ACF Arts - Catalogue

AN EVENING WITH ARTS. ACF CHARITY AUCTION SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024

ABOUT THE EVENING. Welcome to the American Club Foundation's (ACF's) First Charity Art Auction, "An Evening With Arts."

Our goal tonight is to raise funds for the ACF's Grants+ program that supports the beneficiaries of our 2024 charitable giving: A Plastic Ocean Foundation, Splash Foundation and Changing Young Lives Foundation.

Your generous support enables us to maintain the health of Hong Kong's seas with a ghost net education and clean-up program.

Allows us to uplift migrant domestic workers' physical, social and mental health through a free swim program. Plus, permits us to support underprivileged children with free educational and enrichment workshops.

PROGRAMS. Welcome Silent Auction Live Auction Raffle Winner Announcement Silent Auction Closes

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ABOUT OUR HOSTS. Andrew Work (aka MC Work) is a worldleading MC renowned for entertaining and energizing audiences from Madrid to Durban to Tokyo and all stops in between.

MC Mr. Andrew Work

Auctioneer Miss Audrey Lee

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He has MC’d for the World Bank/IMF, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and other organizations to introduce heads of state, business leaders, royalty, Hollywood stars including Carrie Fisher ("Star Wars”) and Nicholas Young ("Crazy Rich Asians”) as well as sporting legends including F1 Champion Max Verstappen and drivers Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez and Lando Norris.

Audrey Lee joined Christie’s Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art department in 2012, moving from New York to Hong Kong in 2022.

With her expertise and passion, Audrey has not only spearheaded Christie's inaugural global eCommerce sale, but also made significant contributions in curating and presenting numerous important Asian art collections, including Robert Hatfield Ellsworth collection, The Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, The Fujita Museum collection and the Palmer Family collection.

Audrey holds a Bachelor of Arts in History of Art from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master’s Degree in the History of Art and Archaeology of East Asia from the SOAS University of London.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN CLUB FOUNDATION. The American Club Foundation was established in 2019 to help create a caring, sustainable and more equitable Hong Kong. We work to support underprivileged youth, disadvantaged communities and environmental sustainability through our innovative Grants+ model, designed to help Hong Kong thrive.

We Work To Achieve Our Mission

Through Three Main Programs 3

OUR IMPACT IN 2023.

5,800

8

Volunteer Hours

Charities Financially Supported

HK$5.8M Funds Raised

300

Volunteers 4

19

Charity Partners

2024 GRANTS+ RECIPIENTS. Underprivileged Youth

Disadvantaged Communities

Environmental Sustainability

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LIVE AUCTION.

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Ren Zhe, “Earth Splitting And Skyscraping,” Sculpture (Stainless Steel.)

28 x 28 x 55 cm (WDH)

Ren Zhe Living and working in Beijing, Ren Zhe graduated with both a Bachelor’s and Master's Degree from Tsinghua University in the Academy of Fine Arts Sculpture Department. His distinguished appointments include Director of the Chinese Sculpture Society, member of Chaoyan District CPPCC and Youth Culture Promotion Ambassador of UPanda-Art World Tour.

Ren Zhe does not only focus on the specific form of the sculptures, but also on the spirit cast within the drama of the sculptures’ stillness. His works, though contemporary, are deeply rooted in traditional Chinese art, where elements from Chinese calligraphy and literati paintings can be found.

Abstract notions of flow and energy in their totality are personified by the concrete sculptures made of bronze or stainless steel, expressing Ren Zhe’s philosophy in art and life. His works represent an all-encompassing positivity, which from Ren Zhe’s vantage point, could only be achieved from within, starting with one’s self. There is a warrior within us, one which conquers, rather than is conquered, by the world.

How extensive is the sky and how deep is the earth? The warrior's inner spiritual strength is expressed by his awe-inspiring righteousness, his power to create a new world and his great ambition. Based on the dynamic beauty and rich connotations of traditional martial arts, the artist draws people into his works, leaving a profound impression and providing limitless scope for developing ideas through his unique charm.

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SKYLINE MOMENTS OF HONG KONG.

RAINB.W, “Pearl Of Orient No. 19”, Watercolor, 71 x 91 cm (Framed Size)

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RAINB.W RAINB.W (Rainbow) is an artist based in Hong Kong. She became interested in the art of watercolor early on in her artistic career.

With appreciation for its fluid, flowing properties, she remarks: “It is a medium that exudes life, movement, one that can never be fully controlled, yet wholly beautiful in its nature.” This intrigue initiated her journey painting watercolors of urban nightscapes, embracing the challenge of this unlikely pairing—soft and transparent, yet dark and high-contrast imagery.

