In the past two decades, different scale of public, non-profit, and private art spaces and institutions have taken root in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has also become the most active city for art auctions in the world, which is a symbol of Hong Kong's art development. So how has Hong Kong art developed to this day?

As early as the 1940s and 1950s , many Chinese intellectuals and artists often came to Hong Kong, which was a British colony after WWII, and they have brought over the Lingnan painting style from Beijing, Shanghai and other places to Hong Kong. As early as the 1940s and 1950s , many Chinese intellectuals and artists often came to Hong Kong, which was a British colony after WWII, and they have brought over the Lingnan painting style from Beijing, Shanghai and other places to Hong Kong. Although the mainstream at that time lean towards Western cultures and the painting circle pays more attention to Western paintings, the original Western works was rarely exhibited in Hong Kong. Only a few overseas painters teach painting in classes, and most of local painters can only learn by imitation. Therefore, art with the base of Chinese Lingnan painting characteristics has absorbed the elements of Western culture, and the style has gradually developed in Hong Kong. This is the preliminary stage of Hong Kong art.

The late 1950s and 1960s were the decades of growth of Hong Kong art. Due to the economic transformation and hence rapid development, local and popular cultures rose accordingly. Many cultural institutions, art organizations and important painting associations were established one after another, such as the Modern Literature and Art Association (現代文學美術協會) and the Circle Group (中元畫會). In addition to the establishment of the Art Department of New Asia College in the late 50s, which formally introduced arts to higher education, different art education courses were also set up around that time. The Hong Kong Museum of Art was officially established in 1963 and became the first authority of art exhibition venue in Hong Kong. It has a positive effect on the promotion of local cultures and arts and facilitated the awakening process in Hong Kong. In terms of artists, Lui Shou-kwan, Hon Chi-fun, Wucius Wong, Cheung Yee, and Van Lou were influenced by Western cultures and they combined the concepts of Western modern art with Chinese ink and calligraphy, as a mean of expression and have created a unique style of Hong Kong art. This was one of the major driving forces of the development of Hong Kong art in the 60s.

Since then, the development of ink painting has become more and more active. "The New Ink Movement", initiated by Mr. Lui Shou-kwan, was formed in Hong Kong and new ink painting replaced western oil painting as the leading art style in 1970s. These contemporary ink paintings were based on Eastern arts which advocate traditional Chinese philosophy and have added the Western modern abstract element. The experimental and innovative ink painting style became the characteristic of Hong Kong art. Therefore the New Ink Movement was regarded as one of the historical milestones of Hong Kong art. This movement also represents the exploration and construction of the cultural identity of Hong Kong artists, and this has an inseparable relationship with Hong Kong cultures.

In 1980s and 1990s, following the worldwide trend, Hong Kong art transformed from “Modern” to “Post-modern”, and started showing spirit of caring for society, humanity, and realism. At that time, Hong Kong experienced a major historical change. The artists discussed Hong Kong more deeply in history and culture through their artworks, especially in the social aspect, current affairs, and people’s livelihood, etc. The media of artworks used are no longer just paintings, but also sculptures and installations, and artists even begin to explore new media such as photography and video. Since 1990s, independent art institutions have been established, which can further promote the development of Hong Kong art.

Today, in the 21st century, the development of contemporary art in Hong Kong has become more mature. Hong Kong artists and artworks have participated in various overseas exhibitions, which are widely recognised by art circles around the world. Besides, Hong Kong has hosted many global art festivals, attracted people from all over the world. Hong Kong has become one of the active cities in art auctions. Apart from the recent reopening of The Hong Kong Museum of Art, other iconic visual arts exhibition venues such as M+ Museum and Tai Kwun Contemporary Art Museum have also been established in recent years. Together with many independent art institutions, Hong Kong has many wonderful art exhibitions, and the number of visitors is also being able to show that Hong Kong contemporary art is increasingly valued.

References

CLARKE, David. Hong Kong Art: Culture and Decolonization. Hong Kong University Press, 2001.
HA THUC, Caroline. Contemporary Art in Hong Kong. Asia One Books, Nouvelles Editions Scala, 2013.
HINTERTHUER, Petra. Modern Art in Hong Kong. Myer Publishing Ltd, 1985.
WONG, Michelle. Navigating Art History in Hong Kong. Asia Art Archive in America, 2014.
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