Teen artist in Hong Kong gives back to the community through his work
Renaissance College student Kan King-lun talks about designing characters for his former kindergarten’s personal learning goals.
Kan King-lun displays his books and artwork at Small World Christian Kindergarten. Photo: Handout
Students visiting on open day at Small World Christian Kindergarten in Hong Kong’s Mid-Levels were welcomed by a special guest. They got to meet 16-year-old Kan King-lun.
King-lun is a Renaissance College student who attended Small World when he was younger. He returned to showcase the special project he made for the students. It was a series of 10 animal characters representing the kindergarten’s personal learning goals.
King-lun has been an artist for more than a decade. He likes using his work to support local communities and the causes he believes in. He was excited to do the Small World project because of his ties to the school.
“This is such a tight community, and a lot of alumni are still in contact. It’s the kind of community that creates such a close bond,” he said.
“Even after graduating and leaving, we still have this shared sense of belonging to the school.”
Community effort
In April of 2023, the principal of Small World approached King-lun with the idea of creating the characters.
“Each of these characters represents one trait, a personal learning goal created by the school,” King-lun said. “[Students] are taught to embody these traits through the characters.”
King-lun spent time at the school later in the year. He spoke to everyone, but especially the students.
“That influenced the creation when it came to designing the characters, creating the names and traits,” he explained. “It was very hands-on. We’ve had a lot of experience creating this together.”
King-lun’s characters include Charlie the Chameleon, who represents being adaptable. Daisy the Dolphin symbolises respect, and Leo the Lion represents being ethical. His favourite is Cooper the Cat, who symbolises empathy.
Last month’s open day marked the official launch of these characters. “I feel not only accomplishment but a sense of gratitude,” King-lun said.
Students will get to appreciate King-lun’s artwork for years.
They will see the animals in stories and posters. “The exposure they have to these concepts reminds them of the citizens they should be,” he said.
Spreading joy through art
King-lun started doing art when he was a toddler. Art is his passion. He uses it to connect with the world and show his support for causes such as fighting climate change.
He has partnered with different NGOs to help them spread their message. When King-lun was eight years old, he worked with Greenpeace to write and illustrate a children’s book about pollution and plastic waste.
He is also an ambassador for Greenpeace in Hong Kong and Taiwan. The charity recently asked him to be a judge for a reusable cup design competition.
Next, King-lun will head a project with Hong Kong Tramplus. It will allow students at his school to create designs for the city’s trams. Winners could see their designs used in real life.
King-lun will continue to spread his love for art through partnerships and collaborations.
“Every time I get an opportunity, it would be a waste not to use it to its fullest. I’m lucky enough to be in this circumstance. Why not do it?”
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