CREDITS:
Illustration of Fiona Tam by Maria Chen
All Artwork by © Fiona Tam
CNTRFLD.ART catches up with Fiona Tam, a versatile artist whose transition from traditional Chinese painting to contemporary photography showcases her unwavering commitment to creative expression. Raised in bustling Hong Kong, Fiona's early immersion in Chinese painting and calligraphy sparked her lifelong passion for art. This foundational experience propelled her towards a career dedicated to pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. Fiona shares insights into her artistic evolution, key influences, and experiences in Hong Kong, a city teeming with artistic inspiration and commercial vigour. Through her latest project, HEATH, Fiona aims to redefine the intersection of art and commerce, challenging conventional retail paradigms and fostering opportunities for emerging artists. Join us as we delve into Fiona's journey, exploring the fusion of tradition and innovation that defines her artistic vision and shapes today's cultural landscape.
CNTRFLD. Can you describe a little about yourself, your childhood, and how you came to pursue a career as a creative? What was your journey to becoming a photographer, and were there pivotal moments or influences that shaped your artistic identity?
FT. I grew up in Hong Kong and began learning Chinese painting and calligraphy at the age of seven. Creating things has always been a passion, naturally drawing me toward art. A pivotal moment in my journey was discovering Francis Bacon’s work, which I still believe remains unmatched in execution and originality. His art solidified my desire to become an artist. I started my artistic journey in Chicago and New York, focusing on oil painting before transitioning into photography.
CNTRFLD. Can you share any specific artists, movements, or cultural influences that have played a significant role in shaping your artistic style and vision?
FT. Robert Mapplethorpe’s photography profoundly influenced my artistic style and vision. I was captivated by the composition and theatricality of his works. They are minimalist yet encompass immense emotional intensity. He is the reason for my deep devotion to black-and-white photography.
CNTRFLD. Tell us about your experience living and working in Hong Kong. How does the city's dynamic environment differ from other places you've lived, and in what ways has it shaped your artistic vision and approach?
FT. Hong Kong, as one of the largest art trading hubs, is filled with auction previews and exhibitions throughout the year. This environment exposed me to a dynamic range of artistic influences and cultures. The vibrant energy and conversations with people from around the world are inspiring and contrast with the atmosphere of slower-paced cities. Hong Kong allowed me to understand not only the artistic side of things but also the business behind them.
CNTRFLD. We notice the concept of art/real estate behind the creation of HEATH. Can you expand on this?
The goal of HEATH is to challenge the traditional notion of a shopping mall by incorporating creative spaces and deviating from the cookie-cutter model. In a business-driven city, budding artists often struggle to gain attention, and I wanted to create opportunities for them to showcase their works.
CNTRFLD. From your perspective, how has Asian arts 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?
FT. In recent years, Asian arts have been pivotal in bridging cultural gaps and promoting cross-cultural dialogue. The impact of Asian cinema, art, and fashion is evident in various facets of global culture, highlighting its significance and potential to diversify the artistic landscape.
CNTRFLD. How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and adapting to the evolving trends and demands of the contemporary art scene or the current climate in Hong Kong?
FT. Maintaining a balance involves staying true to my core artistic values while remaining open to new ideas and techniques. I believe digital media can be incorporated into spaces through NFTs and virtual reality to create immersive experiences. The main challenge is keeping up with technological advancements, but the opportunity to reach a global audience and engage with new forms of art viewing and commerce is incredibly exciting.
CNTRFLD. Hong Kong being a key city for Web3 and Shenzhen being the Silicon Valley of China. How will you integrate digital media into what you do and what challenges and opportunities do you see in the digital art space?
FT. I think digital media can be incorporated into the space through NFTs and virtual reality to create immersive experiences. The main challenge is staying ahead of technological advancements, but the opportunity to reach a global audience and engage with new forms of art viewing and commerce is incredibly exciting.
CNTRFLD. Looking ahead, what are your plans for yourself and HEATH in the next half of this year in terms of producing more work in the art sphere? Are there specific themes or projects you're excited to explore?
FT. My focus for the next half of the year includes collaborative projects exploring various aspects of culture, including art, music, and fashion-related sustainability initiatives.
CNTRFLD. Can you discuss any memorable or challenging experiences you've had in your work? How do exhibitions contribute to the evolution of your artistic practice? How do you assess the audience's reaction to your work, and how does this feedback influence your future creations?
FT. The most challenging experience for me was not mastering techniques but searching for the right subject. The natural creations that I use in my photography are subject to chance, requiring a copious amount of time and patience to identify them. Exhibitions are essential for evolving my practice, offering a platform to experiment and refine ideas. Audience feedback, gathered through direct conversations and social media, significantly shapes my approach to future projects by highlighting what resonates most with viewers.
CNTRFLD. What advice would you offer to individuals contemplating a shift towards pursuing their artistic passions?
FT. Stay true to your unique vision and don’t be afraid to experiment. The art world is vast, so finding your artistic style may take time. Trust your creative instincts and be patient and persistent in your efforts. Networking with other artists and participating in exhibitions or art fairs can open doors and create valuable opportunities. Consistency is key.
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.
