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Hong Kong’s Most Famous Cartoons

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 15:10:32 GMT

If you walk around the streets of Hong Kong, it’s hard to miss the characters and mascots that make up such an important part of the country’s culture. There has been a long fascination with animation and cartoons, and this permeates through every structure of society. However, as ever-present as these cartoons may be, not many know the origin story of where they came from.

In this article, we’ll look at three of the most famous cartoon characters and find out a bit more about their origin because it will give people a much better sense of the cultural significance of these characters.

Old Master Q

In the Hong Kong comic universe, there is no more foundational figure than Old Master Q. The iconic glasses and whimsical smile make this character truly lovable, but he is certainly not one to underestimate. The character was originally created by Alfonso Wong back in 1962 and was known originally as Captain Hong Kong. What makes him interesting is that he was specifically created as a contradiction. He is known as partly good and partly bad. He draws inspiration from both Chinese and Western influences. The nuance is what really stands out and it makes for a fascinating cultural artifact that symbolises Hong Kong’s history as a country of Chinese origin combined with significant Western melting-pot.

McDull

McDull is a character that personifies courage in the midst of any circumstances. As a pig, he is not the smartest person in the room, but he makes up for that with a desire to follow his dreams no matter what. He was created by artists Alice Mak and Brian Tse in the 1980s for a comic strip that was to be published in the local papers. Funnily enough, he wasn’t even the hero of that story. But the lovable character who really stands for what Hong Kong is all about now stands tall as one of the most famous characters in the nation. He perseveres in the face of all adversity and that’s what really resonates with a culture that refuses to give up.

Chibi Maruko-chan

Pretty much the whole world’s favourite anime show, almost all millennials grew up watching Maruko-chan. Her laziness, tardiness and absolute hate for homework and daily chores is something we can all relate to. The artist, Sakura Momoko has done an amazing job in portraying the daily lives of a little Japanese girl. Catching the heart of Hong Kong people, even local cafes like Teawood have incorporated Chibi Maruko-chan’s characters in 2018~2019. K11 also had a restaurant featuring Maruko-chan this summer. This Japanese cartoon depicts an ordinary school girl’s life that experiences frequent casual fights with her parents and sister just like us, showing a lot of love and warmth.

Those are just three of the cartoons that stand out, but their rich origin stories really do give us an insight as to what it means to live and be in Asian culture. These characters embody the ethos and the principles that everyone is striving for and give you a wonderful peek into what it means to live in this Eastern background.

Where Art Meets Feng Shui

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 15:07:13 GMT

The technique of arranging positively charged things in your home and office to counterbalance adversely energetic objects is known as Feng Shui. "The way of wind and water" is what Feng Shui means. Although it has origins in early Taoism, it is still extensively practiced today, having spread into Western countries from Asia. Feng Shui influences how artists use the principle of Yin and Yang to integrate a balance through color, line, and composition of an artwork. Yin signifies stillness in Chinese philosophy, whereas Yang denotes movement. Yin and Yang is a dualistic concept that describes how in the natural world, seemingly opposing or conflicting forces may be complementary, linked, and dependent, and how they can give rise to one another as they interrelate.

In the kitchen, Feng Shui art can be displayed above the counter or in cupboards. People enjoy combining old and new elements, such as a vintage oil painting in a modern kitchen or artworks and even sculpture on built-in shelving. Hanging Feng Shui art in a position where it may be destroyed by heat or water is not a good idea. In a dining room, artwork should be hung somewhat lower so that it can be appreciated while seated. In a dining room, elegant paintings look lovely over a cabinet, and gallery walls work nicely within a breakfast nook. It can also be displayed in the bedroom. The art should avoid using strong themes, particularly depictions of violence and blood, as the bedroom is designed for relaxing and unwinding. To promote restful sleep, soothing colors and tones are preferable, and paintings and drawings or artworks in pairs are great (to attract intimacy). Never hang a seascape picture above your bed.

An interview with Thierry Chow reveals a lot about Feng Shui. Feng Shui, she explains, is simply an approach that relies on our surroundings and being conscious of the effects it has on our health. Furthermore, she claims that it is the awareness, creative knowledge of our local area, and the choice to lift it to a higher frequency. Thierry Chow states that Feng Shui practitioners in ancient China integrated many areas of environmental topology, ecology, architecture, and interior design into one cohesive, multidisciplinary technique to ensure their customers' health and riches. Lastly, he states that his flat is highly five-element oriented because she applies the Feng Shui theory to the design, furniture orientation, color, decorations, and material.

Hong Kong’s Mall Art

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:54:51 GMT

If you look around, it’s so easy to find Art around you, in this artsy city of Hong Kong. Art is everywhere - even at your closest shopping mall.

K11 has a dedicated area for art - K11 Art Mall. K11 not only hosts exhibitions by local young artists’ works, but also allows the public to enjoy various local artworks and performance during their personal time of leisure through using multi-dimensional spaces in the mall. K11 encourages communication and exchanges between local artists and the public, and pushes young artists to have more opportunities to showcase their works.

SHOUT Art Hub & Gallery has now opened its third branch in IFC mall, after its opening in Harbour City. Expanding rapidly in the urban city, SHOUT showcases pop art in Hong Kong. Bringing foreign art to malls in Hong Kong during this pandemic, this gallery enables Hong Kong citizens to taste a sense of travel and escape through art.

Back in 2018, Hong Kong local visitors and international visitors were able to get up close and personal with a real adult dinosaur skeleton – “TAD” the Tyrannosaurus rex, at IFC Mall in Central. “Meet the T.rex” hosted by FIF and IFC mall found international palaeontologists and brought large-scale dinosaur fossils to the general public in Hong Kong for the first time, including that of The American Dragon, a 12-metre-long Tyrannosaurus Rex discovered in South Dakota.

The fossil display was accompanied by the Adventure Trail, a series of interactive checkpoints - a hands-on learning educational activity - set throughout the shopping mall. Utilising AR technology, it allowed trail followers to truly experience the land of the dinosaurs.

As FIF moves forward, we will keep encouraging everyone in the community to discover and enjoy arts, starting from the closest ones to you!

What is edutainment and how does it help kids to explore new avenues?

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 07:28:07 GMT

We all wish we had this when we were younger - “edutainment”, a learning method that combines education and entertainment into one. The main purpose is to keep the children entertained thus engaged during education, which will naturally enhance the learning experience. Methods may include using digital outlets such as movies, TV shows, game consoles, and Youtube.

