Since the late 1990s, Michael Lau has been igniting a global craze for figure collecting as an independent creator, starting with his “Gardener” series. As a pioneer, he has led the trend of art into the public eye, and Michael has continued to explore the boundaries between traditional art and street culture. After decades of creative journey, trends may change, but this leader who once created a “toy craze” still remains highly sought after by people from all walks of life.
Michael, a young man who loves “board culture,” is a designer who creates comics and produces vinyl figures. He navigates between contemporary art and popular culture. In recent years, he has focused on oil painting, not only breaking into the traditional art scene but also having his works featured in prestigious international auctions. Despite the constant changes in venues and creative atmosphere, Michael remains true to himself and enters the context of contemporary art with an attitude of “doing what he wants to do,” constantly pushing the boundaries of visual creativity.
On the occasion of Michael’s large-scale solo exhibition “Splendid Park” at K11 MUSEA this month, which showcases 40 representative works from his past series, ranging from flat oil paintings to three-dimensional sculptures, some of his iconic works even extend beyond the canvas for a “sunbathing” experience. In this episode of “Art City Travelogue,” we will follow the artist into this enchanting garden and together, we will unveil the curtain for the beginning of the spring season!
“I personally enjoy having fun and trying new things, and I have been doing so for decades.”
Every era has a group of cultural creators, while others follow the current trends, they are at the forefront, defining what is popular. And in the world of contemporary art from the late 20th century to the present, Michael Lau is such an existence. Starting with the creation of the Gardener series in 1999, it slowly transformed from an initial comic series into a Figure, sweeping the entire trend world at that time. Everything may seem accidental, but behind it all is a determination to “dare to try”.
Michael jokingly describes himself as a very playful person: “I really like trying new things, but I’m also afraid of getting bored. I’m a bit mischievous, so I always want to keep finding new things to do. That’s why I’ve been doing it for decades.” Although this span of time may sound long, Michael’s mindset has never grown tired. He continues, “I always feel like there should be another way, there should be some new attempts. That’s why, after so many years, I still search for ways to evolve and transform, to discover new things.”
Just as the artists of the past, if they hadn’t turned their thoughts into images, how could they have created so many artistic classics and brought creative inspiration to generation after generation? Reflecting on the origin of the concept of Gardener, he said it was a phase of eagerly anticipating the trend culture. He shared, “You live in this utopia that you have created for yourself, that is the way you like it, and the people around you are the same, so it has become the garden we see today. In the past, we didn’t think too much about it, it was purely a burst of youth and passion.”
Afterwards, for a considerable period of time, Michael wholeheartedly immersed himself in the world of Figure design, resulting in the emergence of numerous variations for Gardener. Whether it be character settings or creative mediums, there were always new ideas from time to time. It wasn’t until recent years that this trend-savvy individual began to focus his energy on art paintings. Starting from the commissioned creation of “Wall of Jordan” in 2015, he regarded it as an important artwork that marked his entry into the professional art stage. The unwavering effort and boundless passion depicted in the painting truly reflect Michael’s creative mindset throughout his journey.
“While I create, I also hope that others can create me.”
Did Michael ever anticipate starting from the world of trendy art, then entering traditional galleries, and even international auction houses? He calmly says, “Surprises are always like this. If you can predict them, they’re not surprises. From the first day I created Gardener and became famous for it, until today, trying my hand at art seems to be going well. It’s like entering a field, so I think everything is unexpected.” Sometimes, it is only when you don’t deliberately plan a direction that you can be led to unexpected paths. He feels that his overarching goal has always been to “do his best,” and as long as he fulfills his own responsibilities, he can patiently wait for an opportunity.
When it comes to artistic development, Michael, despite his ambitious nature during the creative process, actually demonstrates a laid-back attitude. He says, “Sitting and watching the clouds rise” is what it means. Artists are passive, I create when I create, and I also hope that others can create me.
