Interview: Michael Cheung
Luca Curci talks with Michael Cheung during MIXING IDENTITIES, second appointment of CANVAS CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

Michael Cheung (Chinese name: 張卓榮 )is a Chinese contemporary artist living and working in Hong Kong. He is specialized in abstract painting and figurative painting. Growing up in the former British Colony-Hong Kong where East meets West, Michael is influenced by both Oriental and Western culture. His approach is edgy, sophisticated and creative one that understands the value of good art. His art creation is deeply embedded within perception, memory, identity and communication in contemporary life. A self-taught artist, trained as a graphic designer, he has exhibited in New York, Seoul, Berlin, Copenhagen, and Moscow, with magazines such as Art&Beyond magazine, and Don’t Panic magazine. His works are held in private collections in Europe, the USA and Asia.

Luca Curci – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
Michael Cheung – I always loved fantasy as a child, I comforted myself with a crayon, my grandfather saw something different in my paintings than other children’s drawings, he thought I had a talent for drawing, and from that moment on, I took private drawing lessons. In middle and middle school, I read a lot of teen novels and comics. As my interest in art grew, I wasn’t sure if I wanted it as a career. I have a strong artistic interest in photography and drawing. I then went to study at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, where I obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2010, after which I specialised in fine arts.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
MC – I’m inspired by movies, comics, novels and music that I particularly love. I talk to friends on Facebook or Instagram about my personal experiences, and between conversations, some kind of idea about a new painting always pops up in my head.

LC – Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
MC – Black and white color abstract painting in Chinese style. I focus all my attention on painting, on detail in my work, color is also important to me, but perhaps the most important thing is my perception of beauty through the brush strokes. For me, there are two themes that I always like to describe: the theme of man and nature, and the problems that exist in man and society.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this exhibition? How did it inspire you?
MC – The concept is deeply rooted in the perception of contemporary life, I want to convey my memories, the realism of my social identity and emotional communication to the audience.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
MC – ITSLIQUID Platform is a professional art platform for artists.