Returning to the city where I was born, Hong Kong, I met up with artist Chow Ciao Chow whom I first knew as Steven and a fashion design student. After years of having lost touch, we reconnected via Instagram and he told me we met years ago through a mutual friend and hung out in Hong Kong. Returning to this amazing city, I took the opportunity to interview this rising artist with a uniquely queer and Asian perspective.
Let’s talk about your early journey to become an artist. I knew you as a student of fashion design and how did you decide to become your fine artist? Did you always know you wanted to paint and do sculpture?
CCC: Drawing is my passion & hobby . Since I was young, I have loved to draw, but I never considered turning it into a profession, so I chose to study fashion design, as fashion illustration is also a subject I really enjoy.
Can you talk about your approach to creating art? What inspires you as an artist?
CCC: My works revolve around my life, the darker sides of human nature, memories, and things that cannot be realized in reality. Expressing emotions and telling stories from my own perspective truly captivates me.
Is your main medium painting and sculpture or are you exploring other mediums too?
CCC: Basically, my personal preference is painting on canvas . I have recently started exploring ceramics, paper clay, and mirrors, and I hope to create more three-dimensional installation art in the future.
Can you talk about the themes of your art? Is there an overarching theme to the art that you create?
CCC: Currently, my works are divided into two series: “Your Sunshine is Crying” and “No More Sorrow.” 🌞series uses a childlike approach to express feelings we have forgotten, the shaping of personality, and the sacrifices of growing up. The other series focuses entirely on expressions of crying, emphasizing that pure emotional expression
Who are the living (or dead) artists who inspire you and why?
CCC: Since I studied fashion design before, two brands have always influenced me: Comme des Garçons and Viktor & Rolf.
Recently, I’ve really liked Yayoi Kusama! I find similarities between Comme des Garçons and Kusama, likely due to their Japanese roots, shared curvature, red colors, and childlike wonder. In contrast, Viktor & Rolf had an innovative style during my fashion studies that subverted many concepts, which I truly admire.
What is one art project that excites you or you’re working on right now?
CCC: I have been using the used “麻雀紙” Mahjong paper to paint sunshines and look forward to the day when I can exhibit them all at once; I have already accumulated over 30 pieces.
Hypothetically, how much would someone pay you or you want for you stop being an artist?
CCC: Drawing is truly my passion. I do not care whether I become an artist; I am just worried about having too many works without enough space to store them. If someone is willing to give me life support, I would be happy to take a photo of each completed artwork and then burn it as a farewell.
What is one advice you would give to a young artist who want to do what you’re doing now?
CCC: Drawing is about pleasing ourself and becoming obsessed with my own works. We shouldn’t fear that the works resemble anyone else’s. We have the right to use all the resources in the world, and every moment we are influenced by others. Doing what makes us happy allows us to go further.
Follow Chow Ciao Chow on Instagram!