Edutainment is a great way for children to learn while they have a good time. Compared to the conventional education system, edutainment puts focus on active participation from the kids, letting them enjoy fun activities that let their senses become highly stimulated. The whole logic or idea is that kids learn better when having a good time, so that they actively want to learn and have much more motivation for learning, resulting in better results. As the global pandemic has occurred, more and more students are homeschooling and this newly introduced learning may help parents.

FIF also held an event back in 2018, called “World Before Time”. The whole concept was FIF traveling to the land before time, bringing kids to celebrate our natural history. We celebrated FIF’s momentous achievement in bringing to the Hong Kong public for the very first time a complete T-rex fossil. Kids were able to enjoy the event while learning about true science and history, through the experience and a set of bilingual children’s book-set “Smile with Fifi!”, along with a specially curated educational trail where the public could learn more about the “World Before Time”.

As edutainment consists of active engagement and interaction, bonding between students and teachers becomes a big aspect of the whole process. Whether it’s parents or professional teachers, the playful and enjoyable approach to schooling provides a nourishing base for better relationships. As humans, we feel better about people we can share joy with, and edutainment leverages that.

Importantly, edutainment is easy in this day and age. There’s so much technology that can be used to help kids learn. Edutainment can be don’t at home, local parks, libraries, and of course at schools. Any device can turn into a learning resource, providing a whole new dimension to learning and spending time. Edutainment makes rich, diverse learning available in the most fun, engaging, and accessible way.

Dog Friendly Activities in Hong Kong

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 06:54:16 GMT

Shopping Mall / Gallery

We all know the feeling of feeling guilty when you are out shopping, but your fur baby left at home. It is hard to enjoy your time while you have him/her on your mind. Why don’t we take them with us? Hop online to explore local shopping malls that allow you to bring your pets with you, either on a stroller or on leash. Some of the rules at these facilities vary, with some allowing dogs to walk within the mall on a leash whereas others require that you hire one of their pet strollers before you are allowed to enter. Most of these malls offer pet-friendly dining options, whether the arrangement is outdoor seating or that they stay in their strollers.

Painting sessions

Do you enjoy cultured experiences? Why not bring your pooch to your local gallery that is pet friendly? There are venues that allow your pets to interact and enjoy the space as well. For creative weekends, you can also attend painting classes where you can mingle with other pets and their parents while you create your own artwork of your babies. Creating a DIY dye t-shirt for yourself and your furry half is also an option too! Have a great time and bring back some memories with you.

Introduction to the newest form of digital art — NFTs

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 06:43:36 GMT

Don’t worry if you haven’t heard this term “NFT” yet. It has only risen in the recent few months, when Christie’s sold American digital artist Beeple’s work Everydays: The First 5000 Days for $69.3m, in March 2021.

NFT (Non-Fungible Token) was founded during the midst of growing popularity of the advanced blockchain technology that certifies a digital asset such as media, songs, arts and collectibles to be unique and therefore not interchangeable. At a very high level, most NFTs are part of the Ethereum blockchain. Ethereum is a cryptocurrency, like bitcoin or dogecoin, but its blockchain also supports these NFTs, which store extra information that makes them work differently from, say, an ETH coin. It is worth noting that other blockchains can implement their own versions of NFTs.

A lot of the current excitement is around using the tech to sell digital art.

NFT from different points of view...

A lot of the current excitement is around using the tech to sell digital art.

NFT from different points of view...

I’m an artist.

NFT opens more doors for artists to sell their work. Also, NFT offers a feature of artists to enable a royalty system, that will pay the artist a certain percentage every time the work is sold or traded, which ensures the artists to gain benefit even though the ownership is with somebody else. NFT is a noble way to expand artists’ income source.

I’m a buyer.

One of the benefits of purchasing art through NFT is that it gives people an opportunity to financially support the artists of choice. Purchasing an NFT also gives the buyer basic usage rights, such as being able to post the image online on the platform of choice or set it as your own profile picture.

I’m a collector.

NFTs can work as any other speculative asset, which allows people to make any purchase and sales, even for investment purposes.

NFT art holds the potential to transform the entire creative industry; its emergence is only the beginning to a new chapter for us and the future generations. Companies are even exploring insurance options for NFT, trying to make NFT as reliable as possible。

Effectiveness of classical music therapy

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 09:02:44 GMT

“No music, no life.” How many of you have heard of this phrase before? We are surrounded by music every single day. Music has been around for decades and decades, remaining one of the most powerful ways to connect people from all over the world.

Music is known to have a profound effect both physically and emotionally. Fast tempo music will make one feel alert, keeping you concentrated and focused. Upbeat music leaves an optimistic and positive feeling. A slower melody can calm one’s mind that will also help relax muscles, making the listener feel soothed while releasing the stress of the day. It is with no doubt that music is effective for relaxation and stress management.

Music therapy utilises these effects that music has on people, and classical music is especially known to have a relaxing effect. Are you familiar with the parenting technique of playing classical music to help a baby sleep? Studies show that classical music helps calm babies down, and some parents believe it even makes the baby smarter, which is known for the Mozart effect.

Aside from improving a person’s mood and helping them to relax, there are a wide range of benefits from classical music therapy that can affect all ages, and all stages of life, from babies to the elderly. Such beneficial effects include better sleep and memory, lower blood pressure due to relaxation of mind and body.

How does classical music help with relaxation? Research suggests that the melodic harmonies have a settling wave length, which demonstrates positive effects on the brain. Since classical music is similar to lullabies sung by mothers, it gives a familiar and soothing sense for people, helping them to sleep. Classical music takes a similar form to meditation, where people just focus on the melody and the present moment.

Most of us listen to music everyday. Perhaps tomorrow, you can add classical music songs to your playlist to truly appreciate the power of music therapy.

Mindful twists on classic education: ART

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 09:01:03 GMT

Art is a great way to nurture each child’s passion, curiosity, optimism, and educational success.

Flexible learning approach

Teaching is one of the most challenging and complex jobs on the planet. As the world faces the pandemic, many institutions had no choice but to shift to online learning. Recent digital resources, tools, and learning materials developed by educational experts are known to incorporate artsy activities. As art is something you can do anywhere - art is useful in any type of teaching moment.

Empowered educators

From standard school to home school, and even during weekends, engaging with creativity is the key to unlocking each child's potential and drive to learn. Art helps empower all kinds of educators to teach kids by providing fun and flexible educational resources in any form or device to be used at home, at school, and everywhere in-between.

