The work of three artists, each originally from Hong Kong and each with a very different style and focus, is on exhibition at te tuhi - the mark. The exhibition by the self-titled Hong Kong Boys is on show in the Centre Gallery from the 13th of July. The painters, who immigrated to New Zealand from Hong Kong in the 1990s, found themselves living not too far away from each other in Manukau City and have joined forces to create the exhibition. The Hong Kong Boys are Fred Choi, Jim Kong and Freeman Hau.
Fred Choi works in watercolour, producing work expressive, colourful work. Fred was a fulltime artist in Hong Kong and also lectured there at a prominent arts school. He enjoyed horse-racing in Hong Kong and has created many works on the subject. On arriving in New Zealand, he discovered and loved the New Zealand scenery so much that this has also become a focus of his work.
Jim Kong was born in Hong Kong, and trained as an artist there. Since migrating to New Zealand in 1990, he has continued to paint. Jim specialises in forest and bush scenes, painted in oils. He has become fascinated in the rainforests and bush in New Zealand and strives to depict the variety of tree types, the light, colour and wetness of the native forests.
Freeman Hau was born in Hong Kong and studied fine arts for many years. He also has a background in Graphic Design and Photography. After immigrating to New Zealand in 1993, he explored New Zealand widely, gaining inspiration from his experiences of diving and fishing in New Zealand. In recent years, his works have demonstrated a strong interest in figure painting, as well as environmental concerns, which he expresses in a distinctive pointillist style.