Tang Kai Yiu
What are the special features of your works?
My ink paintings are executed using various technologies and platforms including video, sound, installation and cross-media performance.
How would you describe the evolution of your style in recent years?
My focus in recent years are mainly on geopolitics, social-cultural landscapes and the artistic interpretation of topographical reality through the form of mapping. Through the “Impression Mapping”, “Pocket Park” and “Our Audible City” series in particular, I explored the mapping of cityscape, heritage and parks in Hong Kong to delve into issues like colonisation, urbanisation and how history is recorded.
Is some sort of chemistry created when you capture Western landscape using Chinese painting technique? Is it a nod to the east meets west character of Hong Kong?
I rarely differentiate art mediums based on notions of the East-West divide. On the contrary, “ink painting” is an artistic language to communicate observations and reflections on things around me. This feels more natural and comfortable for me.
Of all the places you have visited, which city has the best urban planning?
I have a special feeling for Zurich, Switzerland due to my interest in nature and historical buildings. These, however, define only my own preferences and do not constitute the criteria for assessing whether a city is well planned. Urban planning reflects, to some extent, the local culture and its characteristics. The objectives of a city’s design may be rooted in people’s needs or steered towards certain lifestyle habits. As the city evolves, its distinct features gradually emerge. So to me, each city has its own unique beauty.
How much importance do you place on the medium/mixed media that you choose for your creative process? Anything new that you would like to try?
I art medium I choose varies according to the theme of my work, as it is not only a creative tool but also the language through which I communicate with myself and other people.
Which area will be your development focus?
“Learning” will be my development focus – to acquire more knowledge about various creative mediums.