The Hong Kong Profile: Nifraz Meets… Lie Fhung
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Nifraz Rifraz meets interesting people who are shaping the world around them in Hong Kong. Lie Fhung is an award-winning, mixed media artist based in Hong Kong. Born and bred in Indonesia, Fhung studied fine arts at Bandung Institute of Technology, majoring in Ceramics. Previously working as a designer in Shanghai, Fhung eventually settled in Hong Kong, focusing on digital media design and her diverse personal art projects
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How would you describe yourself?
Hmmm… I would say that I am an open-minded life-long learner. I discovered that the older I get, the more there is to learn. Perhaps it’s partly because I like to create, to make things. I’m always interested to figure out how things work, to understand – be it objects, people, nature, or life itself. I am a hermit, a homebody, a bit of a nerd who enjoys the occasional gathering, hiking, and travelling with friends. I love music and dancing. I love reading and creating. I love teaching myself things – these days it’s so much easier with the internet too!
How was your childhood?
I was a quiet child who enjoyed spending time on my own reading, drawing or making things. My parents were both artistic and allowed their children a lot of freedom. We were free to pursue our interests. I took up piano, ballet, Balinese dancing and karate. I was also a Girl Scout. But what I loved the most was reading and drawing. In school during breaks, my friends would often line up to get my drawings; they would tell me what they wanted me to draw for them, and I would draw it. Looking back, it’s wonderful how a simple drawing on a scrap of paper could make my friends happy!
Tell us about your Indonesian roots
My Indonesian heritage is actually rather patchy. Growing up, my family didn’t really adhere to a certain tradition – either Chinese or Indonesian. Indonesia has such rich culture across the archipelago.
So we grew up in a melange of cultures – a little bit of many things. In a way, this is perhaps why we are so open and inclusive.
What brought you to Hong Kong?
I came to Hong Kong via Shanghai following a job as a toy designer, despite my training as an artist. I saw it as an exciting and challenging adventure. Which it was. I learned a lot (hopefully contributed a lot too) and I ended up making Hong Kong my home!
What do you do here?
Since late 2019, I have been working for TheBookshop at the Hong Kong Museum of Art, as their Art Director. My responsibilities include handling anything related to the aesthetics and design needs of TheBookshop. From graphic design, web design and online shop building and maintenance, to liaising with makers and art merchandise selection, to product display, signages and promotional materials, and coordinating events and workshops. At times, conducting storytelling for children too!
What does art mean to you?
Art is a portal, a journey, a state of being that gives us unique access to otherwise inaccessible things within us. It’s a bridge, an invitation for connections. It’s a torch, a mirror. It’s a refuge, a balm. It challenges and inspires.
What do you try to convey through art?
Art making is my way to contemplate and to bear witness to personal stories. To spark connections, to expand, to inspire. What I want to convey varies from one work to another.
How do you find your inspiration?
Nature with their macro and micro glory. Intimate matters of being human: hidden layers within our dreams, memories, bodies, emotions and drives. Their intriguingly complex depth is the source of my awe and inspiration.
What is your preferred art form and why?
I never thought about art form preferences. The form is usually guided by the idea, the concept of the work. Which form works best to realise the idea that I had; which form resonates the most with me and the idea at that moment.
How is the art scene in Hong Kong?
I think the art scene here in Hong Kong has grown so much in the past 15 years. Hong Kong has some really amazing artists.
What are you working on right now?
I have this art project that has been on the back burner for a long time, which I hope to finally be able to dedicate focused time to work on. It might be in the form of a book.
You’re also an award winning artist. Would you like to talk about your awards?
In 2008, I received the Freeman Fellowship Award from Vermont Studio Center, USA. My work flight (2005) was featured in the book, Contemporary Ceramics by Emmanuel Cooper (Thames & Hudson, 2009) and in the permanent collection of the World Ceramics Foundation in South Korea.
I have been showing my works in Hong Kong at Sin Sin Fine Art since 2012, and more recently at Hanart TZ Gallery. In 2015, I was awarded Silver Prize by UOB Art Academy Hong Kong. My solo exhibition was held at Dia.lo.gue art space, Jakarta in 2017.
What is your proudest artistic achievement?
Hmmm… I am not sure I have any ‘proudest’ artistic achievement… I would perhaps use the words, ‘pleased with myself’… or ‘happy’ with the work… Each work has its own challenges; I would be pleased with myself when I manage to tackle them.
Where can we find your work?
To be frank, I haven’t been productive for a while now – especially since I have been working full time at TheBookshop. Simply not enough time and mind space. I brought quite a number of my works to Jakarta for my solo exhibition there in 2017, and most of them are still there – some found their new home there too.
In Hong Kong, I’m represented by Sin Sin Fine Art. My website is where you can see my work easily (scan the QR code below!) – though of course, it’s not the same as seeing and experiencing them directly. But installation works just won’t stay displayed after the exhibitions.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
Be honest with yourself, be authentic to your calling. And persist. Doubts will come again and again. One way to squash them is by persisting; keep on creating in your truest way.
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