Hong Kong Artist Chronicles Turbulent History Amidst Growing Tensions at Art Basel

HONG KONG -- At the prestigious Art Basel event, renowned painter Chow Chun-fai is capturing the essence of Hong Kong's complex and turbulent journey since its return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. His latest works are particularly poignant as they are showcased in the very venue where the transition from British to Chinese rule unfolded, representing a significant cultural and historical junction for the city.

Since 2020, the imposition of a stringent national security law by China has wreaked havoc on Hong Kong's legacy of free expression. This pivotal legislation has driven countless individuals, including creatives and young professionals, to seek refuge in democratic nations such as the U.K., Canada, Taiwan, and the United States. This mass exodus marks a stark transformation for what once stood as Asia’s beacon of liberty and artistic fervor.

In the face of such adversity, Chow has chosen to remain and document Hong Kong's evolving identity. His artworks at Art Basel invite viewers to reflect on collective memories from the late 1990s and early 2000s—a time cherished by many for the city’s vibrancy and its openness to the world.

"I've learned that many artists historically faced transformative moments, and being in one now compels me to engage with it through my art," Chow remarked in a pre-exhibition interview.

Best known beyond art circles for his clever reimaginings of iconic movie moments with bilingual subtitles, Chow prompts audiences to contemplate Hong Kong's identity and past. He made headlines in 2012 and 2016 by challenging pro-establishment candidates in legislative elections, although he ultimately was not successful in those endeavors.

At Art Basel, Chow’s paintings delve into pivotal news events, including the historical handover in 1997, significant travel by high-ranking Chinese officials, and the celebratory atmosphere surrounding China's hosting of the 2008 Olympics.

Inspired by significant news events, Chow collaborates closely with Sharon Cheung, a former journalist and current gallery director. Among his memorable pieces is an illustration of an incident where Jiang Zemin, the late Chinese president, chastised Cheung for asking what he deemed "too simple" questions about governance—illustrating the long-gone spirit of engagement between journalists and political leaders.

Another intriguing collection titled “Panda” portrays a lighter side of Jiang, capturing his amusing response to questions about pandas during a 2002 trip to the U.S. His candid admission of not being a panda expert underscores the historical shift in demeanor among Chinese leaders in their interactions with Hong Kong's media.

Fast forward two decades, and the landscape has transformed dramatically. Chinese leaders now maintain a staunch distance from local journalists. The recent cessation of an annual press conference by the Premier—a rare outlet for media inquiry—epitomizes the tightened grip of Beijing over the city.

In the aftermath of the anti-government protests of 2019, Hong Kong's cultural scene has sensed trepidation. The government's 2021 amendments to film censorship on national security grounds have stifled many filmmakers, while other cultural outlets have succumbed to self-censorship to navigate the new realities of artistic expression. Notably, local libraries have recently removed books related to politically sensitive topics such as the Tiananmen Square protests.

Despite these formidable challenges, Cheung and Chow remain undeterred. Cheung expressed, "Though expressions of thought have become more subdued, the essence of art allows for diverse interpretations. We're not strictly conveying a message; it’s about the personal reflections viewers gather from the imagery.”

Chow emphasizes his commitment to stay in Hong Kong, reflecting on the inevitable inspiration that comes from living through periods of profound change. “How could I, as a creative artist, not be here to personally witness this transformation?” he said, embodying the resilient spirit of those who choose to confront adversity through their art.