When it comes to the satisfaction brought by creation, Michael jokingly points out that the joy brought by the process is the greatest value. He describes it as a self-indulgent process, where one may not necessarily think about how the work will subvert the world. Sometimes, aimless creation often brings greater surprises. He mentions an old saying among creators, “We are born to create, and we can’t help it,” which means that they are born to create, and it is only natural for them.
“This exhibition can be considered as a formal introduction into the art scene.”
The exhibition “Sparkling Park” showcases nearly 40 paintings and sculptures, including iconic works such as the “Gardener” series, the “Package Change” series, the “First Encounter” series, the “Soliloquy” series, the “Master” series, the “Flower” series, and the “Portrait” series. The lineup is absolutely stunning.
Many of these works were created during the pandemic, and for the artists, this period actually resulted in a significant increase in productivity and sparked more inspiration for their paintings. They believe that everyone’s mindset has undergone some changes, and there are more opportunities for self-reflection and self-dialogue. Therefore, this is also a good time for self-examination, and the “Talking to Myself” series is derived from this.
Further reading:
- The first large-scale exhibition of gold artifacts in the Hong Kong Palace Museum, featuring over 220 sets of magnificent golden products spanning three thousand years of history!
- The Vacuum Packaging of Love! Japanese Photographer “Flesh Love All” Plans to Wrap Couples in Preservative Plastic Film for a Sustainable Relationship!
- Celebrating the “Hands” of Hong Kong, Pipilotti Rist’s new video work will be featured on the M+ facade during Art Month!
He said, “Coincidentally, the pandemic has provided us with an additional topic for our creations, as well as a lot of time. Because we all need to isolate, everyone can concentrate on their own matters during this period. For me, it’s a good thing as I have fewer distractions. You can see that I have produced many works in the past 10 years, and it has also led to the development of various types of creations. I think this is a significant change.”
The so-called timely review, this exhibition lists its multiple classic creative series. Michael humbly said that he has been active in the trendy toy industry, but he is still a newcomer in the traditional art field, so he regards this exhibition as a formal introduction, hoping that everyone can recognize the versatility of his creations from these paintings.
“My creations are all very casual, just trying to see if I can come up with something new.”
There are no limits to creation, allowing different things to become possibilities for creation. Michael shares his experience of getting involved in the art of flower arrangement in recent years, which has allowed him to appreciate the beauty of flowers. Before this, he admits that he didn’t like painting flowers and never used them as a theme because he always felt that they were lifeless objects. However, as he gradually approached flowers, he felt the elegance and abundant vitality of flowers, thus launching the “Flower Series.”
In the artwork, flowers are no longer afraid of the constraints of time. Michael adds eyes to them, giving them different personalities and colors, vividly displaying the energy of life. Last year, he held an exhibition called “In the Garden” at LGDR Gallery, showcasing a series of flower masterpieces that combine elements of popular culture and personal life experiences.
For example, one of the exhibited works in this exhibition is a triptych titled “The Flowery Surprise” (2022), which pays homage to Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece “The Last Supper” from the 15th century. He creatively deconstructs some historical paintings and everyday scenes, and reconstructs familiar images with blooming flowers, eye-catching text, street culture materials, etc., adding a playful touch.
In addition, the “Master” series also involves some works by famous artists. He shared, “It’s actually quite fun to create something new based on the works of masters or predecessors. It suits our generation well because we have a more modern mindset. By recreating classic works, we give them new life and continue to surprise the younger generation, allowing them to appreciate the great works of the past.”
“Actually, appreciating art can also be very relaxing.”
The layout of this exhibition recreates scenes from a park. In addition to the design of lush green grass, there are also pleasant bird sounds. Along with the paintings, sculptures, fences, and benches inside the venue, people feel as if they have entered an urban oasis. Michael specifically mentioned the painting “Blooming Flowers” at the entrance to express the core idea of this exhibition. He hopes to use multiple perspectives and a series of artworks to help the audience understand what contemporary art is all about.