Catered learning

There is no such thing as "one size fits all" in education; which is why art plays an important role. Art becomes a creative outlet for children where they can express each of their own unique challenges and goals. Art helps celebrate the diversity of each individual and any educational system that implements this extra layer with differentiated resources can meet a wide range of educational needs - from toddlers to senior students, and for those with special education needs as well. Letting children be creative naturally allows them to be confident in the process of learning as it differs from the conventional way of learning - purely studying books and taking exams.

Being open-minded

Art also allows educators to address issues of equity, diversity, inclusivity and representation with students. There are many different approaches to teaching and education, and the educators are able to develop their own materials to complement these different philosophies across subjects and grades.

As a parent, teacher, and community, it’s our responsibility to discover the many ways our children learn. By immersing children in the arts, we are giving them the opportunity to better develop their creativity, non-verbal skills, and self-expression. FIF is all about getting that creative juice flowing with fun and diverse activities in Hong Kong.

Animals and Art

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 08:59:00 GMT

Do you appreciate animals? Historically we have embraced our relationship with animals. These furry beings have always been close to us, as we not only share the planet and co-exist with them but we consider them as life long friends. As art directly depicts what artists see in their daily lives, many artists focus on this aspect of having animals in their lives.

Animals have been both muses and companions for artists, from ancient depictions of wild cows and deer in early cave paintings, through to the most simple line drawing of a pet Dachshund called Lump, by Pablo Picasso (1957). These works reveal the artists’ true lives — where their private and professional lives meet. The reason dogs feature across Picasso's work was exactly because these furry friends were constant companions throughout his life too — as Picasso once said: "Lump, he's not a dog, he's not a little man, he's somebody else." Picasso owned many breeds over the years, including terriers, poodles, a Boxer, a Great Pyrenees, a German Shepherd and Afghan Hounds. The best known of his pet dogs is Lump the dachshund.

Various artists have been inspired by animals whether they were their pets or not. Andy Warhol is also known for working with different kinds of animals. Warhol produced a Dogs and Cats series of silk screened paintings of pet cats and dogs requested by an art collector who wanted a pop art portrait of their dog (1976). As a cat person, he enjoyed the whole process and as the pieces turned out so well - loved and celebrated even till today - that Warhol continued to create more pop pet portraits. In 1983 Warhol was commissioned by his friend and also publisher Ron Feldman to create a series of ten endangered species to raise environmental consciousness. Warhol called the series “animals in makeup.”

Mexican modern artist Frida Kahlo was also undeniably inspired by animals. Almost half of the paintings she created focus on animals– and many of them were her own pets. As Kahlo experienced a horrific bus accident at the age of 18, the countless operations led her to live with health problems her entire life. Being unable to have her very own family, she started to see her pets as her real ‘children.’ Her love for pets exceeds the standard norm - she owned several exotic pets: a fawn, an eagle, parakeets, macaws, hens, sparrows, and Xoloitzcuintles (Mexican hairless dogs), and these beautiful animals naturally became her muses and inspiration.

Animals featured in modern art shows how these creatures are close with human lives and at the same time this theme can challenge ideas of identity, otherness, and civilization by explaining the role animals have occupied in our cultural development and illustrating their presence in the visual arts today. It is important for us audiences to understand the current embrace of animals as subjects. Through artists' engagement with 'the animal' and animals themselves, a mirror in which to see our own struggles with our relationships with the non-human world.

Exhibition digitalisation/ virtualisation – more reach or less engagement?

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 08:33:12 GMT

Since the whole pandemic has started, people were forced to stay indoors, resulting in thousands of museums, cultural institutions, festivals and global happenings to be temporarily closed or limited, leaving behind empty streets and a restless public. In a sector that thrives on in-person connection, the loss of an audience is disastrous. However that’s not where the art scene stops. Resilient artists and galleries - even the biggest art fairs like Art Basel - have been expanding their digital arena, utilizing streaming services and new technology like virtual reality. This new norm of social distancing is allowing technology to open new doors for people.

In a sense, this pandemic is ushering in a golden age of virtual media, offering new life and unprecedented access to some of the world’s cultural touchstones, some previously financially or physically inaccessible. While the world has never felt more physically isolated, digital media have offered a bridge, as well as an exciting range of experiences to both existing art lovers and newcomers. In Hong Kong, Art Basel’s Online Viewing Rooms project has been launched even before the outbreak in response to the fair’s cancellation back in 2020. The acceleration and expansion in virtual fair enabled galleries and artists to walk through an actual art exhibition experience with potential customers. While no one can travel, this blockbuster has given people opportunities to reconnect with art again, which is one of the most human-like cultural experiences.

Exhibition digitalization and virtualization may never replace the actual feeling of visiting galleries and fairs, but it is definitely possible to reach beyond traditional structures and reach different audiences, which is a great plus for the art industry. Before the pandemic, the digital space was treated as an add on plan for perhaps expanding the audience beyond the reach of physical spaces. Since physical spaces are no longer an option now, the cultural sector is rushing to adapt events, exhibitions and experiences for an entirely digital-first audience. Almost everyone has a mobile phone and computer at home, but very few have traditional VR headsets, or conferencing tools that can easily be streamed at home. For artists that also want to become digital innovators, this is the moment to push the limit of our creative and technical vision, and a chance to openly experiment. As we always say, Art is for Everyone.

The importance of major exhibitions like Art Central and Art Basel in the time of pandemic and their measures to ensure safety

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 08:30:35 GMT

How did the art market perform in an unprecedented year? Art Month in Hong Kong: exhibitions still rolling even with tough coronavirus restrictions. This year, exhibitors at Art Basel were decreased from 242 to 104 as a response to restricted travel and they ran alongside Art Central and Christie’s at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

All of the art exhibitions have been different compared to the ones from previous years, however the importance lies in the fact that the show will go on. Many have expressed concerns of not having international visitors and collectors, however a new light has shed on this year’s exhibitions - people have shifted their focus to the local art scene. Due to this rising attention on local and community art, many feel the city’s art scene is regaining a sense of normalcy.

To sustain the current momentum in Hong Kong, proceeding with major exhibitions such as Art Central and Art Basel has become a starting act of positive signal to the market. It gives confidence for many, who are behind their doors to perform arts.

