Description

Ink artist TK Chan’s first solo exhibition that combines art and technology, “AR in That Bird – TK Chan’s Ink AR Solo Exhibition”, will be held at the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre from February 19 to 24. The exhibition displays more than 30 paintings, including 20 new creations on the theme of birds. It also introduces AR (augmented reality) to present four new exhibition experiences: ink animation, AR ink creation, AR guided tour and interactive games. In addition to appreciating TK's works, exhibitors can also participate in them and take photos with the birds they painted themselves, making the exhibition more interactive and interesting.

Art and technology inspire new perspectives on exhibitions

Audiences can watch the migratory birds dancing in the works simply through the mobile phone application; they can also participate in the creation themselves, bringing an unprecedented ink art experience. In conjunction with the exhibition, TK launched Hong Kong’s first AR coloring mobile app with the theme of ink art, “AR There Bird”. Visitors can color the birds and then use their mobile phones or the Vision Pro device provided on site to present their creations in 3D form on rice paper in real space, just like a bird flying before their eyes. This allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of birds. By scanning the QR code of the exhibition, you can take a photo with the bird you created yourself! The exhibition also features interactive games that combine learning with entertainment, allowing visitors to learn about birds through games; AR guide books are also available on site to add to the fun of visiting the exhibition.

Migratory birds in paintings to raise awareness of wetland ecology

TK is good at painting animals. His representative works include "Rooster Family", "Happy Dog" and "The Twelve Chinese Zodiac Signs". His works have been exhibited in London, Edinburgh, Wales, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Singapore, South Korea, Jakarta and other places, and have been favored by international collectors. The bird series in this exhibition is inspired by the Hong Kong Wetland Park. Hong Kong is located along the East Asian Flyway for migratory birds, with more than 550 species of birds stopping here every year. However, wetland and bird ecology have been neglected for many years. To create these bird works, TK visited the Hong Kong Wetland Park many times to observe the habitats and migration processes of migratory birds. He also communicated with the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society to gain a deeper understanding of bird habits. He turned his observations into brushstrokes, injecting the birds' lively postures into the ink and wash, hoping to arouse the public's attention to wetland conservation.

Some of the exhibits

Friendship by the pond

The painting beautifully captures the harmonious coexistence between migrating birds and humans in the fish ponds, and even includes elements such as rainfall, drying ponds, duck ponds and rivers in the artificial wetlands, showing the symbiotic relationship between nature and human efforts, which is in sharp contrast to the city skyscrapers in the background.

Harmony of Migration

The work depicts a harmonious scene of migratory birds and resident birds that remain in Hong Kong gathering leisurely beside the wetlands, with each bird displaying its unique feathers and colors, symbolizing the beauty of the breeding season. The work expresses the artist’s vision of bird longevity and intergenerational reproduction, emphasizing the coexistence of all living things.

Diptych "Distance"

The work shows the flight path of winter migratory birds through East Asia. It is 3 meters long and combines traditional artistic techniques with modern visual elements. The work depicts a variety of migratory birds soaring through different cities and seasons, symbolizing the interconnectedness between ecosystems. It not only shows the intricate relationship between urban architecture and the natural environment, but also emphasizes the importance of protecting migratory bird habitats.

Diptych "Wings of Hope: The Flight of Migratory Birds"

Using the perspective of a bird flying in the sky, this film depicts the disappearance of the San Tin Fishpond Wetland in Hong Kong. Migratory birds glide over Hong Kong, seeking out important wetlands where they can rest and rejuvenate during their spectacular East Asia-Australasian migration. The work encourages people to actively explore how to create sustainable spaces, support wildlife and communities, and shoulder the shared responsibility of maintaining ecological balance.