Using this artwork as an example, the fence represents the clear divide between the avant-garde art movement and the traditional art circle. However, they are not mutually exclusive but can coexist and develop together. He said, “In fact, this is also an inquiry into traditional art, exploring whether the avant-garde art can become more popular and representative. This park invites everyone to stroll through the garden and shows that art can be easily appreciated.”
In fact, although the creative scene in Hong Kong is now flourishing, the public’s understanding of art still remains in formal and solemn art appreciation occasions. Therefore, Michael hopes to present his works in a more playful way, to bring himself closer to the audience and to showcase the versatility of art. He frankly said, “To some extent, I like to collaborate with some shopping malls because they can accommodate both elegance and vulgarity. As long as you have the courage to embrace art, I have the ability to create art for you.” Erasing the impression of traditional exhibition spaces, he hopes to create a more comfortable place for everyone to appreciate beauty.
“Now is a ‘Why not’ faction, where the world of creation has no boundaries.”
When it comes to the style of artwork, some people believe that abstract works can have more interpretive possibilities. But for this cheerful and straightforward artist, what does an ideal work need to have? Michael says that it’s not necessary to make art overly profound to be considered good. He jokingly says, “In fact, there are no boundaries now. There is nothing in this world that is right or wrong, good or bad. Everything is ‘why not.’ I often feel that we are in a ‘why not’ era, where you can do anything. When NFTs, staying at home, no dining in, and isolation are all possible, do we still need to categorize things so clearly?”
He continued, “Art is actually life, and when you reach the extreme, it is art. There isn’t really a clear distinction, but we all understand the need to protect our own spaces, so that’s why so many fences have been put up. I understand that, but I hope we can accept this fact and realize that both inside and outside the fences can be equally brilliant.” Any boundaries are defined by people, but as the artist said, why should we be fixated on so many rules and restrictions? As long as we approach art, and even the whole world, with a more open mindset, we will undoubtedly embrace a broader landscape.
“What remains constant is always that loyalty to one’s own culture.”
As a major trendsetter in the fashion world, how does Michael view the changes and developments in Hong Kong’s street culture? He says, “Street culture has been around for twenty years. Twenty years ago, it was Michael Lau’s ‘Gardener,’ or Nigo, Futura, Stash, Kaws. Ten years later, it was Virgil (former creative director of LV). The essence hasn’t changed. It’s all about young people liking cool, rebellious, and stylish things. Now it might be a bit more luxurious, with more attention to detail. That’s the change. But even as trends come and go, ‘being true to oneself’ is the essence of that culture.”
And in his own artistic development, Michael is also pursuing multiple paths. He said he wants to try any project related to creation, design, aesthetics, and fun. He feels fortunate to be a Hong Konger because it is precisely the flexible and resilient environment of Hong Kong that has nurtured him and his bold works. He said, “If I were born elsewhere, I might not have had the same growth and creativity. This small space can challenge the world because of this. Hong Kong has brought me these nutrients primarily. It is my birthplace and also an important spiritual pillar for me.”
Michael remains enthusiastic about the unknown on his creative journey, looking at the dozens of works displayed in the venue is also his continuous exploration. “When you reach the end of the water, sit and watch the clouds rise.” Over the past 20 years, Michael has experienced the ebb and flow of creativity, perhaps more than anyone else. Occasionally taking a break, but never stopping, the environment around him holds infinite changes, and creative inspiration is always slowly brewing nearby.
“Splendid Park” Exhibition
Date: From now until March 5th
Time: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: 6th floor Kunsthalle, K11 MUSEA
Executive Producer: Angus Mok
Producer: Mimi Kong
Editor: Ruby Yiu
Video Editor: Fai Wong
Videographer: Kason Tam, Fai Wong, Alvin Kong
Photographer: Kit Chu
Designer: Michael Choi
Location: K11 Art & Cultural Centre Kunsthalle
Special Thanks: Michael Lau 、LGDR
