The first session of the "2019 Talks a la Taiwan" in Hong Kong will begin on March 29, with comic artist Ah Tui (阿推), community builder Ho Pei-chun (何培鈞), designer Xiao Qing-yang (蕭青陽), and installation artist Wang Wen-chih (王文志) arriving from Taiwan to give talks between March and June.
Established by the Kwang Hwa Information and Culture Centre, "Talks a la Taiwan" have been held for eight consecutive years to promote Taiwanese culture in Hong Kong. Scores of scholars, artists, and cultural professionals from Taiwan have joined the series, sharing topics encompassing literature, film, cuisine, fine arts, architecture, and the environment.
Ah Tui, who often goes by the name "Push Comic," works with multimedia creations, art toys, illustrations, and other works related to comics and popular street culture. His "Balézo" was serialized by French comics magazine KAMEHA in the 1990s, and he is a three-time representative artist at the Taiwan Pavilion of the Angouleme International Comics Festival.
On March 29, Ah Tui will discuss his creative process, from his sources of inspiration to the daily routines of a Taiwanese comic artist.
Ho is the founder of Townway Cultural and Creative Corporation (小鎮文創股份有限公司). To transform Nantou County's Zhushan Township, he has organized work exchanges (in which people exchange labor or skills for accommodation), evening temple runs, and other fruit-bearing revitalization efforts for over a decade.
On April 19, Ho will expand upon his formula for "small-town renewal" and encourage more youths to take an interest in the opportunities offered by small farms, regional industries, and traditional crafts.
Xiao is an acclaimed designer and a five-time Grammy nominee for best recording package. Since 1986, he has designed more than 1,000 album packages for Asian pop and indie singers and bands. In addition to album design, his works span book packaging, product design, and installation art.
On May 31, Xiao will tell the story of his first overseas experience at the age of 39, and how traveling since has expanded his creative horizons.
Wang is an eco-conscious installation artist who works mainly with bamboo from his hometown Meishan in Chiayi County. Although his woven artworks are dismantled after a period of time, Wang feels that the memories of these fleeting works are more significant than maintaining their existences for perpetuity.
On June 28, Wang will share his thoughts on using art to promote sustainability and community bonding, including his experience as a resident artist of the 2019 Setouchi Triennale in Japan.
‘2019 Talks a la Taiwan I’