Over the years, Rainbow has created numerous collections exploring light and color within varied environments. Painting is the medium through which she ventures to see the world with wonder; to see the world in all its glorious beauty and serenity, with awe.

In the last decade, Rainbow’s work has been exhibited and collected both locally in Hong Kong and internationally including Wan Fung Art Gallery, PMQ, Hong Kong Arts Collective, The Affordable Art Fair, and the Asia Contemporary Art Show.

Rainbow offers a dreamlike, watercolor exploration of the traditional harbor scene of Hong Kong.

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Francesco Lietti, “What, Not Enough?,” Mixed Media & Collage On Canvas, 100 x 100 cm (Framed Size)

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Francesco Lietti Francesco Lietti visited Hong Kong for the first time while traveling from London overland. Instantly, he fell in love with the city, mesmerised by its vibrance and beauty. The pull of Hong Kong proved too strong to resist; he was drawn to return and has stayed since 2006. When not painting in his studio, Francesco is probably riding his motorbike on the hills trying to catch a new view or travelling across Asia in search of inspiration.

Francesco Lietti offers a mixed media assemblage of the Hong Kong cityscape depicting the hills and tall buildings as night falls over the land.

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Celene P. Loo, “Reflections Of Hong Kong, 2018,” Oil On Canvas, 60 x 50cm

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Celene P. Loo Dr. Celene P. Loo is a self-taught artist and entrepreneur, credited with founding companies in asset management, e-commerce and fashion design. She is also the founder of the local NGO, Giving Bread.

Her love of art started at age five, when her drawings and handiworks were exhibited and won numerous awards. In college, she penned her own comic column at the school's weekly newspaper Harbus (Harvard Business School) where she combined precision ink drawings with satirical messages.

Twenty years ago, she began to exhibit her oil paintings in various countries. Her paintings are now in the collections of private homes, companies, foundations and churches throughout the world. Her works are on display in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, the USA, England, Italy, Iceland, the Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Her distinguished collectors include renowned tycoons, an Emmy Award winner and a European carmaker.

Hong Kong is renowned for its iconic skyline, with scintillating skyscrapers over hilly juggernauts and verdant parks.

This painting aims to capture the city’s beauty while reflecting on its status as an important trading and capital market.

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Richard Crosbie, “Night Harbor,” Watercolor & Gouache On Acid-Free Archival 300g Watercolor Paper By St Cuthberts Mill (2022), 40 x 30 cm

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Richard Crosbie Richard Crosbie is an artist and product designer originally from South Wales, UK, and has been living in Hong Kong for nearly 30 years. He enjoys sketching and painting, and draws inspiration from the local cultural surroundings.

Richard's work encompasses both urban sketching and en plein air painting created on location, as well as detailed works of art created in the studio. He employs pen, ink, acrylics, pastels and watercolors and is continually inspired by the many different perspectives of Hong Kong.

He has developed a distinctive style that is influenced by his design background, and celebrates the local details that are showcased in his artwork.

This evening seascape features a historically accurate, traditional three-masted Chinese sailing junk, set against a modern skyline background. It depicts the golden moment just after sunset when the sky still glows, while the lights of modern Hong Kong sparkle on Victoria Harbor. It presents the juxtaposition of old and new Hong Kong, while celebrating the city’s enduring spirit, history and legacy.

Wu Guanzhong, “Labyrinth Of Today,” Collotype Print On Rice Paper, 98 x 69 cm.

Wu Guanzhong Wu Guanzhong (1919-2010) was a master painter of the 20th century in the Chinese and international art circles. Born in Yixing, Jiangsu province, he studied at the National Arts Academy of Hangzhou, where he learned from Lin Fengmian and Pan Tianshou.

In 1947, he received a national scholarship for further studies in France along with the sculptor Xiong Bingming.

In 1950, Wu Guanzhong decided to return to China, and then taught at the Central Academy Of Fine Arts, Tsinghua University, Beijing Academy of Fine Arts and the Central Academy of Fine Arts and Crafts. During the Cultural Revolution, Wu was sent to the farmland of the Hebei Province for hard labor, yet persisted in painting. His works bring together the aesthetics of traditional Chinese ink and modern Western art, pioneering the unique "Wu Studio Style" and endowing us with a wealth of great classics.

