Upclose: Eric Leung Shiu-kee
Eric Leung Shiu-kee is a veteran curator and a seasoned scholar of the Hong Kong art scene, best known for organizing the annual Fresh Trend Art Graduates Joint Exhibition. Returning for the third year to curate the Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong’s Young Talent Exhibition, he tells Evelyn Lok about the opportunities for local artists.
HK Magazine: How has the Young Talent Exhibition differed over the years?
Eric Leung: In the first year, the preparation time was a little tighter, so the theme was more of an overall review of what Hong Kong young artists were doing at the time. Our selection was also slightly “cleaner”—works were creative and groundbreaking, but still kept to more traditional art forms such as painting and sculpture. In the second year, it was a little more focused. Titled “Extraordinary Ordinary,” it was all about finding uniqueness through commonplace things in everyday life. This year, the works are a little more experimental. The theme is “Reveal”—all about expressing yourself. The artworks this year are a little more narrative-based: They express their views on the surrounding environment and society.
HK: Why should we be paying attention to younger artists?
EL: 10 years ago, it was pretty much just Grotto Fine Art which was showing young Hong Kong artists. Now there are a lot of art fairs that showcase local art—they provide greater exposure. Galleries often have their own fixed client base, but with fairs such as Art Basel, it’s the whole world. One reason is that their work is relatively cheaper, and it provides collectors with more room to imagine [how artists will develop]. Another undeniable fact is that the training young artists now receive has a stronger emphasis on concept: It’s more clever. They know how to package their pieces. The techniques may not be mature, but the works have a solid narrative, which satisfies the current trend in contemporary art.
HK: Do you see a trend with increased public art in recent years?
EL: The problem now is that the non-commercial art arena—with alternative art spaces and art institutions—has diminished in recent years. But what the alternative art space was doing before, commercial institutions are doing now. Today, any public space can be an art space: think JCCAC, PMQ, and the up-and-coming Central Police Station. There’s actually a lot more spaces to do and show art. Everyone’s focus has already moved to a commercial or half-commercial format.
HK: What is the main predicament in the current art scene?
EL: I don’t think more than half of galleries are earning money. In 2015 so far, the number that have closed are greater than those that have opened. It’s just like opening a cha chaan teng: once the rent goes up and they close, there’s just a change in name. Another fool will come by and open another one. The current trend is to move away from Central to industrial buildings or to Western district but once they do that, most report a loss.
HK: What are some of the best ways to find and support young local artists?
EL: Young Talent represents young Hong Kong artists who have expressed something which pertains to that specific year’s curatorial angle. But if you want to see the specialties of [universities], then of course you’d go to the graduate shows.
Don’t miss the Young Talent Hong Kong show at Affordable Art Fair this weekend: May 22-24, Hong Kong Convention Centre, 1 Expo Dr., Wan Chai, 2582-8888. $80-150 from www.hkticketing.com. affordableartfair.com/hongkong.