SOTY 22/23: Visual Artist second place winner finds inspiration in Hong Kong, family harmony
- Chinese University student Ching Hei-to said conflicts while stuck at home during Covid-19 made her think about the importance of family bonds and finding happiness
- One of her pieces depicts MTR commutes and how the city is densely packed, but full of sorrow
Chung Hei-to won second place in the Visual Artist Category of the Student of the Year (SOTY) Awards. Photo: Handout
When Chung Hei-to found herself confined at home during the pandemic, she found inspiration for her art. The graduate of STFA Leung Kau Kui College noticed the family conflicts from spending more time together and was inspired to create a picture book about intergenerational harmony.
With a clever use of Cantonese homophones for “trouble” and “grandma”, Chung’s story sheds light on the importance of family bonds and finding happiness.
One of her thought-provoking pieces reflects on MTR commutes. The work features animal characters Chung created, surrounded by children. Their expressions convey a sense of being lost, lacking smiles and vitality in their eyes.
“I aspire to depict Hong Kong, a densely populated city where, despite physical closeness, our hearts often remain distant,” said the 18-year-old fine arts student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
“This imagery encourages self-reflection on our true nature, inviting contemplation on why this city is filled with both sorrow and happiness, and how we can discover happiness within ourselves,” she explained.
Art is her means to contribute to the world’s meaning. “I cannot imagine a life without art,” she said.
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Chung’s work earned her second place in the Visual Artist category of the Student of the Year Awards. The event is organised by the South China Morning Post and sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
She hopes other students interested in art will not limit themselves. “Don’t restrict your artistic development” is her advice.