Renowned for his groundbreaking surrealist artwork and being the mastermind behind HSBC’s “Rainbow Lions” statues, Hong Kong-based artist Michael Lam is not only one of the city’s brightest artists, but is also among its leading crusaders for LGBTQ rights.

Can you give us a glimpse of your childhood?

I grew up in rather straitened circumstances and didn’t have the easiest upbringing. My family ran a food hawker business in Hong Kong when I was a kid and I would get up at 5 o’clock every morning to help him set up for the day before heading off to school. After class, I would be back helping my parents pretty much every day.

How influenced were you by your subsequent education?

I attended local schools and never actually took any art courses or pursued a university degree. I’m very much a self-trained artist, with everything I’ve accomplished coming from research and personal experience. I feel that being educated in the arts – while a worthy pursuit for people looking to understand its history or hoping to take up a career in art procurement or something similar – would have hindered my own spiritual growth and artistic endeavours. Over the course of my career, my works have undeniably evolved and shifted. This, though, is a reflection of my personal journey rather than being down to the impact of other artists on my style. 

Do you see yourself as having always been destined for an artistic career?

Well, I was interested in art and design from early age. In fact, I originally dreamt of becoming a designer. Later I discovered that came with many restrictions and the need to stick to particular guidelines, something I believed would only hamper my creative vision. Ultimately, I chose to immerse myself in the field of fine art field, which allowed me to focus solely on bringing my artistic designs to life. I didn’t jump right into an art career though. In fact. prior to becoming a full-time artist, I worked in sales as well as in product merchandising. It wasn’t until after the SARS outbreak, around 2003, that I decided to take the plunge. 

Where do you find inspiration?

It comes, largely, from my subconscious. I use colours and ink to transform my mind’s fantasy world into surreal works of art. 

How would you describe your artistic style?

My creations are mainly abstract in concept and feel, tending to combine Chinese calligraphy and art to create truly surrealist works. In this, I was hugely influenced by the works of the renowned Spanish artist Salvador Dali, having long been very attracted to the bizarre yet striking images that characterise his art. 

“I use colours and ink to transform my mind’s fantasy world into surreal works of art”

What are your proudest accomplishments to date?

I’m honestly blown away by the great reception any of my pieces have garnered. Of all my works, though, I’d say I’m proudest of two in particular. The first is my role in the rebranding of Cathay Pacific’s inflight magazine, Discovery. It amazes me that my artwork fronts the publication and is seen by people from all across the world. Another highlight for me was being commissioned to create statues for HSBC’s Rainbow Lions campaign. My statues, which I crafted in line with the principles of feng shui, stand as symbols of inclusivity and unity – causes I hold dear to my heart – and have been installed in Hong Kong and in a number of other locations around the world. 

What are your current projects and which particularly excite you?

A number of my latest creations are now on show at the Jade Gallery, courtesy of an arrangement made by my agent, Youmei Zhen. Recently, I ‘ve also been undertaking bespoke work on a range of lifestyle accessories, including wine bottle carriers and high fashion items. This has seen me working for clients on an ad hoc basis, allowing me to ensure that each unique statement piece exactly matches an individual purchaser’s tastes.

You are very prominent supporter of the cause of LGBTQ rights in Hong Kong. Where do you see the city ranking on the more global scene in terms of tolerance and enlightened views?

It’s no secret that, while Hong Kong is a diverse society, it’s still somewhat more conservative than many other cosmopolitan cities. At present, the issue of LGBTQ rights still has a certain stigma, with many individuals treated unfairly because of what is perceived as their non-conventional identity, whether that’s at work, socially or even by their own family members. 

For me, the best way to improve this situation is to encourage everyone – no matter who they are – to educate themselves with regard to LGBTQ culture. This is the only way they will gain a more inclusive and diversified mind frame that will, in turn, lead to an end to pre-conceived notions and discrimination at every level. 

You are also known for donating works of art to various charities…

Yes, despite that, I don’t really see myself as a philanthropist, partly because I’m not wealthy enough to qualify for such a title. Essentially, I’m an ordinary artist who feels a need to give back to society. I feel that there are many people in Hong Kong who require help, as well as many causes that are deserving of extra support. Within my current capabilities, I do my part to give back to society by donating artworks and raising funds for various causes. 

How do you choose which charities to support?

I’m always open to helping whichever organisation approaches me, as long as they’re doing something worthwhile. In terms of causes I personally hold dear, obviously anything related to ensuring LGBTQ equality or enhancing the rights of sexual minorities has a particular appeal – that’s why crafting the Rainbow Lions for HSBC meant so much to me.

Given that my family has suffered hugely on account of cancer – and I had personal experience of battling the disease a decade ago – supporting related research, as well as the provision of proactive care for patients, is another cause close to my heart. As is AIDS research, something else I’ve been involved with fundraising for. 

Away from all that, what do you like to do with your free time?

To be honest, while I occasionally like hanging out with friends, I’m not a very social person by any stretch of the imagination. I find, for me, one of the most relaxing things is to just sit by myself, tucked away in the corner of a hotel bar, watching people interacting around me.

If you could meet any person, past or present, who would it be and why?

If I could go back in time, I would love to meet my mother and grandmother again. They were such an integral part of my upbringing and played key roles in shaping the person I am today. I miss them a lot and treasure the great advice they gave me on how to behave in life.

Finally, what’s left on your personal bucket list?

I really want to open a foundation geared to supporting the elderly in Hong Kong, particularly those with serious health conditions. I feel that, despite the government’s best efforts, the city still doesn’t have the infrastructure to help the most vulnerable members of our society. Given my own experience of my mother’s battle with cancer, I want to do everything I can to ensure older people have the support and care they need.

 

Thank you.

 

Interview by: Tenzing Thondup

Photos: Jack Law

Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma

Wardrobe: SPY Henry Lau

Venue: Jade Gallery Company