This all comes with strict and thorough safety measures. Major exhibitions at HKCEC have worked very closely with the venue management and followed the Hong Kong Government guidance to ensure people’s positive experience at the fair.

Health & Safety Measures:

Arriving at the HKCEC

Please arrive at the HKCEC via the Harbour Rd entrance and follow the signage to Art Central.
All persons must wear a surgical face mask at all times. No valve masks are allowed. Masks to be worn at all times, only children under the age of 2 are exempt from this rule.
Masks to be worn at all times.
No food or drink allowed inside HKCEC unless you are eating at one of the designated restaurants.
There is no cloakroom facility available on site. Please do not bring backpacks or large bags as we may not be able to guarantee entry.

Entering the Fair

Entry to the fair is confirmed by advance booking and is free upon registration. We are running a timed entry system, based on two-hour slots to ensure all guests have a comfortable visit.
Due to venue capacity restrictions, we may not be able to accommodate early or late guests, so please arrive during your selected two-hour timed entry session.
Before entering, all guests must scan the “LeaveHomeSafe” QR code or leave their names, contact numbers and the dates and times of their visits.
Passouts and re-entry will not be allowed.

Health & Safety

All exhibitors, staff and attendees will complete a daily health and safety screening temperature check. Everyone will be asked to provide forward contact details in the event test and trace is required.
Hand sanitation will be available throughout the venue. Please be encouraged to wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer provided.
Capacity has been reduced in line with current government guidelines.
Daily environmental cleaning and disinfection is conducted. Regular cleaning and disinfection are maintained within the hall.
Maintain social distancing and keep 1.5m apart.
No gathering in groups over 4 persons.

Hong Kong’s art scene is now even more unified due to the whole suppression caused by the restrictions felt during this pandemic. This year institutions are holding a more spread out art week, allowing for social distancing. With the city going through so much, we hope to be supportive and cooperative to make a productive art community here in Hong Kong. Together, we make art. #FIF

Go-to Art Events in Hong Kong this Summer

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Mon, 17 May 2021 13:46:34 GMT

Our favorite time of the year! Hong Kong’s largest annual arts and cultural festivals happen in the summer. Art lovers and art beginners can all get to know, learn and experience art at this time.

This year’s exhibitions bring art from all around the world to Hong Kong––here's what not to miss:

Art Central

The works of distinguished artists from around the world will be displayed at the Convention and Exhibition Centre which you are invited to view within a worry free limited-capacity two-hour session. From gallery presentations, sculptures, curated booths and more, it showcases the next generation of talent from Asia’s most innovative galleries alongside distinguished artists from around the world.

Yi Tai, Art Central’s platform for ambitious, large-scale installations and spatial interventions as a must-go section is a must visit. This section is curated by André Chan, a Hong Kong-based independent curator and writer.

Our Pick: Michael Whittle

Perpetual Motion, presented by Gallery LEE & BAE

Mitochondrial DNA is passed down from a mother to her offspring. Through the process of tracing the lineage of DNA by its subtle mutations, and comparing it to fossil records, scientists can determine the migration of our human ancestors in prehistoric times. Juxtaposing with the glass discs overhead, the installation’s carpet graphically shows how the brain works when a person navigates in space. Perpetual Motion reminds us that human migration is inherent in the development of humans as a species and is vital to the success of human survival, even in the present time.

When: Thursday, 20 to Sunday, 23 May

Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Contact: 3892 2304, info@artcentralhongkong.com

How much: Free entry – register here

Art Basel

Art Basel is ahead of everyone else - taking a digital initiative “Art Basel Live: Hong Kong” will make your experience digital sassy than ever. Along with this new technology, Art Basel will be featuring 104 exhibitors from Asia and beyond at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Our Pick: Galerie du Monde

Founded in Hong Kong in 1974, Galerie du Monde has been specializing in modern and contemporary works by internationally established Chinese artists for 47 years. Galerie du Monde will be participating in Art Basel Hong Kong 2021, showcasing a diverse portfolio of works by artists Fong Chung-Ray, Michael Müller, Wesley Tongson, Juan Uslé, Wang Gongyi, Wu Chi-Tsung and Stella Zhang.

When: Friday 21 May (vernissage), 4pm to 9pm, Saturday, 22 May, 2pm to 8pm, Sunday, 31 May, 2pm and 6pm

Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Contact:

How much: From $200 – book here

La French May Festival

We are proud to introduce La French May Arts Festival, an artistic getway FIF has been sponsoring since 2012. Collaborating with both local and French artists, this year’s French May Arts Festival will allow you to experience true art through music, ballet, theatre and visual arts.

Our Pick: “Hope & Harmony” by Niu Niu & Laurent Perrin

Enjoy the transcendent classics performed by the Chinese pianist Niu Niu, collaborating with French Cellist Laurent Perrin.

27 May 2021 (Thu), 8pm at Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall

Programme:

Niu Niu – Piano

Niu Niu – Impromptu No. 1 “Hope” (World Premiere)

Ludwig Van Beethoven – Franz Liszt Symphony No 5 (Transcribed for piano)

Laurent Perrin – Cello & Niu Niu – Piano

Gabriel Fauré

Élégie in C Minor Op. 24

Sicilienne in G Minor Op. 78

Romance in A Major Op. 69

Après un rêve in C Minor Op. 7 No. 1

Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon arr. by Niu Niu for Cello and Piano

* The performance will last for 62 minutes with no intermission

When: Until Wednesday, 30 June

Where: Refer to the website

Contact: info@frenchmay.com

How much: Refer to the website

Dialogue in Art - Korea meets Hong Kong

Newly opened Shout Art Hub & Gallery at Harbour City welcomes six Korean artists to Hong Kong. The exhibition focuses on being diverse, youthful and universal. The curated artworks are all very unique and different from young upcoming artists from South Korea, which fits the new gallery space and the city of Hong Kong perfectly.

In this past year, the pandemic disproportionately affected the community, and many of us have felt isolated and unseen. This exhibition will help people understand, feel welcome, and even celebrate the work we do, but also the fact that we exist and that we can express that, through art.

Our Pick: Jibin Im

Korean artist, known for The ‘Everywhere’ Project, huge bearbricks showing up everywhere in the world. The project was aimed to turn the light ordinary spaces into art museums momentarily. For the Hong Kong exhibition, Im has prepared sculptures that are displayable at home.

