There have been more and more local artists gaining awareness, but the problem of art education here in Hong Kong remains to be strong. With student suicides being reported every now and then on the news, the pressure from the educational system and the society are still very vivid. While debates surrounding the correct ways for children to learn, and how much stress they should be presented with, continues; Cheng Ting Ting, a local art educator, and artist has responded to this matter with her collection of artworks.
Presented by the K11 Art Foundation, Cheng’s solo exhibition Enfante is now on until the beginning of August. Inspired by her students and her experiences as a teacher, she uses her paintings to “find the beauty and wonderment in the naiveté as well as differences that set each of her students apart.” Her canvases of “neon and pastel greens, pinks, magentas and cheery blues” depict “her subjects appear(ing) engaged and excited in the learning process”; yet, what truly lies underneath is her message of how the society “scrutinize and compare each child”. Reflecting upon her own upbringing, as well as the hurried childhood that children still experience today in Hong Kong, audiences who grew up in locally would definitely feel a sense of association, and hopefully, cause them to “reflect on their own values, beliefs, and aspirations for the next generation.”
For this exhibition, she has particularly included projections and prints, as well as her own art book which is “created by her young self, referencing a stamp collection book format, the assemblage is a reflection of her own artistic journey.” On top of that, Cheng will also be painting in the exhibition over a three week period to showcase her audiences her daily practice, “whilst closing the distance between the artist’s studio practice and exhibition framework.”
Enfante
28th June to 4th August, 2017
10am-7pm Monday to Sunday; opens daily
chi art space, 8/F, New World Tower 2, 18 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
