VICTORIA TANG

Victoria Tang is a graduate of London’s Central Saint Martins (in graphic design and photography) and the co-founder of Thirty30 Creative, which oversees artistic and design collaborations with a host of local and international brands

Tell us what art means to you.

To me, art can be anything: it could be a painting, a piece of music, even a flower arrangement. The power of art lies in how it can inspire and uplift us.

How do you define good art and bad art?

I don’t think there’s an absolute way of determining what’s good and what’s bad. Everyone’s taste evolves with time and that’s what makes art interesting. That being said, I would say great art stands the test of time.

Are you an art collector? Tell us about your favourite piece and why you love it.

I won’t call myself a collector, but I do have a modest selection of works I’ve bought over the years. My favourite work is a little piece by the New York artist Dash Snow – I bought it years ago in Berlin on a family trip. Sadly the artist passed away very young, I think he was just 27, but his youthful, daring spirit is something I can always appreciate.

If we walked into your home, what would we find on the walls?

I have my brother to thank as he has a wonderful eye and can curate art in a space like no one else I know – so he helped me install the various pieces at home. It’s a mix of eclectic things – from Jean Cocteau drawings to artworks by Qiu Zhijie, Feng Mengbo, Tracey Emin and the Chapman brothers. I’m very drawn to photography, so you’ll also find work from Mario Testino (a wedding gift from him) to Weegee to Rankin as well.

Is there any piece that you’ve set eyes on that you’d like to own? A dream wish-list, if you will.

I’d settle for anything by Cy Twombly.

Do you see a greater appreciation of art in Hong Kong in recent years – especially since the arrival of Art Basel and the numerous art fairs that crop up annually?

People in Hong Kong are definitely becoming more exposed to and adventurous with art (not just to collect but to interact with). However, we all see the many problems with government schemes, which always seem to hit some roadblock. I think the artistic and creative community is working hard to show people that art doesn’t have to be a luxury; it should be a key foundation of the Hong Kong community experience.

When was the last time you entered a venue and were mesmerised by the works of art?

I would say the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York always makes a deep impact, likewise the V&A in London.

Does the artist have to impress you as much as the artwork itself?

It could make the work more interesting knowing more about the artist, but no – the work has to stand on its own.

Were you surprised by the success of Art Basel or did you think it would be a viable endeavour in a city like Hong Kong?

I’ve always thought that bringing art to the city – no matter the context – can only expose, educate and excite. Art Basel has become quite the event and highlight of the year in the city.

Artists fall into two categories: the poor, long-suffering artist and Damien Hirst. Have you seen art and thought: wow, that’s ridiculous and it’s ridiculously priced?

It would be too simplistic and a cliché to think that artists are either impoverished or multimillionaires. To me, the value of art is not in its transactional value – it could resonate historically, aesthetically and socially.

Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said, “Every artist was first an amateur.” What are your thoughts on rising local artists – does anyone in particular have your attention?

To me, Luis Chan was the ultimate Hong Kong artist. But of course I admire the obsession of the iconic King of Kowloon. Younger artists whose work I like are Samson Young and Firenze Lai. Strangely, I actually came across both their work at the Venice Biennale and not here in Hong Kong.

What are five of your favourite galleries around the world?

My favourite museums and art spaces are the Serpentine Galleries, the Tate Modern and the V&A in London, Château la Coste in Provence and, of course, the Louvre!