When: Tuesday, 25 June to 8 Aug, 2021

Where: Harbour City Ocean Terminal L3 OT308A

How much: Free entry

trust & confusion

Tai Kwun Contemporary’s latest exhibition will see the white cube space transformed into an ever-evolving interactive environment that will host a number of activities and experiences. The multi-sensory exhibition features more than 20 newly commissioned works from international artists and will unfold over several episodes, on-site and online, through to December.

When: Until Sunday, 5 December, Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 7pm

Where: JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

Contact: art@taikwun.hk

How much: Free entry

For any enquiries regarding the exhibitions, please contact their own pages.

#Art #ArtHongKong #ArtExhibition

The language of food: How do a region’s delicacies express the lifestyles of the locals?

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Wed, 12 May 2021 23:52:34 GMT

FOOD in Hong Kong cannot be missed. ”Culinary capital of Asia” offers thousands of restaurants and cafes, with some of the world’s best delicacies. Once you go out on a night stroll in Hong Kong, the amount of options you have for a quick bite or a full board meal is infinite. On a casual day you can enjoy traditional food in the city’s traditional street eateries, and on special occasions a fancy upscale restaurant can be spotted around the corner.

The language of food in Hong Kong is nothing but diverse, but with a strong virtue of cherishing the essence of its culture and tradition. By examining the locals’ daily meals in Hong Kong, we can easily understand their lifestyles. Food comes in many scenes in our daily lives here in Hong Kong. We talk about food from morning to midnight, post pictures on Instagram to review websites, search and choose restaurants as if picking our partner. Guaranteed - your taste buds will never be alone or bored.

So what’s the food culture in Hong Kong and how does it represent our locals’ lives? Cantonese cuisine is all about - making your own choice, being quick and of course, delicious. In Hong Kong, waiters communicate as if they are spies. Who am I kidding? Hong Kong is all about efficiency. Waiters communicate and take notes to shorten the ordering process. Got milk? 29 is for hot milk, as 2~ hot in cantonese; 9 = nine ~ milk in cantonese. This also shows how Hong Kong culture and the way people communicate are influenced by the west, making Hong Kong a special place for everyone.

The most known Hong Kong dish is dim sum. In most Yum cha restaurants, waiters roll around trolleys full of different dim sum. In other places, you order the dim sum treats off a menu. Usually, it all comes with a main dish such as fried rice, noodles or vegetables. Here again, people get to choose their own board - dish by dish. Even if you dine with your friends, there would be a completely different layout between yours and theirs.

Another example is iced lemon tea, one of the signature drinks for locals. The locals even have a 'code' for this drink. On a hot summer day in Hong Kong, people love to order 0T, a code created from its phonetic similarity of ning (lemon) and ling (zero) and T, of course stands for tea.

The ordering requirements are the followings:　

More / less / no sugar (多糖 / 少糖 / 走糖)

More / less / no ice (多冰 / 少冰 / 走冰)

Stronger / lighter tea (濃茶 / 淡茶)

Lemons served separately (檸檬另上)

Even a small drink like lemon tea can involve such a lot of requirements. Locals love to make their own choices, and to give a personal touch.

In a busy city like Hong Kong, a quick bite is extremely important for busy workers and students. On a day when you’re running late but your stomach is growling, pieces of siu mai or fish balls are the way to go. Hong Kong people are renowned for being hard-working and always working overtime. Often young people get off from work late, and then go for a later supper. Small shops or delivery options are open for this sleepless city, where the people work hard and play hard too. Food culture is not only close to life, but also opens new doors and becomes an important channel of cultural communication, helping people understand about each other and the world. Hong Kong’s dishes will definitely open your mouths - careful not to drool - but also your eyes to this exciting city with amazing culture and people.

Interactive public spaces in buzzing city of Hong Kong

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Thu, 06 May 2021 11:56:11 GMT

2020 was a challenging year for everyone and this year is no different. Social distancing became the norm, where a plastic plate divides our dining table… but if anything, this time has actually brought all of us together. Community spirit is becoming key to experiencing the togetherness even when people cannot be physically close to each other. Public space is being put to good use to bring the community spirit out.

Public space is defined as a space where everyone and anyone, regardless of their background, can enter and spend time at, while private spaces are owned by particular people or organisations, and are usually meant for personal/private use. Hong Kong is known for being a sleepless city where simultaneous gathering happens, where people get to experience the mixture of culture, information, and fun. It is within the public open spaces of this city where the idea of community spirit is mostly reflected, and needed as a place to relax, gather and have fun. The densely populated and built up nature of the city of Hong Kong puts more emphasis on the need for these interactive public spaces.

With half of the city’s households living in very small houses, it is extremely important for the city to provide a place like this. One of the popular go-tos for locals and visitors is West Kowloon Cultural District, a landscaped park that has the most exciting elements of outdoor public space. The green open space is facing the famous million dollar view of the harbour with abundant greens in the background with walking and cycling paths. West Kowloon Cultural District is the perfect venue for open-air music, dance and theatre performances, art exhibitions and other cultural events. Freespace Fest, Hong Kong's most innovative outdoor arts festival, started in 2012 at West Kowloon Cultural District. The event is a two-day festival that presents the very best local and international acts in music, dance, literary arts, physical theatre and a whole host of activities for people to participate, perform and play.

These kinds of events experiment the possibilities of which public space can offer. Bringing people together and reinforcing the message that the district is developed for all the people of Hong Kong with different backgrounds and interests where it also acts as incubators for developing and nurturing talents in arts for all kinds of people. Inspired by all this, it is important to consider the limited physical condition, especially in the current climate of Covid-19. However it is for sure that these spaces enable people to connect even with certain distances between people.

Science and Art go hand-in-hand

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Mon, 03 May 2021 11:26:03 GMT

STEAM is an educational approach to enhance better learning for children. It incorporates the arts into the well-known STEM model, which stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STEAM programs can incorporate any of the visual or performing arts, such as painting, writing and dancing.

Conventional teaching mainly by classroom lectures is perhaps an effective means of transmitting a large volume of information to students. It is, however, inadequate in modern learning which requires students to acquire life-long learning skills. STEAM approach redefines the role of students and teachers, and requires students to take on learning in their own hand, set their own learning goal, and design their own learning process.