In November 1990, Wu Guanzhong was invited by the Land Development Corporation to visit Hong Kong and capture his vision of the "Pearl Of The Orient." His pieces included the soon-tobe-demolished Deyun Tea House, Li Chit Street and "Bird Street," as well as the modernized Central and Tsim Sha Tsui areas. These works were exhibited in late 1991, with this piece, "Labyrinth Of Today," among the 20+ featured artworks.

Representing the bustling heart of the city, it depicts iconic buildings densely stacked against each other, forming geometric shapes like rectangles and squares, irregularly interwoven. Curved roads weave through the clusters of buildings; this seemingly chaotic yet harmonious layout reflects city's vitality. The artist employs color dots, geometric facets and fluid lines to create his vision of the Hong Kong’s urban landscape, making it the most rigorously composed among his similar-themed works.

URBAN MOMENTS OF HONG KONG.

Rick Lo, “Transit 2” & “Transit 3,” Pen On Acid-Free Paper.

30 x 40 cm, (Framed Size Of Each)

Rick Lo, “The Signs 1” & “The Signs 2,” Pen On Acid-Free Paper.

30 x 40 cm, (Framed Size Of Each)

Rick Lo Rick Lo is a versatile Artist, Designer and Lecturer holding a Bachelor Of Design from the Royal Melbourne Institute Of Technology (RMIT University) and a Master of Design from Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He has extensive experience in creative business and branding design, conducting workshops at institutions like Middlesex University London and Hong Kong Design Institute.

Known for his surreal, line-based art and augmented reality (AR) designs, Rick has collaborated with organizations such as The Affordable Art Fair and Greenpeace. In 2023, he was the Campaign Artist for the Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong and received the “Hong Kong Top Ten Artisans Award – Best Artisan.” His work has been exhibited globally and he has been featured in various media outlets, including Tatler Hong Kong and ViuTV.

The "Transit" series features visual elements from Hong Kong. It utilises Chinese calligraphy to symbolise the transition from one moment to another. Through the AR effect, the piece captures the city’s transformation from daytime to the sparkling nighttime and finally to dawn, with the cityscape gradually fading from view. This progression not only highlights the passage of time, but also evokes a sense of movement and change.

The "Sign” series explores the concept of transitions and journeys.

It encapsulates three distinct levels of meaning: the physical act of crossing from one shore to another, the temporal shift from the present to another time and the emotional journey from past feelings to current sentiments. The artwork visually represents these transitions, symbolizing the movement from Hong Kong to London. Through its layers, it invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences of change and transformation.

Wu Jianzhong, “Evening Glow,” Watercolor On Paper.

74 x 54 cm, (Framed Size)

Wu Jianzhong Jianzhong is an artist from Hong Kong and a distinguished member of the American Watercolor Society. His artwork has been recognized by both the American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society, earning him various awards.

He has organized multiple exhibitions, with his pieces being collected by both local and international buyers.

It is yet another day in Hong Kong, a closing of a day’s work. The fruit seller stall was luminous against the blue fall of dusk, glowing in their iconic red lamps. Staggering ourselves on the sloping street, we ponder which fruit our family may prefer. The everyday scene is what moves me, and what I paint.

Man Siu Fai, “Hong Kong Memory: Mido Cafe,” Watercolor.

76 x 56 cm

Man Siu Fai Man Siu Fai is a painter who lives and works in Hong Kong.

Picturesque landscapes, fishermen, farmers, old buildings full of historical stories, plants... all come to life with contrasting harmonious colors and bold compositions.

As the artist explains, "I am a storyteller and I welcome you to join me on my visual journey."

As an award-winning artist, Siu Fai has been shown internationally, with exhibitions in Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, the USA and Italy.

Nostalgic mosaic floors, old-fashioned ceiling fans, antique cash registers... Meidu Restaurant still retains the appearance of its opening more than 60 years ago. You may have seen it in Hong Kong TV series and movies. This is an antique tea restaurant with the full Hong Kong flavor. It mainly serves delicious food at affordable prices, combining Chinese and Western cuisine.

Go to the lounge on the second floor, choose a seat by the window, order a luncheon meat and egg sandwich and a glass of red bean ice. Looking at the scenery of Temple Street outside, you will feel like you are in the 1950s. The illusion of old Hong Kong.

Lisa Huang, “Pink Like My Heart,” Ink & Watercolor.

52 x 67 cm (Framed Size)

Lisa Huang, “Monopoly Anyone?,” Ink & Watercolor.

