Renowned painter Chow Chun-fai’s latest artworks showcased at Hong Kong’s Art Basel offer a mesmerizing journey back to the historical night in 1997 when the former British colony transitioned to Chinese sovereignty. The very exhibition center, where the passage of eras was marked, now displays Chow’s evocative pieces, symbolizing the city’s post-colonial evolution, which has witnessed significant shifts since 2020 with the imposition of China’s national security law, stifling dissent and prompting a wave of emigration among middle-class families and young professionals, including artists, seeking refuge in democratic nations like Britain, Canada, Taiwan, and the U.S.
Despite the challenges, artists like Chow have chosen to remain in Hong Kong, steadfast in their commitment to portraying the essence of their beloved city, even amidst uncertain boundaries. Ahead of the Art Basel showcase opening to the public on Friday, Chow expressed his dedication to capturing the collective memories of Hong Kongers from the late 1990s and early 2000s, a period marked by the city’s vibrancy and openness as a global financial hub.
Chow’s art, renowned for its clever reinterpretation of classic movie scenes with bilingual captions that prompt reflection on Hong Kong’s heritage and identity, has garnered attention both within and beyond artistic circles. Noteworthy for his political engagement, Chow contested against pro-establishment candidates in the 2012 legislative election and the 2016 election committee race, though he faced defeat in both instances.
At Art Basel, Chow’s masterpieces reexamine pivotal news events, spanning from the 1997 handover to the 2008 Olympic Games hosted by China, drawing inspiration from the journalistic endeavors of Sharon Cheung, a former reporter turned local gallery director. Notably, one of Chow’s paintings vividly captures an encounter between the late former Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Cheung, where Jiang’s candid response to a question about pandas during a 2002 U.S. visit is humorously depicted.
The artwork not only reflects Jiang’s amiable persona but also serves as a commentary on the changing dynamics between Chinese leaders and the media. Against the backdrop of increasing control exerted by Beijing over Hong Kong, manifested through the crackdown on pro-democracy activists and the closure of critical news outlets, Chow’s paintings stand as poignant reminders of the city’s evolving narrative and the enduring spirit of its people.
As the art world converges at Art Basel, Chow’s creations serve as a testament to the power of artistic expression in preserving memories, sparking dialogue, and capturing the essence of a city at a crossroads.
Several individuals were detained. The cultural industry has experienced a noticeable impact. In 2021, the government made modifications to its film censorship legislation citing national security concerns. Some filmmakers have opted to refrain from showcasing their productions in the city. Cultural projects that deviate from official stances have seen a reduction in financial support. Booksellers are engaging in self-censorship at the local book fair, while certain titles related to the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident in Beijing and certain political figures were withdrawn from local libraries in 2023. Cheung, who serves as the director of SC Gallery, remarked on the growing caution in expressing opinions but asserted that she and Chow will not succumb to fear. According to Cheung, art’s ability to create distance allows for individual interpretations. “Our aim is not to communicate a specific message to viewers. It’s more about the personal reflections and reactions that people derive from encountering these visuals,” she stated. Chow expressed his commitment to staying in Hong Kong despite the significant transformations occurring in the city, highlighting how artists who have navigated significant societal shifts in the past have created remarkable works. “In the current era of change, how could I, as a creative practitioner, not be present to witness and participate in these events firsthand?” he questioned.
