Yuman Ng and Alex Cheng: Unveiling the Intersections of Art, Culture, and Innovation

Eulan To represents CNTRFLD.ART’s Digital Arts expertise. These artist conversations are part of a series exploring the growth of the digital arts space in Asian contemporary arts, facilitated by the Bright Moments Digital Gallery dinner hosted by To and Partners at Art Basel 2024 in Hong Kong.

In this engaging conversation, Eulan To, CNTRFLD.ART's digital arts expert, delves into the creative journeys and collaborative endeavours of artists Yuman Ng and Alex Cheng. From the bustling art scenes of Hong Kong and London to their innovative projects and the founding of Wonderwall, Ng and Cheng share their perspectives on the evolving landscape of contemporary art. This dialogue offers a unique glimpse into their artistic processes, the impact of cultural influences, and their vision for the future of art in the digital age.

CNTRFLD. We met in London for the Altruistic exhibition in Brick Lane, and now again in Hong Kong, where you are showing at Fiona Tams’ Heath space. Can you tell us more about the UK and HK exhibitions and how they happened?

AC. It was our pleasure to work with Altruistic and Heath. Both shows are going great! I think they are pretty much the same as both locations are at the heart of the city, and they attract a different range of visitors to see the show. Both the UK and HK exhibitions contribute to a global dialogue, showcasing diverse perspectives and artistic expressions.

CNTRFLD. Can you tell us more about your work, growing up in Hong Kong, and how you came to pursue a career as an artist/creative? What was your journey to becoming an artist, and were there pivotal moments or influences that shaped your artistic identity?

AC. I have been working in graphic, product, magazine, and interior design since 2000. During the pandemic, we built Wonderwall, founded in 2021, an art organization based in Hong Kong. Its mission is to promote and nurture Hong Kong artists by organizing exhibitions and participating in collaborations. We aim to amplify the voices of local artists, emphasizing that art should not be judged solely by aesthetic principles but rather by its capacity to reflect the truest values of the modern world across various mediums.

YN. Growing up surrounded by my father Ng Ko Shek’s (吳高石) traditional Chinese calligraphy artwork was a memorable experience. Recently, we both participated in the CONTEMPORARY HONG KONG ART Biennial Exhibition, which felt like a significant moment for us. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked as a fashion reporter, fashion designer, and record label founder. However, my heart always yearned for the art world, a dream I’ve had since my youth, and I finally got into the art world.

CNTRFLD. On Wonderwall – Alex and Yuman, can you tell us more about this relationship and how you work together?

AC. It’s all down to MUSIC! I met Yuman during his record label anniversary show back in the day. I was working in the media industry at that moment, and we had the same thought about experiencing FUJI ROCK after the show. So, we went there three times, and we shared our visions of art and music during those three years. I guess this is why we named it WONDERWALL too.

CNTRFLD. Yuman is also a hat maker. Is this a new project, and what are the plans for this?

YN. I started Tasteless Hat Co. in 2014. I will have a new Panama Hat collection this summer and a very interesting collection using wool with some technology coming this winter. It will be a very fun project.

CNTRFLD. I’ve noticed more creatives and artists from Hong Kong in London. The BNO visa has made this happen! From your perspective, how has Asian art influenced today's culture over the years, and what is your opinion on the importance and impact of this movement in the global artistic landscape?

AC. Asian art has indeed played a significant role in shaping global culture and artistic expression. But I think it is very important to always keep the eyes wide open. Art is an open window for people to communicate and feel.

CNTRFLD. I was interested in how you write Chinese characters and words and then paint layers over this. This means there are unseen works, and I know of AI artists using x-ray technology to reveal undiscovered work. Usually, artists from the 19th century, when paint and canvas were expensive, would repaint over work that would have become lost. Will we see you using technology like AI, X-ray, or 3D to rediscover some of your work that has been painted over?

YN. I think X-ray is interesting. I like the X-ray machine. I always want to have one in my studio to X-ray my head every day, see how my mind changes, and maybe discover more unknown ideas.

CNTRFLD. Looking ahead for Yuman and WONDERWALL, what are your plans for the upcoming half of this year in terms of producing more work or anything in the digital space? Are there specific themes or projects you're excited to explore?

AC. We would like to explore more in our upcoming shows, in different countries, scales, and formats. A lighting show is one of the forms that I would like to explore. The interplay of light, shadow, and movement can evoke powerful emotions and enhance the overall experience.

YN. For my artwork, it depends on what I have and what I can use. The idea always comes from nowhere. I think I do not determine it.

CNTRFLD. How does Hong Kong as a city inspire your work, and what are the differences in living/working as an artist in Hong Kong compared to London or anywhere else in the world?

YN. I was born and live in Hong Kong, and I hate it, but also love it. In this contradiction, I am inspired by both hate and love, and many unpleasant people and places. I think living and working is the same thing. Living is the biggest artwork to me.

CNTRFLD. What advice would you offer to individuals contemplating a shift towards pursuing their artistic passions?

AC. No matter how hard it is, everything happens for a reason. Just keep doing it!

YN. Talk to your heart, listen to your heart. Don’t listen to others; they will never understand until you make it happen. And keep going. (Don’t listen to me, too.)

About Yuman Ng

Born into a family of artists, Yuman Ng was deeply influenced by his father, the renowned calligrapher Ng Ko Shek (吳高石). Brushes, Xuan paper, and Chinese ink were the memories of his childhood. His love for linguistics and words has grown stronger over the years. Ng worked as a designer and founder of an independent record label before concentrating on artmaking. Yuman Ng was born in Hong Kong. His practice includes oil painting and installation. He was shortlisted for the 2009 Hong Kong Art Biennale Exhibition. His work draws on fundamental themes of life, being, paradox, and the secular, combining emotional colours and abstract lines transformed from Chinese and English words.

About Alex Cheng

Alex has worked in the graphic and product design field for over 15 years. He set up Cosmos Design & Solutions in 2010, which is a one-stop design and production house providing services to corporates, NGOs, start-up businesses, and arts individuals in their brand positioning and related design development. In recent years, Alex has provided design solutions and website design and development for corporates including Samsonite, Chow Tai Fook, Asia Literary Review, and Liberty Asia.

Prior to setting up Cosmos Design & Solutions, Alex was the Art Director at Dream Cheeky Ltd., playing a leading role in design, production, and marketing. Alex is an expert in gadget and USB product design, being the mind behind some of the best-selling products in the gadget world, including the USB Piano, USB Missile Launcher produced by Dream Cheeky, and USB Mixtape and iFoolish produced by Basic Principles – a product brand under Cosmos.

Since the success of Cosmos Design Solutions Ltd., Alex has established Heed Asia Studio, where he spearheads all branding strategies and ensures all ideas executed flow through the music, F&B, and interior industries.

His latest work is present in Donnie Yen’s debut fashion eyewear brand, Tsuki Izakaya, and Moonzen Brewery. With Alex’s over 20 years of creative portfolio, his clients include a broad range of well-known and up-and-coming brands in Asia – from music and art to property, telecommunications, and other corporates.

Eulan To represents CNTRFLD.ART’s Digital Arts expertise. These artist conversations are part of a series exploring the growth of the digital arts space in Asian contemporary arts, facilitated by the Bright Moments Digital Gallery dinner hosted by To and Partners at Art Basel 2024 in Hong Kong.