Image: 2008 Artist-in-residence: Pak Sheung Chuen
Image: 2008 Artist-in-residence: Pak Sheung Chuen

Tozer Pak Sheung-chuen is a familiar name to readers of the Sunday Supplement of Ming Pao Daily. Since 2003, Tozer has been contributing to the column, Odd One In. With the sensibility of a poet, and in the format of photographic documentation or collage, he transforms images and words into a visual diary. In a series of visual/textual works that respond to current affairs in our society, such as SARS and the demonstrations on 1 July, the individual insight of the artist towards ordinary living is being conveyed. His creative works are perhaps ideas more than tangible art pieces; some will say that they are conceptual art, while some will say that they are alternative ways of thinking towards the system of living. The art of Tozer is familiar and straightforward, and it offers audience a different perspective in 'reading' about living.

The talk was presented in the format of a casual dialogue between artist Tozer Pak and art practitioner Jeff Leung. Tozer shared his experience in artistic production, through which audience appreciated the ways of finding creative ideas and joy in daily life.

About the speakers

Tozer Pak Sheung Chuen is a conceptual artist. In his work, one can re-construct his daily routine, network of friends, where he spends time with his partner, and moments of history in Hong Kong . His art has gained exposure in Hong Kong since May 2003, when it began to appear in the Sunday issue of the local newspaper Ming Pao Daily. Tozer studied Fine Arts and Theology at the Chinese University where he graduated from in 2002.

Having graduated from the Fine Arts Department of the Chinese University of Hong Kong , Jeff Leung Chin-fung is working simultaneously as an artist, a curator and an art administrator. He is interested in making observation of and commenting on the local contemporary art scene and the development of cultural policy.

Founded in 2003, the 30s Group is a forum that brings young professionals together to deepen their understanding of issues confronting Hong Kong and to contribute back to society. With participants coming from a spectrum of diverse professions, the Group organises talks and initiates research projects on a full range of issues covering culture, economy, education, environment, healthcare, labour, political development, and social welfare.

Art Promotion Office (APO) consists of three working teams, namely the Community Art Team, the Public Art Team and the managing team of Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre. They are dedicated to providing high quality, wide-ranging visual art activities and services for the public. Through proactive approaches and channels, APO aims to build up strategic partnerships with artists, relevant institutions and art organisations. APO hopes to work together with everyone who wishes to promote visual arts, to bring various art media to our communities, to promote public's appreciation of and participation in visual arts activities so as to help raising people's level and ability in the enjoyment of art.

Relevant content

Talk: Tozer Pak: Idea as Art: The Art of Tozer Pak in Everyday Life
Talk: Tozer Pak: Idea as Art: The Art of Tozer Pak in Everyday Life
CD/DVD

Talk: Tozer Pak: Idea as Art: The Art of Tozer Pak in Everyday Life

2006