10 Chancery Lane Gallery is proud to present the 13th edition of HKFOREWORD in 2024, which introduces new art from Hong Kong through its latest art graduates. This year we have selected 13 artists from 4 Hong Kong universities, 11 graduates and 2 who are still studying. The exhibition includes painting, video, installation, ceramic, ink drawing, sculpture, animation and photography. The HKFOREWORD 2024 exhibition offers a new perspective on the artistic development in Hong Kong. It provides insight into the preoccupations and inspirations that are driving the work of local artists.

We are honored to present: Cheng Cheuk Wang Cody, Cecilia Chiang, Yuko Fukuba Johnsson, Fung Yee Tin Thomas, He Mingyi Rina, Ho Wing Wa Ernest, Inkgo Lam, Ellis Lau, Jennifer Lee, Li Hoi Yee Eilly, Wong Wan Hang Caleb, Yeung Nga Fei Alice, Valerie Ying.

This generation of artists has been formed into adults with a changing Hong Kong political landscape and COVID-19’s inundation on their lives. Most of these artists would have been in secondary school during the 2019 mass protests that have led to thousands of Hong Kong youth being prosecuted under the tightened National Security Law. “These moves have by and large ended mass public protests and silenced many Hong Kong residents who fought for democracy. Thousands of people, including prominent activists and students, have fled the city.1” Where last year’s group of graduates were emerging from the Covid-19 restrictions into a newfound freedom, the works had more colour, frivolity, and spontaneity. This year has taken a softer tone and expression. These recent exhibitions contrast with our 2020 HKFOREWORD exhibition which included a work by Felix Tang that painted an abstract of Article 23 and Sophie Cheung who created a work by erasing the Apple Daily newspaper. It seems that young artists today are veering away from the direct engagement of current-day Hong Kong issues.

The art showcased in HKFOREWORD24 offers a rare and valuable glimpse into the souls of our youth. This exhibition provides a window into the thoughts, concerns, and lived experiences of Hong Kong artists today. Art has the power to capture the zeitgeist of our times, serving as a lasting material for society to collectively embrace. In experiencing this artwork, we are invited to reflect deeply on the musings and creative processes of the next generation.

Let us take a moment to immerse ourselves in the artwork, allowing it to expand our empathy and appreciation for the diverse voices shaping the cultural landscape of Hong Kong and beyond.