43 x 53 cm. (Framed Size)

Lisa Huang Born in Singapore with a professional background in Interior Architecture Design, Lisa is a self-taught artist in oil, watercolor painting and print-making. With 20 years in design, she applies her deft sense of perspective drawings, sensitivity to textures and juxtaposition of colors coupled with an unorthodox, undeterred approach to her paintings. These works suggest the broad field of vision, energy, movement and life one experiences only when outdoors.

Since relocating to Hong Kong, she has been obsessed with recording this city that is bursting with contrast at almost every turn – grit and glam, chaos and calm, spending every available weekend sketching and painting plein-air.

Lisa held her first solo-exhibition in 2016 and participated in other group exhibitions such as the Affordable Art Fair and Young Art Taipei. Her works have been collected in Asia and Europe.

Ever wonder how all our skyscrapers dotted this land in specific territories, like the game of monopoly? It was the evening of January, a new start of the year for everyone. A time where we map our future yet again and drive our ambitions higher than the sky.

Everyone knows the Monster Building featured in Transformer.

For me, it was more about the chaos its shapes offered. My heart was then and still is filled with the love of a new child, everything became uncontrollably romanticized in its color palette.

TRAVEL MOMENTS OF HONG KONG.

Yulia Shautsukova, “Morning Tram,” Oil Painting.

50 x 60 cm

Yulia Shautsukova, “Across The Harbor,” Oil Painting.

60 x 60 cm

Yulia Shautsukova, “American Club View,” Oil Painting.

50 x 60 cm

Yulia Shautsukova Yulia Shautsukova is a Russian artist who has lived and worked in Hong Kong for 14 years. Yulia’s paintings transfer the best of Russian oil painting techniques into modern art. Her work explores the relationship between colors and emotions. The vibrant colors in her work stimulate the emotions of the viewer to drive their own interpretation, creating a unique inner world.

Born in Moscow in 1977, Yulia Shautsukova developed a deep interest in painting since childhood. She studied art at the Crimean University Of Art and further studied at the Russian Academy Of Painting, Sculpture And Architecture in Moscow. Yulia travels widely around the world to search for new colors and inspirations.

Her paintings are collected by art lovers from many different countries.

Yulia Shautsukova regularly participates in international art shows and exhibitions.

While life in Hong Kong is all about hustle and bustle, the artist feels a strong urge to stop and take note of the treasured everyday city moments. These scenes consist of a beautiful shadow on the ground, special natural lighting as reflected by the combination of sunlight and skyscrapers, tiny details on the corner of a fish boat that catch the eye and the list goes on. These are what the artist calls the "special moments" in life.

Hermia Wong, “Vibrant City Vibe - Star Ferry Harbor Tour,” Oil On Canvas.

40.6 x 50.8 cm

Hermia Wong, “Vibrant City Vibe – Sampan Boat,” Oil On Canvas.

40.6 x 50.8 cm

Hermia Wong In 2021, Hermia Wong graduated with a Bachelor Of Arts with Distinction from the Royal Melbourne Institute Of Technology (RMIT) University, Australia (a joint degree with Hong Kong Art School.) She is a Hong Kong based artist specializing in oil paintings.

Hermia’s works are inspired by the environment and the mode of living. She says, “Painting is a subjective way of seeing. From my perspective and imagination, scenery depiction is my expression of emotion and it is a choice of interpretation, composition and colors.

Through my personal styles and imaginations, I explore the aesthetics of subtle reflection of reality.”

She is the recipient of several American art awards, and has exhibited her art in several galleries and fairs. Her artworks are collected by local and overseas collectors, including celebrities.

My series “Vibrant City Vibe,” captures the energy of Hong Kong.

The painting reveals the aesthetic of strong light and shade with my personal subjective vibrant and fancy colour palette. Through the unusual perspective, the iconic harbor view becomes graphical and surreal that arouses the imagination of audiences.

"Sampan Boat" is an iconic and retro transportation in the city, old but still in use. This painting explores the issue of connection between pier-and-yacht, land-and-land, people-and-people and land-and-sea. It also depicts the joy of sailing. The choice of the unrealistic color palette, makes the painting more organic.

Nathanael Kang, “A Beautiful Day On Victoria Harbour,” Watercolor.

40 x 50 cm, (Framed Size)

Nathanael Kang Nathanael Kang is an artist based in Hong Kong. Working primarily in ink and watercolor on paper. He uses his artwork and sketches to cultivate a sense of child-like wonder at the world around him and to find beauty in the "everyday." An Architect by profession, he is drawn to and inspired by cityscapes and urban spaces, especially in an ever-changing city like Hong Kong.

