Published: 25/7/2024
Hong Kong Art School (HKAS) is committed to fostering the growth of art in Hong Kong, providing an environment where students can fully engage in the artistic process. The two-year Higher Diploma in Fine Art programme is designed to equip students with professional skills and a robust foundation of knowledge in the art field. Recently, Tang Ying Ying, a graduate from this year’s programme, shared her invaluable experiences at the school.
From her secondary school days, Tang Ying Ying had a profound interest in art, even opting for the Visual Arts subject in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE). After completing the exam, she chose to continue her studies with the Higher Diploma programme at HKAS. She compared the programmes of various institutions and found that HKAS offered a more liberating creative environment. Through a range of theoretical and creative courses, students can gain a deeper understanding of art.
The HKAS programme offers small-class teaching, admitting only around 30-40 students each year. This allows students to have more opportunities for in-depth discussions with their instructors. Ying Ying said, “it creates a pleasant and intimate learning atmosphere, and the interaction between instructors and students is very close.”
The two-year programme has provided Ying Ying with a rich learning experience. “The school provided us with various opportunities for activities. I was fortunate to be invited by the instructors to participate in different exhibitions and sell my works. Constant creation, absorbing theoretical knowledge, and receiving guidance from instructors have allowed me to grow rapidly in my artistic journey.” She also expressed gratitude for the mutual learning and exchange among her classmates, especially the unforgettable experience of curating exhibitions together. “The programme has taught us how to think, express, and communicate. The encouragement from the instructors has allowed us to keep trying, not just creating one piece of work. Over the past two years, my way of handling things and my approach to art have made significant progress.”
Graduates of the Higher Diploma in Fine Art programme will hold a graduation exhibition to conclude their two-year journey. Ying Ying’s graduation work focuses on the theme of a playground, creating a mysterious yet tangible unknown world. She explained, “It all started with the discovery of a mysterious tunnel next to the Tsuen Wan MTR station last year, which sparked my infinite curiosity about the other end. My paintings are often related to the tunnel theme, and the images in my mind allow me to express my thoughts through my work, inviting the audience to enter my world of thoughts.” Her creative inspiration often comes from her life experiences and the people and things around her.
After graduation, Ying Ying hopes to continue learning and creating. “What I’ve learned at the art school is not only art skills, but more importantly, how to make life more enjoyable. I will carry the knowledge and courage I’ve gained at the school and continue my artistic journey.”
After completing the Higher Diploma in Fine Art programme, Gisella is full of expectations for the future. She hopes to continue her creative expression and bring vitality to her life.
Hong Kong Art School Higher Diploma in Fine Art Graduate Showcase 2024 — ‘And Yet It Moves’
Exhibition Period: 17 July – 28 July 2024
Time: 11:00am – 7:00pm
Venue: Hong Kong Art School Chai Wan Campus (2M/F, 5/F & 12/F*, Youth Square, 238 Chai Wan Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong)
*Please access via staircase on 9/F