Take a look down on your table. Do you have your must-have items with you - including your iPhone? iPhone, one of the greatest inventions of all time - says the Millennials when they were teenagers - is a product of STEAM. Combining engineering, technology and yes, the arts. We all have once heard the story of Steve Jobs. The technology and design of iPhone indeed combine each essences of STEAM, but also the whole interdisciplinary approach has helped create innovations like such. This educational approach helps students to:

Ask questions
Connect the dots
Problem solve
Think creatively
Be innovative

Just like how Steve Jobs was. So will you be the next Jobs?

Incorporating the arts into STEAM is important as the students will have more flexibility in understanding the hard sciences - science, technology, engineering and mathematics from a different point of view, not just the regular textbook style. Arts and artistic mediums help increase engagement between students and the subjects, often allowing them to enjoy and become eager to learn.

Another pro about implementing STEAM into daily education is that children have the opportunity to learn how all things are connected to each other. This style of learning – and teaching – allows students to actually experience rather than just studying the concepts. Students gain a better understanding of how core concepts relate to each other in real life.

Arts create a non-pressured environment for the children, where they are allowed to explore the concept themselves. In Hong Kong, some schools try to implement this very hands-on style of teaching. In some International schools in Hong Kong, “students will frequently be called upon to gather supplies, construct models, and test designs.” They also utilize both spaces “in and outside the classroom.” A great example for STEAM learning is a science experiment where students get to build their own parachutes from scratch, and actually test it out from the highest floor at school. Students will place an egg, or a small jar with a letter inside, and learn about the concept of gravity, and the impact of it for drifting parachutes in different shapes and sizes. It enables students to enjoy the whole process - from designing to executing, and finally learning.

活化香港，由歷史文化遺跡開始

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 02:36:13 GMT

在過去的一百五十年，香港由一個細小的鄉村發展成為現在的國際金融都會。維多利亞港現代化的高樓林立，和香港傳統古老建築形成鮮明的對比。經過時間的洗禮，部分歷史建築文物逐漸消失。

為了社會發展和城市保育，香港政府在2007年發佈了一系列保育政策，推行多項措施，鼓勵非牟利社會組織機構申請使用政府所有的歷史文化建築作為社會企業，以旅舍、咖啡館、高等教育學院、酒店、訓練營和文化中心等方式重新營運，希望透過保育維修，活化活用的方式，能讓文化歷史建築傳承下去。

最近最為人矚目的一個例子便是大館。其原身為前警察總部，活化修復按照最高規格修復，希望能夠最大地保留其原本的面貌。經過十年的努力，大館重現在眾人眼前。舊有建築群的基礎上，大館新增了兩座建築配合文化展覽活動，賦予大館新的生命和用處，將其作為一個藝術平台。大館不時舉辦音樂會、展覽及書展等等活動，更設有古蹟及藝術博物館，如《大館一百面》、《大館101》等專題展覽，希望能夠吸引市民、遊客、藝術家等等，在欣賞藝術的同時，探索香港歷史，傳承記憶。

經過活化，除了大館，牛棚、南豐紗廠The Mills、元創方PMQ都得以繼續傳承和發展。然而，香港還有很多值得保留的文化遺產和歷史遺跡，在城市的急速發展下苟延殘喘，要怎樣做才能達到城市和文物的可持續發展？

愛上古典樂：六步學會欣賞古典樂

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 15:45:33 GMT

在過去一年因抗疫需要，大家留在家中的時間比以往多，很多人開始學習新的技能或發展新興趣。有人選擇學習畫畫；有人開始健身；有人則開始去認識新的音樂種類。如果你也有興趣去了解古典樂，我們一起來看看要如何開始吧！

1. 從最經典的開始

古典樂至今已經有5個多世紀的歷史，要想欣賞古典樂，要從哪裡入手呢?

經典曲目就是不二之選。有些經典著名的古典樂作為著名動畫片、電影等等的主題曲或插曲而被人們熟悉，而且許多人聽到前面就能夠哼唱後面。最經典的古典樂曲莫過於貝多芬的歡樂頌、第五交響曲「命運」，或是莫扎特的G大調弦樂小夜曲等等。從經典入手，是最容易的開始。

2. 多聽多感受

一旦發現自己喜歡的旋律，不妨多聽幾次。不同於現代音樂有歌詞配搭，古典樂只有旋律，依靠不同的樂器講故事。第一次聽的時候可能未能真正理解樂曲的編排，多次幾次，從中感受和意會。每一次聽曲，你可能都會發現新的元素，古典樂的層次性、複雜性和多變性正正是其魅力所在。

3. 想像和理解

古典樂往往不僅是歌曲，還是在講述一個故事。配合想像力，古典樂讓我們透過作曲家的眼睛看世界。如果聽到維瓦爾第的「春」，你似乎就可以在腦海中看到一棵含苞待放的樹；聽到帕查貝爾的「D調卡農」，就會想起一場夢幻的婚禮。這些音樂作品之所以能夠流芳百世，就是因為他們傳遞的信息不受地點空間所侷限。了解音樂背後的故事，也能幫助大家去理解古典樂，愛上古典樂。

4. 探索背後的故事

除了音樂的背後故事，作曲家的背後故事也至關重要。雖然作曲家的生平介紹和曲目不一定有直接關係，但是當我們知道作曲家也是也我們一樣，是茶米油鹽的生活，是具有七情六慾的一般人，我們就能從他們的音樂中品味出熟悉的人性和個性。若是能夠繼續研習，更進一步了解曲目的創作靈感和時代背景，這樣子，我們對古典樂的了解就不僅僅流於表面，而是可以融會貫通聽出屬於自己的音樂故事。

5. 找到你喜愛的風格及樂派

古典樂有500年的歷史，無論是最受大眾歡迎的經典古典樂曲目，還是小眾的古典樂小調，你都一定可以在其中找到一個你特別有共鳴及偏愛的。不知道要從哪一首曲子開始的話，可以先回想是否有讓自己印象深刻的作曲家名字。另外亦可以從樂派開始認識，文藝復興、巴洛克時期、古典樂派、浪漫樂派、後浪漫樂派、印象樂派，以及現代樂派……找到你最愛的作曲家或是樂派，都有助你去繼續去了解及聆聽。

6. 找到志同道合的朋友

當我們遇到喜歡的事物，總是想第一時間和身邊人分享，不但是分享想法，也是分享快樂。一個對古典樂感興趣的朋友，或是已經在古典樂中徜徉多年的朋友，在開始欣賞古典樂的道路上是一大動力，互相交換想法，一起討論音樂，深入討論發掘到的新元素，或是共赴音樂會後討論剛剛精彩的演出，這不但是發展興趣的過程，同時也是在創造美好回憶。能遇到志同道合之士為共同興趣而努力，難道不是人生一大樂事嗎？

