new artworks from South Korean Gallery Jeeum. Two of the works, both by Yihong Hsu, now brighten up their children’s study room paintings by Hyunjun Yang and Jinwoo Park hanging in the living area.
Looking for something whimsical and modern, the couple fell in love with the Little Drummer Girl. The size and colour were perfect for their space, but there was also a more playful feeling behind it: “when I saw the artwork, it reminded me of our doggie Sommi. If Sommi was a person, she would be just like the Little Drummer Girl!”
Jeannie has a useful principle to choosing artworks: “just find an art piece that you like to look at that will make you smile and happy. Don’t think about art as an investment too much, If you like it for you and your family, and it looks great in your house, then it’s the art for you.”
MARY HUI
With working from home having become the norm, it’s essential to make our working environment pleasant and cosy! Hear how first-time art buyer Mary Hui found artworks to lift her own workspace:
“I was looking for two large pieces for the dining room and living room, and smaller pieces for the bedroom and study,” explained Mary. “My boyfriend and I went through the fair together then split to see pieces at our own pace. We took photos and compared what we both like.”
Two pieces grabbed the couple’s attention: ‘HK Skyline’ by artist Ling Muki from Hong Kong-based Young Soy Gallery, and ‘Clarity’ by Australian artist Angus Martin with Van Rensburg Galleries.
“I want artworks that I’d want to spend hours looking at everyday, pieces that I could periodically glance up at and find energising”
Mary Hui
“They were aesthetically very appealing. Since I work from home a lot, I want artworks that I would want to spend hours looking at every day, pieces that I could periodically glance up at and find energising and refreshing.”
Mary was pleased to speak with Hong Kong artist Ling Muki, but she says speaking with the artist isn’t an essential factor to her when choosing art: “This may well change, but when it comes to the most important thing to me, it is quite simple: I want to enjoy looking at the artwork.”
ALEXANDER FU
It’s not difficult to understand how art collector Alexander Fu landed his sights on Francesco Lietti’s ‘Hong Kong Loves You’ on his visit to the Hong Kong fair.
A member of the Hong Kong Arts Collective, Francesco is known for his vibrant, colourful Hong Kong skylines made with mixed-media cut-outs. The artist has developed his own signature take of the distinct harbour skyline, becoming well-loved by many collectors and art lovers – Alexander included. “The artwork makes me feel happy and warm. The colours of the Hong Kong skyline attracted me: its’ funky look and the big signature of Hong Kong just grasped me,” said Alex.
The artwork now graces the lobby of Alexander’s boutique hotel, Attitude on Granville. With interior decor that follows the theme of Tsim Sha Tsui and old Hong Kong, this work fits well and provides a striking centrepiece to the space.
“It is just a great addition to the hotel as it’s spot on the theme. I always keep an eye out for interesting artworks to add to our hotel. For this one, a real ‘yes, this is it!’ moment struck me. It has an ‘attitude’ compared to any usual representations of Hong Kong.”
So, Alexander’s one tip to give to fellow art lovers on their collecting journey? He thinks don’t overthink it: “just go with your instincts in the moment, art is always very subjective!”
DEMI ZI WU
Collecting art can bring joy to every one of us, no matter the age. Let’s meet Demi Zi Wu, aged 8. She is potentially our youngest art collector ever!
Demi’s first artwork, ‘Butterflies in Copper’ is by artist Pauline Yau, a member of the F.L.Y. Collective.
“Pauline really grabbed my attention as she told me there are many butterflies, birds and trees where she lives. She said they make her happy, and she wants to share the happiness with everyone,” explained Demi.
Demi loves traveling with her family, nature and undoubtedly, butterflies! She is not only attracted to the theme of the artwork but also the passion of the artist.
“It really attracts me as every small piece in the frame is hand-cut, I can really feel her passion and I know that I will not be able to do that.” Demi now has the artwork hung in the corridor at home. “I think everyone should find an artwork that makes them feel happy, fits the space and wows them. Because this is exactly how I feel when I see ‘Butterflies in Copper’!”
“I think everyone should find an artwork that makes them feel happy, fits the space and wows them”
Demi Zi Wu (aged 8)
It just warms our hearts when we see artworks finding a happy home, and art collectors finding works they love. Join Jeannie & Alan, Mary, Alex and Demi to be #ArtHappy and start your art collection journey with us on 4 – 7 August at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre!
