【Commentary】Art is more than what meets the eye
“As opposed to the common notion that art is a pretentious medium, reserved only for talented individuals and unattainable for the rest—creations don’t have to present impressive technical details in order to be deemed ‘art’. Art can take any form that expresses a creator’s ideas.”
Journalist: KK
Illustrator: Tendarken
Translation: Gustoefur
Editorial: Zucchhi, Fuigei, Flore Herbe
Now, what exactly is ‘art’? I once thought that art is untouchable. After multiple attempts to understand pieces of art, I was at a loss. I would watch works closely as if it would telepathically reveal its intended meanings, but it never happened. In frustration, I’d utter, “okay, then what?” A friend, who appreciates art more, suggested a new approach. “Just ask yourself if you enjoyed the piece.”
At the core of it, art is about a sincere expression of ideas from the heart, aiming to inspire onlookers. Sometimes when we interact with art, we’re scavenging for hints and allusions in anticipation of decoding a secret message with insights on our society. That isn’t necessarily the intention of the artist, nor the only way to consume art. By taking a step back from these expectations, we can create more space to simply enjoy the creation.
Ghost and John, the Hongkonger contemporary art duo, shared, “Our mission is not to put the black and white into our production to discuss the right or wrong. Instead, we have added relevant elements like Telegram where the emphasis is not on the content coming through, but rather the sense of receiving information through this medium.” In addition to approaching a topic with cold hard deduced logic, it’s also valid to share an emotional viewpoint.
Self-reflection is a really worthy exercise—what are my feelings? Ghost and John claimed that the creative process helps them discover themselves. “It’s a way to explore how I feel, understand my thoughts, and consider how Hongkongers living abroad would participate.” It is possible, as an individual, to feel that there are too many looming questions and become uncertain as to how to approach a problem. During those times, why not consider using art as an outlet to express these complex emotions?
The recent social events have generated many questions about all aspects of life and left Hongkongers in distress. Art can help us find ourselves within the chaotic reality. Last year, Anne held a free art therapy session for Hongkongers. “After I did a session myself, I discovered how much negative energy I had harboured. The art session helped release a lot of 'heaviness' inside me.” Without paying much attention to well-being, a person may reach their personal limits. It’s beneficial to reach out and find a close friend to share the burden, and that ‘friend’ can be art.
As opposed to the common notion that art is a pretentious medium, reserved only for talented individuals and unattainable for the rest—creations don’t have to present impressive technical details in order to be deemed ‘art’. Art can take any form that expresses a creator’s ideas. Anne said, “The current atmosphere in Hong Kong is so intense—everyone needs a break to regroup and recharge. The battle ahead of us is very long. We need to rest, or else we won’t think rationally.” Rest, in order to walk the path ahead.
Badiucao, an artist who supports Hong Kong, sees the power of art. “Art can heal, make people stronger, and revitalise to help us prevail against difficult challenges. During the movement, there has been newly produced art and music. All of those inspire me to create more, in order to raise everyone’s morale. Hong Kong is the biggest source of inspiration in my life.”
Art can be very down to earth. Polly is a Swiss designer who, along with her schoolmates, earned an opportunity to live in Hong Kong for half a year in a competition. During her time in Hong Kong, she saw Hongkongers’ use of physical promotional materials. With a love for paper as a medium, she greatly appreciates how Hongkongers’ use it to promote and communicate ideas. The Lennon Walls inspired her to bring the ideas of Hong Kong back to Switzerland. “I wondered if I can use art to let people know more about what’s happening in Hong Kong, so I decided to spend some time publishing a book. I journaled everyday, took pictures of the Lennon Walls from everywhere I could find, recording the fine details of what happened in Hong Kong.”
Candy Choi, founder of an art organization ‘Young Blood Initiative’, said, “In addition to donating money, I want to take action [creating new works], to show Hongkongers that we stand with them in solidarity.” It shows that solidarity can take shape in many forms. People have been able to share their thoughts broadly through their works of art, in order to bring more awareness to Hong Kong’s current situation. There is more to art than what meets the eye.
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