Nathanael is a member of the Hong Kong Arts Collective, a community of local creatives and has exhibited with them on multiple occasions. He has also completed commissions for local businesses and private collectors.

"A Beautiful Day On Victoria Harbour" is a watercolor painting depicting a ferry crossing the harbor on a sunny day, flanked by the tell-tale, iconic skylines of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

The dramatic clouds and gentle waves of the sea convey a feeling of "joie de vivre," expansiveness and vitality.

The Ink Trail, “Solar Star (2022),” Ink Pen On Paper.

32 x 37 cm, (Framed Size)

”The Ink Trail” Born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, Andreas von Buddenbrock has been drawing for as long as he can remember. After graduating from BASIS School of Art in Stockholm in 2011, he went on to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Hong Kong and the U.S. (Savannah and Atlanta, GA.) Following his graduation in 2015, Andreas worked as an Assistant to Swedish Sculptor, Anders Krisár in Manhattan, New York, before training as a Gallery Associate at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA/MoMA PS1).

Today, Andreas spends his time working as an artist and freelance illustrator in Hong Kong under the pseudonym “The Ink Trail,” creating images for both private and commercial clients such as FC Barcelona, Hang Seng Bank, AIA Group, Black Sheep Restaurants, Pacific Place and more. He is the author of the newly published “The Ink Trail: Hong Kong”, as well as the main illustrator of the "World's Largest Coloring Book," which was created in partnership with UBS (Guinness World Record winner, 2018).

“Solar Star” is a fine-line ink pen rendition of one of Hong Kong’s many iconic subjects. Since the founding of the Star Ferry Company in 1898, The Solar Star ferry and its sibling ferries have taken millions of Hong Kongers and visitors between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. This artwork was originally based on a photo taken of the "floating symbol of Hong Kong” as it was undocking from the Wan Chai Ferry Pier.

Judy Gee, “Hong Kong Taxi (Sheung Wan),” Oil Painting.

40 x 50 cm

Judy Gee, “Mr. Softee Truck At Stanley,” Oil Painting.

40 x 50 cm

Judy Gee Judy is a Taiwanese-American painter based in Hong Kong. She holds a B.A. with honors in Studio Art and Economics from Wellesley College in Massachusetts where she also completed a thesis in painting. She also holds a Masters degree in Communications Design from Pratt Institute in New York. After working as a graphic designer in New York City and Shanghai, she became a full time artist. She uses her art to pose open ended questions. Curious about ever shifting relationships with ourselves, our surroundings and with each other. Where the external urban landscape or commonplace scenes or items can reflect our internal landscape. We are all perfectly permanently impermanent.

Ultimately, she is searching for truth and authenticity.

“Hong Kong Taxi (Sheung Wan)” is part of the “Hong Kong Unmasked” Series, showcasing the city's simultaneous existence in past, present, and future. Traditional street scenes and textures weave layers of history, when the old Dried Good stores in Sheung Wan were the backbone of Hong Kong's economic power, revealing a neglected and overlooked past. With such a rich, complex and sometimes contradicting history, can we look backwards and forwards at the same time?

The “Mister Softee” truck is a nostalgic symbol of summer in Hong Kong. Children in Hong Kong represent openness about cross cultural dialogue and appreciation. Making the decision to leave what you know for the unknown is a brave and difficult one that comes with a lot of invisible baggage. Belonging is a state of mind.

The city’s seamless combination of cultures, old and new, side-byside, have survived and exist in a very divided world. Will future generations be able to see past divisions and continue Hong Kong’s legacy of building cultural bridges?

Ricki Huang, “Stone Slabs Street,” Ink & Watercolor.

32 x 42cm, (Framed Size)

Ricki Huang, “Golden Time of Sai Ying Pun,” Ink & Watercolor.

32 x 42cm, (Framed Size)

Ricki Huang As a professional Landscape Designer in Hong Kong and Australia, Ricki brings a unique perspective to her surroundings. Creating watercolor streetscapes and illustrations allows her to capture the essence of local communities and urban architecture.

Ricki's passion lies in portraying the vibrant scenes and dynamic streetscapes of traditional Hong Kong buildings. Inspired by the colorful, aged tenement structures, she sees them as not just witnesses of change but also as entities evolving over time.

Ricki's watercolor illustrations have been featured in the Raw Artist Exhibition in Sydney. Now she focuses on her personal challenge of creating "100 Watercolor Drawings Of Hong Kong."

