You might have known Aka Chio as a Cantopop superstar and former member of Super Girls. Now, she’s put down the mic in favour of a pen. She’s got a new name, too — Aka C, a proud visual artist who’s using her art for the greater good in “Art as a Voice” charity exhibition.
On her canvas, an intricate world of whimsy and fantasy comes to life. Nature and other symbolic elements surround her elf-like figures. Each line and dot was painstakingly hand-drawn with a fineliner pen over hours, slowly unravelling the full image. Among the black and white, bright gold leaf punctuates the work, creating a striking contrast that pulls your attention. Blending together the real and unreal, her work draws curious eyes to come closer and observe every detail.
Since Aka C first started sharing her art with the public early last year, her works have been featured in a few solo exhibitions. In her solo exhibition “The Origins of Aza,” she introduced the story of her original character. Earlier this year, the “Wonders Phantasm” exhibition explored the connection between humans and animals. Now, she’s currently exhibiting at The Park Lane Hong Kong as part of the “Art as a Voice” charity exhibition along with fellow celebrity artist Lynn Hsieh until the end of August.
Working together with the hotel and the Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry, the two artists created works specially commissioned for the exhibition. Each work is centred around the theme of “love,” a universal emotion in human life. Part of the sales revenue from the paintings and the event-exclusive cakes will be donated to the charity.
At the opening of the “Art as a Voice” charity exhibition, we spoke to Aka C to discover more about her artistic identity. She revealed to us the beginnings of her artistic journey, the story behind her works, and what “love” means to her. Keep reading below to find out who Aka C is as an artist and where her path will lead next.
Aka C reveals her artistic process
How did you begin your art journey and develop your style?
I embarked on an artistic journey because when I first entered the entertainment industry, I felt quite lost and at times confused. I discovered an ink pen and tried to meditate through the practice of drawing Zentangle. Afterwards, I found this activity soothed and calmed my emotions. So I then endeavoured to incorporate more line drawings into my art, imbuing the pieces with deeper meaning in order to connect with my audience and tell my story.
Why do you draw in only black, white, and gold?
I believe the black-and-white colour scheme can eliminate the fixed possibilities of colour, evoking a sense of profound mystery and sacredness. Furthermore, the addition of golden accents is intended to highlight and venerate the subject matter, making it easier for the audience to immerse themselves in the intended meaning behind the artwork’s expression.
How do you plan each drawing?
The composition of each painting follows a specific process. First, I establish a central theme and build a narrative around it. Then, I extensively research and gather information, such as mythological stories, the symbolism behind different animals, and the deeper meanings of various elements.
Each component of the painting then becomes a larger-than-life storytelling device. The balance of black and white in the monochromatic artwork is carefully considered, and the overall composition is constructed using the fundamental elements of point, line, and plane.
Your artwork is very detailed and requires a lot of patience. How long does it take to create each artwork?
If the painting process is quick, it may take around five days. However, the typical timeline can range from one to two weeks, or even one to several months, depending on the complexity of the painting structure and the size of the artwork.
Art for a cause in “Art as a Voice” charity exhibition
Can you introduce your artwork in “Art as a Voice”?
My artwork is all about women and love. You can see in The Self-Love Perfume, it’s a naked woman hugging herself. Sometimes, people think women need to buy a lot of expensive items to make themselves pretty. But when you have nothing but yourself, and you embrace and love yourself, then you’ll be pretty too, like this fragrance. It’ll be like you have this fragrance sprayed all over your vibe.
What was it like working with Park Lane Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry for “Art as Voice”?
I have been closely observing The Park Lane Hong Kong and appreciating the artistic style of this hotel. I am also very grateful that The Park Lane Hong Kong has been supporting local art and collaborating with us. I feel extremely honoured to be part of this collaboration.
As it happens, this time I’m also collaborating with the Asia Breast Registry, so I wanted to use the theme of feminine love as the focus. For example, the love between mothers and their children in The Unbreakable Bond, as well as self-love for women. I aim to create encouraging and inspiring artwork on these themes.
What does it mean for you to be able to join this exhibition and raise funds for breast cancer?
I’m very happy to be part of this charity exhibition. Actually, my very first exhibition is called “Her” because as a woman, I feel like I have a responsibility to give my cheer and support to other women in Hong Kong and all over the world. This time, I hope that my drawings and Ms. Lynn Hsieh’s drawings can all be sold so I can give my support.
Aka C on embracing love and nature
What does the theme of “love” mean to you?
I think love is a mutual commitment. We have a responsibility to each other and are fully — without any calculation for anything — in love with each other. It’s the bond between people.
How do you show your understanding of love through your art?
In my art, every part of it represents something. For The Hera Peacock, in Greek mythology, the peacock is the symbol of the goddess of marriage. So I use this to give a blessing for women to fulfill a wholesome life.
In To The Next 50, you can see there are many squares, which is a symbol of The Park Lane Hong Kong. You can also see there’s a roly-poly toy, which represents perseverance. The toy stands forever — obstacles can’t hit you down, and you’ll continue standing because you have your energy and faith. This is what I want to present in my drawings to give people cheer and courage.
I noticed your works have a lot of elements of nature, such as flowers, leaves, or animals. Why is nature important to you and your art?
I love nature. Nature has the ability to endlessly give energy to humans. And I deeply believe that this energy is also infused into my paintings, adding an invisible strength to them.
Compared to cats and birds, the lizard is an uncommon animal in art. Why did you choose to draw a lizard in To the Next 50? What does it represent?
According to scientists, lizards are the longest-living vertebrates on Earth, with some living up to 200 years. With The Park Lane Hong Kong celebrating its 50th anniversary, I wish for the hotel to continue thriving and live a long life. That’s why I painted lizards and the Japanese Daruma doll in my artwork.
The journey ahead for Aka C
Who is your biggest inspiration as an artist?
Junji Ito’s unique style and deep insight into human nature profoundly impact his audience, inspiring thought. His chilling artwork has an incredibly invasive and infectious quality that is greatly liked.
What themes would you like to explore in the future as an artist?
I want to express the dark side of human nature through bloody and horrific artworks.
“Art as a Voice” charity exhibition
Ebb & Flow Lounge, The Park Lane Hong Kong, Causeway Bay
Until August 31, 2024
9 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday to Sunday)
(Images: The Park Lane Hong Kong / Aka C)
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
