Young artists decry a lack of exposure to 'rushed Hongkongers' Exposure can be as important as talent in gaining recognition in the arts. No one knows that better than Hong Kong's struggling young artists. And when an outlet, however informal, offers itself they are quick to grasp the opportunity. Jack Yim, owner of Tsim Sha Tsui's DY Club Cafe Gallery - an upstairs coffee shop that doubles as a gallery and performance space - said Hong Kong offered too little space for young artists to exhibit their talents, and combining a cafe and a gallery created 'win-win opportunities' for both. 'We've seen some really good works out there, such as singing and drawing, but these artists never have a chance to show their talents,' he said. 'When he first decided to open a cafe, a friend had mentioned the lack of art space, and he decided to combine the two to offer opportunities for artists and entertainment for customers. 'The reaction is pretty good - the artists get some good feedback and our business is doing well.' Young amateur artists Hay Wong Shan-hi - or H as he dubs himself - and Ho Pui-ching are under the spotlight at DY Club. Wong, a 26-year-old freelance illustrator and shoe merchandiser, is exhibiting his T-shirt designs. Ho, a 22-year-old Cambridge graduate who plays various instruments including acoustic guitar and piano, had his first performance at the cafe in the middle of last month, when he returned from Britain. But both had already taken advantage of another medium that has helped launch the careers of many new performers: the internet. They said they were invited to show and perform at the cafe after their work was spotted on web forums and blogs. Wong said it was particularly hard for local artists to gain recognition in the city because many Hongkongers 'lack the mentality' to seek out artwork. 'People in Hong Kong are superficial, they are followers, the pace here is fast and rushed, but reactions are slow.' Most felt art was not important or valuable enough to be worth time and effort. 'One of my good friends said to me about my art show last month, 'Why would your waste time on this?' He didn't think it was worthwhile.' Ho said people in Hong Kong were too intense and too busy to trigger his 'creative initiatives' compared to the British. 'People in Hong Kong are too rushed all the time, and the city is too busy, it's hard to compose.' Meanwhile, artists who have exhibited at business premises said more artwork should be placed in commercial districts to catch the eye of busy Hongkongers. 'Everyone works day and night and there's just no time to recognise the arts,' said Simone Boon, who displayed her alternative photographs - images she treats with a paintbrush in a process she calls mimesis - at the American Chamber of Commerce office in Central. 'There're a lot of empty walls everywhere, it's ideal to get exposure for young artists.' Movana Chen Li-yun, who exhibited vases and dresses made from shredded magazines at the AmCham office, agreed that Hongkongers did not take enough time to get to know the arts. 'Even in a small library or bookshop, it's good to get more people to see it,' she said. Both artists suggested more artwork should be displayed in commercial areas to attract different audiences in the city to the arts.