On the “Stone Slabs Street,” the artist offers: ”Ascend one level, then another; a corner turns, a moment lingers and the heart experiences an inexplicable surge of emotion. Suddenly, memories scatter like fragments, as "Stone Slabs Street" appears to encapsulate certain cinematic scenes from our past along with the indescribable fluctuations of feeling. This is the pulse that youth imparts.“ On “Golden Time in Sai Ying Pun,” the artist states: "We are here to feel the sun. Stop and watch the cars go by, then look up and see the clouds roll by. Suddenly, the golden rays of the setting sun paint the road with fiery hues, dappling the road with a pattern of light and shadow. However, the streets are busy... everything is as usual. Then the evening breeze with a soft, rhythmic whisper will soothe the soul."

ICONIC MOMENTS OF HONG KONG.

Julie Progin, “Obsessions 2020” & "Obsessions 2021,” Giclée Print On Hahnemühle Photo Rag® Bright White 310 GSM With Deckled Edge.

70 x 100 cm, (Framed Size Of Each)

Julie Progin Julie was born and raised in Hong Kong by her Swiss parents before heading to Paris to study textile design at Duperré, and then to New York to explore product design at Parsons School of Design. After a few years working in New York, she came back to her Hong Kong roots to launch Latitude 22N and Julie & Jesse with her husband Jesse Mc Lin. Spending most of her life in Hong Kong has not only taught Julie how to perfectly dodge passers-by on the sidewalk, it has also given her a taste for the eclectic, for patchwork and for the bits and pieces that make up this incredible city. She finds inspiration in cultural crossovers to collate and collect the colors and patterns that fuel her thoughts.

The intricate and excessive "Obsessions" art prints were created between 2020 and 2022 as a response to impulses experienced during the pandemic lockdowns– namely, cooking and cleaning.

These highly detailed illustrations take their cue from the densely decorated “Mille Fleurs”– in Chinese, wan hua dui, (‘ten thousand flowers piled up’) – patterns traditionally painted on porcelain.

They were reshaped to embrace daily rituals of food preparation and cleaning.

The artist states: “To rid myself of worries during the pandemic, I delved into meticulous projects. Drawing complex and minute illustrations helped to take my mind off from any surfacing compulsions to clean and cook. Instead, I decided to transform these obsessions into humorous evocations of nature instead.”

Virginia Ng, “< windows >02,” Ink & Watercolor On Paper.

107 x 77 cm , (Framed Size)

Virginia Ng Virginia is a cultural artist born in Hong Kong, a dynamic city where the old and new collide, and lives and works in the city as a creative director. As she witnesses rapid changes, the artist finds that many cultural elements are fading away. Using ink and watercolor, she captures the shifting scenery and emotions tied to these transformations.

Her paintings aim to preserve Hong Kong's fleeting beauty—its iconic landmarks, vibrant street scenes and disappearing traditions.

Through her art, she seeks to highlight the city's rich cultural heritage and inspire a deeper appreciation for its unique character amidst urbanization.

From being alone to opening the window of the heart, it started with a pen and a piece of paper. The rapid development of the city is accompanied by the growth of body and mind.

Walking among the high-rise buildings in Hong Kong with a pen and paper, many old buildings are hidden in the streets and alleys, remaining as footprints of the years past. Large and dense windows are one of the characteristics of old buildings in Hong Kong... how many stories have played out behind them?

The unique brushwork carries the old feel of Hong Kong, celebrates the development of the city and is accompanied by the growth of the artist and everyone.

The < window > collection is a record. A memory as well.

Eleanor McColl, “Falangcai Love,” Acrylic On Canvas.

49 x 64 cm (Framed Size)

Eleanor McColl McColl's work is rooted in place with a focus on the urban environment. Her work draws the eye to the often unnoticed details of the city, casting the "shadows on the wall" of the modern human condition: often solitary, hardworking and hardwearing. Through manipulation of focus, her work explores the delicate points of contact in the otherwise ceaseless blur of the everyday anonymous citizen.

Of her work, the artist shares: “I take inspiration from everyday life, but I am also interested in referencing some of the cultural and historical elements that I discover when I’m planning my work - they act as a small nod to a moment in time that I would like to document, linking the past and present.

Falangcai - literally translates as foreign color. The bowl featured here is thought to be one of the earliest bowls using western enameling techniques, painted in the Imperial Palace workshops in the Forbidden City. Apparently the popular Kangxi Emperor (1654-1722), was famed for his deep interest in science and art. "

Lindsay McAlister, “Cantonese Opera #2,” Acrylic, Charcoal, Mixed Media Of Printed & Decorative Papers, Photographic Transfer, On Canvas Board.