心動不如行動，馬上開始學習欣賞古典樂吧！

音樂形式的演化 - 從黑膠唱片到串流音樂

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 06:27:19 GMT

從黑膠唱片到60年代的卡式錄音帶；再從千禧年代的CD到今時今日的數位串流，音樂已被數位化，串流音樂走入了每個家庭中，音樂可以說是變得唾手可得。透過電話及互聯網，無論在上班的路上、工作或運動途中，所有人都可以隨時隨地聽歌，且不局限於一張專輯或一個歌手。若從音樂製作的角度出發，數位化音樂的好處更為顯著。不是每一個歌手都有資源去製作及發行實體專輯的，但是在音樂串流平台上，任何人都能自由發布作品，讓更多人聽到自己的音樂。

音樂串流對實體唱片的衝擊是無庸置疑的，但為甚麼有些一部分人仍然堅持購買實體專輯呢？

透過音樂串流下載歌曲雖然方便快捷，但是音樂檔案在下載過程中會被壓縮，以致音質可能會受到影響。反之，實體專輯除了是一個無損音樂質素的載體，更內附專輯介紹及歌手寫真等內容，對歌迷而言極具收藏價值。從打開包裝到將唱片放入機器，再閱讀唱片內頁文字⋯⋯這種實體專輯獨有的儀式感和享受音樂的過程，是串流音樂不能與之比較的。

除此之外，音樂串流雖然為歌手帶來熱度和機遇，但也產生了其他問題。2014年，美國歌手Taylor Swift 為了捍衛創作音樂的價值而大動作地將所有的音樂作品從Spotify下架，控訴Spotify沒有合理地分配利潤給歌手；Adele在發行歌曲「25」時，也決定不把歌曲放到串流音樂平台，她說到：「串流音樂有點像是用完即丟，我知道串流音樂是個趨勢，但我相信這不是消費音樂的唯一方法。我沒有辦法歸順於這些我還不知道如何去感受、去體驗的東西。」某些歌手還是希望捍衛實體唱片的地位，保護歌手創作的成果。

音樂串流擺脫了過去實體專輯的不便利，讓音樂更貼近聽眾，接下來音樂的載體還會再改變嗎？下一波的革命會在甚麼時候？

我們當然不能預測未來，但是我們知道音樂對人的意義有著很多層面，不管其呈現形式如何改變，音樂本身從來沒有變過，它和人之間的親密關係，它在我們生命中代表的意義，不會變。

Benefits of Art in Young Minds

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 16:21:17 GMT

It is no doubt that art has positive effects on human minds at any age. Art has been brought into many scenes of our daily lives including education and therapy. Art takes a form of drawing, acting, dancing or even writing, and is known to boost happiness through these various kinds of creative expressions. People who enjoy art intuitively understand the benefit of pursuing art, but what does science say about this?

Art is a key activity to productive and positive brain function. Many researches have found scientific evidence of how the act of art — whether performed proactively or passively — has a great impact on the brain. Exposure to art has a huge effect on neurotransmitters that are crucial to send signals to our mind and bodies which determines our actions and behaviors. Results have been shown that pursuing art increases serotonin levels, which helps in reducing stress. Art can change a person’s perspective and the way they experience the world in a positive way. Naturally, art education impacts overall achievement in both social and emotional development. Research has proven how art helps develop neural systems that produce a broad spectrum of benefits ranging from fine motor skills to creativity and improved emotional balance. Art is not only a fun activity to do, rather a fundamental pursuit one can take on.

Artistic self-expression contributes to building one’s positive identity. While there are many types of art one can perform, a number of studies have shown that writing — expressive writing, in particular, which requires the writer to narrate an experience and explain what affects it had on him/her — can help people to process through trauma and manage negative emotions. Just like visual expression, this type of writing allows people to understand and accept negative events that cannot be changed and integrate them as their own life’s story, creating meaning for these events that were traumatizing — such as a serious medical diagnosis, a loved one’s death, or a violent experience.

As the breadth of the recent pandemic became apparent, we see young people feeling bored, frustrated and confused in coping with the new norm. As the way of communicating and interacting have changed during this period of quarantine, especially those in their teens are now experiencing isolation and a strong sense of fear. Both creating or consuming art can be good time consuming activities that people can do while locked down. Through creativity and imagination, we find our identity and our reservoir of healing. The more we understand the relationship between creative expression and healing, the more we will discover the healing power of the arts. We encourage people to be creative even at home during this tough time. Take out your pen — or laptop — and see where art takes you.

Hong Kong’s vanishing signs

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 09:07:06 GMT

Hong Kong is famous for its distinctive and vibrant neon signs. But could these lights go out? Neon lights have been found everywhere in Hong Kong’s nightlife for decades, each and every corner of the city basking in their funky lights. The use of neon lights became wildly popular as a new advertisement method during the 1950s, when the economy of the city started growing.

Some of these neons have been around for a few decades, witnessing the change of landscape and history in the land of Hong Kong. Hong Kong neon has now become a part of our heritage both visually and culturally. Its beautiful appearances deserve to be seen and known, or discussed about more often before it completely disappears.

Yes, signs that are hanging over the street have been disappearing rapidly. As the technology improves, lights are now being replaced by LED, and some are even taken away by new developers who have purchased the old buildings. The type of promotion has been changing since everything has been shifting to online platforms. It didn’t help once the government regulations changed with its new size restrictions in the 1990's. Unfortunately the biggest concern is that once these art footprints of history disappear, it can no longer be easily recreated let alone preserving them.

When Hong Kong lost its old signs, what did we do? We came back with new ones. Now, Hong Kong artists are showcasing new neon sign forms - a little bit modern, but with that nostalgic taste and in LED! It is our way to embrace art and protect our own culture. There are even classes that offer people to learn how to make their own LED lights. Just like we always do, us Hong Kongers will always find a way to make it happen. So as FIF too. That's how we grow and learn, here at FIF.

*Hong Kong neon combines the old and retro advertising billboards that are inherited from Chinese culture, and then combined with western techniques and aesthetics that actually represents the uniqueness of Hong Kong. At FIF, we aim to embrace diversity within art and culture.

Sustainable Art: Why and How

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 04:17:20 GMT

If you are an artist or collector, or even a self-claimed art lover, you probably have heard of the new terminology called “sustainable art.”

