Fairs
International Women’s Day: Female Figures in Hong Kong
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we spoke with four lovely representatives: Anna & Irene, twin sisters in charge of Kambal Gallery, Aileen Wang, art collector from Art Actually, and Shazia Imran, artist from AAD Gallery.
Coco Ma Hiu Lam
Monday 6 March, 2023
This International Women’s Day, celebrate female voices with us at Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong, whether you are a woman or an ally. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Female Gallerists – Anne and Irene Kambal
Anna and Irene have been running a successful gallery in Hong Kong since 2017, overcoming the many changes in the art market. However, it was never easy.
“We have to keep abreast with the trends in the global art scene – the world is constantly changing, so we have to study the market, our clients’ wants, and their interests. At the same time, we had to keep a respectful and symbiotic relationship with our artists so that we can plan for the future together.”
“Women are fearless, innovative, they also have a natural intuition for the themes and styles they want to explore.
Women also have an open mind; steadfast in their pursuit and unafraid to fail.”
Anna and Irene Kambal
On the current art market, they noted:
“There has been a big interest and leap with regards to the works of women artists because of their pioneering style, unique identity, fastidious technique and methodology and intrinsic contemporary style”.
With the art scene becoming more gender neutral, and female artists recognized for their immense abilities, Kambal Gallery is excited to continue fostering the art lover’s natural curiosity for exploration. They will be featuring a wide range of artists in Hong Kong this year.
“We love to tell our artists: Do not be afraid to explore and to challenge yourself. Believe in yourself and push your abilities to the maximum limit!”
We can’t wait to see what they bring to Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong in 2023.
Art collector – Aileen Wang
Aileen Wang’s interest in art has led to a friendship with the owners at Art Actually. Due to her frequent visits to the gallery, regular painting lessons, and interactive conversations around art, she has since become a regular collector and close friend with Art Actually.
Aileen says: “You need to fall in love with an artwork first, before making a purchase.”
While art investment is prevailing, Aileen noted
that art is very personal, and knowing what you
love is key when purchasing art.
“Do you want the piece to bring you warmth, happiness or serenity? Those should be your key considerations when looking for an artwork to fit your home decoration.”
After all, it is something that you will see on your wall everyday!
So find a wall at home, get out there, visit our galleries and immerse yourself in art!
Artist – Shazia Imran
Messy, vibrant and exciting. That’s just a typical day for Shazia in the studio.
As an independent artist and gallery director, Shazia’s practice is greatly influenced by her surroundings. Her works are highly expressive and emotive through dramatic colours and form, and are usually inspired by the moods from sceneries she comes across on her travels (how we wish we could join her trips!).
While expanding her practice across various demographics, cultures and perspectives, Shazia’s mixed media string works utilize the Mandala emblem (derived from her Asian roots to reflect wholeness and unity). This is her signature style.
While failing or rejection will always be part of the process for an artist, Shazia is constantly positive and looking for new ways to achieve her goals.
“Believe in yourself, never give up and always be innovative!”
Shazia believes that being persistent in achieving one’s goals is always important, and is excited to see more female artists that brings out a style unique to the female perspective, whether that be artwork inspired by family, motherhood, or self-identity.
Perseverance and motivation. As a woman artist, it is vital to collaborate and support each other to ensure greater changes will be made in the future.
Shazia Imran
With a growing number of female artists in the industry, Shazia thinks it’s vital for women to collaborate and support each other to ensure greater changes will be made in the future.
“Striving to support each other through methods such as promoting, collaborative works and events, are what women artists need to further our presence in the art scene.”
Since it’s International Women’s Day, what do you think – are we are there yet?
“It will only get better from here as people have encouraged us (women artists) to be acknowledged with greater opportunities provided.”
Shazia’s favourite memory is when two little girls, 8 and 6, bought her artwork at an Affordable Art Fair.
“I love the way Hong Kong parents encourage their kids to appreciate art at such a young age.”
We can’t wait to seeAnne, IreneAileen and Shazia at our fair on 18 – 21 May 2023. Make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and ticket offers from Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong.
In the meantime, we wish you a happy and powerful International Women’s Day!