40 x 50 cm.

Lindsey McAlister Originally from the UK, the artist has made Hong Kong her home and creative haven for nearly four decades. As the founder of the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation, she has been a prominent figure in the local arts scene for over 30 years, engaging in performing arts, writing, directing and producing to foster artistic expression. As a painter and mixed media artist, she embraces a non-linear creative process. Her work organically unfolds using materials like acrylics, decorative papers and photographic transfers, guided by chance and curiosity.

Through her art, Lindsey captures fleeting moments of perception and emotion, creating lyrical visual languages that foster understanding and empathy. Recognized for her contributions, she was honored with an Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1997, and elevated to Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2006 for promoting UK arts overseas. She is also distinguished as a Justice of the Peace.

This mixed media creation captures the drama and expression of performers, layering textures and colors to reflect the art form's rich tradition. Living in Sai Kung, the artist is treated to annual performances in a magical bamboo theatre. It is these experiences that inspire her work and keep her in awe of Hong Kong's cultural treasures. Art truly brings traditions to life!

Szabotage, “Day & Night,” Spray Paint, Stencil & Ink On Canvas.

50 x 50 cm

SZABOTAGE Gustav Szabo, known as Szabotage, is a prolific contemporary urban artist and designer from Hove. Szabotage studied architecture before relocating to London, where he built a career as an Architect and Designer. After moving to Hong Kong, he quickly gained recognition with sold-out exhibitions, solo shows, collaborative projects, securing private and commercial commissions such as Louis Vuitton and Roger Dubuis.

Szabotage’s work is characterised by bright colors and popular cultural references, delivering a visual language that is both bold and high-impact. His signature style involves layering stencils to bring life and personality to each unique piece. Szabotage’s collections span walls, canvases, prints, cars, sculptures, stencils and NFTs. One of his most recognizable symbols is the Koi tag, representing strength, resilience and good fortune.

"Day and Night " captures the unique duality of Hong Kong. A bustling metropolis—frantic, noisy and alive with energy. The constant hum of activity reflects the vibrance and pace of urban life. But, if you zoom out, Hong Kong reveals itself to be a city surrounded by serene waters, majestic mountains, and lush greenery, offering a striking contrast to the intensity within. You can immerse yourself in nature—by sailing, hiking, or simply enjoying the peace that surrounds the city.

Szabotage’s renowned stencil technique portrays this vision, using layers and contrasting elements to reflect the dynamic balance between the chaos and tranquillity of Hong Kong. His artwork shows the coexistence of urban vibrancy and natural serenity. This piece conveys the unique magic of Hong Kong, a place where you can experience the best of both worlds.

Pete Ross, “Money, Money, Money,” Acrylic On Wood Panel.

42 x 42 cm, (Framed Size)

Pete Ross Pete Ross is an award-winning Hong Kong artist, recognized with the "People's Prize" at Asia Contemporary in 2013 and named one of the "40 under 40" creative leaders of today and tomorrow in 2017.

His work has been exhibited in Hong Kong, London and New York.

Pete was born in Hong Kong in 1985. Captivated by the constantly evolving city, Pete was drawn towards architecture and its relation to people during a time of change and political uncertainty, as the territory struggled to find its identity and forge its future.

As a RIBA Architect with a keen interest in socio-urban interactions, his art focuses on his thoughts and observations of Hong Kong, and the seeming juxtaposition of the masterplan city and the unpredictable nature of people. His style uses traditional, detailed drawing techniques in contrast to urban stencil work. He brings to the forefront cultural mixes, diversity, memory and contradictions of city life, drawing from his own inspirations of Chinese and Western art. His work often references old ways of life, traditions and cultures against the fast paced perceptions of modern life and poses questions to the viewer of our own sense of belonging and identity within an ever-changing urban landscape.

The artist, Pete Ross, shares: "Statues in Hong Kong are sometimes passed by, lost within the city they stand. Yet if we stop and look closely we see hundreds of stories etched into them: The weathering of storms, the blessings in prayer, the hardships in conflict and the love in peace. The city flows through them. These statues answer our prayers for a better future and as objects they document our past - they become silent sentinels, guardians of the city both culturally and historically."

NATURAL MOMENTS OF HONG KONG.

Willam Furniss, “Nemo”, Photograph.

