Painting has been my keen interest since I was young. Through perseverance, I was fortunate to be selected as a finalist in the Contemporary Hong Kong Art Biennial Exhibition, Western medium section, in 1979, and subsequently the Young Art in Asia Now Competition held in the Hong Kong Arts Center in 1980. My works toured to many different countries. However, in my journey of life, the time I devoted wholeheartedly to painting was far from plenty. I even halted painting for two long periods – partly due to a new understanding I gained of changing society, and also because my interests diverged into areas such as photojournalism, Chinese history and music.

Having worked in photojournalism for 18 years, I witnessed many changes in Hong Kong’s political and economical situation including the return of sovereignty. I heard numerous touching life stories. These experiences broadened my horizons and sharpened my sensitivity and vision. When I integrated my life experiences and knowledge gained from other interests with my art, I instantly realized I could untangle problems in art creation I previously encountered. I am also now more certain about my artistic direction.

Hong Kong is where I grew up. Almost without realizing, my percolating sentiments towards this city have been brewed, precipitated and projected onto my drawing paper. I always love to paint things that surround me. They might be the familiar and ordinary things in life, but I attempt to capture their serenity and peace. Hong Kong’s old streets and shops strongly convey that particular feeling to me. Thus, in this series of work, I hope to recall slivers of memory and evoke a sense of nostalgia in Hong Kong people. And maybe the bittersweet process of reminiscence will drive us to reflect on the development of our modern city.