As the world has been rapidly moving to the idea of living green, its trend in art is no exception. People have a deeper understanding of the need to protect Mother Earth and we are seeing more artists embrace this value and reflect it in the work of their art. So what is sustainable art? The concept of sustainability in art can be defined in various ways.

L argely we can divide it into two types:

Artwork that reflects current environmental issues
Work done by Eco Artists, where the materials and studio practices have a green footprint or are primarily made using recycled materials.

Earth’s climate is rapidly changing, and not for the better. Global temperatures have been rising, and we have all witnessed the series of storms, droughts, floods, and fires around the world over the past decade. Climate change not only impacts mother nature, but also heavily affects human society and wellbeing. As an individual in one society and community, it is our role to be aware and to know what to do - take action. Humans experience the world through sensation thus visual information is crucial. Issues have been shown through images and videos in social media stating our current global state. Unfortunately, we are all guilty of continuing to scroll our screens to see something much more eye-catchy and entertaining such as your photogenic food plate from the new cafe you went to last week, that make-up tutorial by a famous influencer or your favorite singer posting his selfie.

Here is where ‘sustainable art’ comes in, a pleasant eye candy, but not your usual visual stimulation - it has lessons or values to be told. Sustainable art represents innovation and environmental awareness, in the most beautiful way. While sustainability requires us to reflect on how we consume and create - including designing art - it also provides the opportunity for artists and designers to rethink their approach. Sustainable art combines science and design for the benefit of both the audience and the environment. For art lovers, such new forms of art invite our friends and family, and the whole Hong Kong to participate in taking interest in sustainable art. Together, art makes collective dialogues. We believe that knowledge is power. When people become more aware of the global issues, we can do more. Because in the end, we only have one planet Earth.

Fusion food - Hong Kong’s heart and culture in food

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 04:17:26 GMT

"PART OF THE SECRET TO SUCCESS IN LIFE IS TO EAT WHAT YOU LIKE AND LET THE FOOD FIGHT IT OUT INSIDE." Mark Twain

Taking a bite out of two worlds - Hong Kong has been enjoying fusion food way before it was trendy. Sipping milk tea at your local ‘cha chaa teng’ has been Hong Kongers daily routine, even at its busiest hours in the city.

Fusion food has started to become a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s culinary culture after World War II, when the cosmopolitan and westernized culture has spread due to the influence of the British colonization. The culinary options for the citizens have broaden ever since, resulting in various type of cuisines in the city. From fine dining to fast food, European cuisine took a prominent role followed soon after by Asian cuisine such as Japanese to Thai and Korean. Hong Kongers have embraced a world of culinary influences over the past century.

It is no doubt that Hong Kong as a city is unique. ‘Fragrant Harbour' has its own tantalizing flavor that represents the flow of history which makes it so special. Just like the people of Hong Kong, both local and foreign dishes are survivors of cultural revolution. East-meets-West flavor has now become the hallmark of local food culture. Its uniqueness, this Hong Kong way of life, is something we should pass on to our next generation.

AT FIF, we encourage our people to embrace and enjoy culture. Our cultural exploration doesn’t stop with art. We encourage all children and adults to seize any opportunities to learn about their roots, and food is always the best start. Even the billion dollar scenery won’t be amusing with an empty stomach, right? Hong Kong will take you on with a gastronomic adventure that will ensure you to take advantage of the full range of fabulous fusion dishes that this city has to offer.

* FIF commits to making decisions with our collective wellness and safety as our primary goal, in full transparency. Please dine according to government/health authorities/restaurants restrictions. We welcome feedback, as well as any questions + concerns to continue to grow.

Street art vs vandalism.

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 15:12:03 GMT

Hong Kong has numerous spots of street art around the city. It’s what makes Hong Kong colorful and photogenic, where all our sassy friends come out to take their shots for their social platforms such as instagram. As much as we love these artwork, we also cannot ignore the voices that claim them as vandalism. So where do we cross the line? How do we determine art and graffiti? In our current climate, it might not be so clear cut.

As the world becomes more diverse and creative, the actual reality is somewhere in between. People who create street art see themselves as artists, and they are expressing themselves on the canvas - blank walls on the street. And the grammar of graffiti – its media and techniques – is the basis of some of the most imaginative, beautiful and poignant street art out there, all with the blessing of property owners and communities.

While street art can be interesting and eye-catching, the risk of being illegal is always there. Without the permission from the authorities, any beautiful art is technically prohibited. The balance between encouraging creative expression and protecting buildings from vandalism, is extremely fine. How do we manage to achieve just the right blend of light and shade?

At FIF, this is why we think art education is important. Art is art because an audience recognizes it as art. The reason to love street art is that people take part in it. It’s a show to be enjoyed by audiences. FIF wants our audiences to be able to see art, participate in art and enjoy art. As Hong Kong is an expanding art hub, we want to become the bridge between the people and creativity in this city. We focus on social conscience, commentary, criticism, humor, talent and thoughtfulness through our FIF events and projects.

For more details, look out for our Events page.

What is art education?

websiteforfif@gmail.com (FIF HK) — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 15:07:46 GMT

Art Education means different things to different people.
At FIF, we believe that art education is an opportunity to nurture people to find truth through imagination, effort, collaboration, and cultural literacy.

FIF aims to synthesize and spread general arts education practice in the city of Hong Kong with regard to this key question - How does arts education respond to the needs of future development? Our journey of spreading art in Hong Kong continues through the currently on-going exhibition hosted by the Hong Kong Museum of Art. #MissionMuseum offers an all-rounded arts education experience throughout the stories of 40 masterpieces from the Uffizi Galleries.

Whether it's a painting, recording, sculpture, building, or some other art form, a piece of art is the result of feelings from a certain time and place in history. Even just a brief explanation of that history empowers us, as an audience, to understand and empathize with artists more.

It helps to follow experts as they explain their interpretations of art pieces, because they've spent more time with it, and likely have studied the field. Similar to how a chef takes raw ingredients and prepares food, an art expert spends time with a piece and prepares explanations so you can consume art more easily.

Naturally, different art forms will have different types of explainers. Voice guides are great for art galleries, books can be helpful for visual art. If you have a friend who's extremely knowledgeable about the art form you want to see, go with them. It makes a world of difference. Today, FIF wants to be that friend to you and your friends. We want to be able to give you that push to remind you the balance between getting context and actually feeling the art.