120 x 80 cm

William Furniss William Furniss is a Hong Kong-based Urbanist and Architectural Photographer. Born in London in 1970, he earned an Engineering degree from Exeter University before starting his photography career in 1991. He assisted notable figures like Patrick Litchfield and Terry O’Neill.

In 1993, a trip to Hong Kong shifted his focus from portraiture to capturing the city’s dynamic landscape, replacing the rural English scenes of his youth. His work evolved from straightforward film records to intricate narratives using multiple exposures.

Starting in 1999, William spent two years in New York refining his approach to emphasize pre-visualization and camera-only manipulations.

His goal was to create a subjective but recognizable record of time, and a testament to the belief that cities should be vibrant, enjoyable, sustainable places that enable a positive future on this planet. His work advocates for vibrant, sustainable cities and has been exhibited widely, including a recent solo show at the Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD) in New York. He won the Film and Analogue category at the 2019 International Photography Awards.

The photograph depicts the surface of the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter at night. Specifically the Causeway Bay lights reflecting in the harbor water. A reflection in water is a classic photo subject; with this, the artist dives as deeply as possible into abstraction and entropy, to express the importance of Hong Kong’s founding element, water.

Elena Klimova “Fisherman,” Oil On Canvas.

91.5 x 60.5 cm

Elena Klimova “Sunset In Aberdeen,” Oil On Canvas.

83 x 63 cm, (Framed Size)

Elena Klimova Elena Klimova studied art in Russia focusing on capturing the beauty of ordinary life through various materials and techniques.

She graduated in 2010 and then moved to Hong Kong in 2011. Over time, her art has evolved to reflect the city’s rich culture. With a keen eye for details, Elena’s use of color and texture brings her subjects to life, capturing the essence of Hong Kong and connecting her as a vibrant part of its artistic community. She is proud to be represented by the Hong Kong Arts Collective (HKARTS.)

The scenery connects the past and future of Hong Kong, inviting the viewer to imagine the transformations that have shaped this place from a simple fishing village into a thriving global metropolis.

So much has been built, so much has changed; but, the Aberdeen Harbor remains. All sorts of boats come through the harbor. Some for work, some for pleasure. Big motorised fishing boats, passenger ferries, small sampans, all sharing the same busy waterway. As he gazes at the setting sun at the end of another long hard day, we can only wonder what is going through the boatman’s mind.

Ze Ze Lai, “The Song Of Nature No.3”, Watercolor.

68 x 92 cm, (Framed Size)

Ze Ze Lai Ze Ze Lai is an acclaimed watercolor artist from Hong Kong. She draws inspiration from nature, and her expertise is in painting animals and birds. Ze Ze adopts an impressive range of styles in her art practice. From soft and dream-like scenes of small birds in the forests, to her use of bold dynamic strokes and granulating textures. Using varying techniques, she takes her viewers on a journey of imagining the peculiar lives and small moments of the little animals in nature. Ze Ze has received numerous awards for her paintings, her works have been widely exhibited around the world.

Lai'’s collection of "Song of Nature" underscores the significance of safeguarding the environment and wildlife in an age dominated by technological innovation and urban expansion. As cities grow and high-rise buildings replace verdant landscapes, the delicate balance of our ecosystems is disrupted, leading to habitat loss for countless species. This series of works serves as a visual reminder of what is at stake and the urgent need for conservation.

The work showcases a background created with natural pigments, bringing to life the textures and colors inherent in nature itself.

Through the unique techniques of granulation and precipitation, the artwork highlights the beauty of imperfection as the flow of watercolor interacts organically with the paper, resulting in a singular textural experience. The outcome celebrates the wonders of the natural world but also emphasizes that each piece is as unique as the environments we must strive to protect. In this way, the "Song of Nature" acts as both an artistic expression and a call to action, encouraging viewers to reflect on their role in preserving the world.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & SPECIAL MENTIONS. The American Club Foundation would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to the following individuals and organizations who have supported the event and our efforts throughout the year.

2024 Event Committee June Kim (Chair) Renata Andrade Jennifer Kozel

Delphine Canard-Moreau Tatiana Sidneva Erin Wooters Yip

ACF Board Rebecca Terner Lentchne (Chair) R.J. Asher (Vice-Chair/Renumeration) Tony Carango (Ex-Officio) David Chang (AC Liaison) J'nee Hilgers-Easter (Comms)

Shirley Ho (Compliance) Derek Kwik (Fundraising) Peter Mercer (Governance) Laura Warren (Nominations)

Supporting Organizations

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. #StrongerTogether