Artist leaves no stone unturned
Print Edition
IN the past 50 years, Alan Zie Yongder was a cartoonist, graphic designer and publisher. Now he’s a professional artist.
His “Hard Rock” exhibition is currently on show at M.A.O. Space in Shanghai.
The pony-tailed Yongder often impresses others with his sunshine smile and sense of humor. The way he walks and talks shows he’s still got the heart of a young boy.
He is regarded as a legend in the Hong Kong publishing industry as he opened 32 magazines within a month back in the 1970s; he is the founding member of both the Hong Kong Designers Association and Hong Kong Artists Alliance.
After opening the first furniture design concept store in Shanghai in 2003, he is known for saying, “I am always doing something earlier than others. Of course, this means I also experience failure earlier than everyone else.”
Yongder is one of those rare souls who never runs out of curiosity and passion toward life.
When he gets involved in something new, he says the “most interesting part is always at the beginning.”
Born in 1941 in southeast China’s Fujian Province, Yongder was brought up in Hong Kong and later immigrated to the Philippines. He aimed to be an abstract artist when he was young, but quickly learned he was unable to make a living selling his works. So he switched to publishing.
Now Yongder is following his heart, bringing more knowledge, skill and experience to his artwork.
Q: Why did you choose stones as a subject?
A: Stones are a bigger part of our lives and culture than we think. Our connection with them goes way back in time. Stones are mentioned in many popular fables in Chinese mythology. The great Chinese painter and calligrapher Mi Fu even declared one stone to be his brother.
Stones have been my passion for the last 50 years and I have always tried to instill the art of life into them, with their own visual impact.
These stones reflect a traditional aesthetic taste, but adding colors to these stones is my own art language and gives a fresh perspective.
Q: You once were successfully involved in the publishing and advertising industries in Hong Kong. Some say you were a legend at that time. What’s the key to such accomplishments?
A: An acute eye to the demand of the market. Almost 40 years ago, the publishing field in Hong Kong was not ripe, but the city had already become cosmopolitan.
At that time the culture and art in Hong Kong could be compared to a dessert. Those big brands were unable to find a fashion magazine to post their advertisements. So I started to publish different types of magazines with high-quality designs. This needed money and also courage.
Q: The peak of magazines and newspapers seems to be gone, do you think it still possible to rejuvenate the industry? Which is more important, the content of a publication or the visual impact? Will you return to the publishing industry and start a new magazine in Shanghai?
A: I definitely won’t go back to the publishing area. Nearly 20 years ago, I quit. But that doesn’t mean the print media don’t have tomorrow.
I believe newspaper and magazine can only survive with better content and special designs.
Q: Is there any difference in the way you think about art now from when you were young?
A: It is impossible to compare things. When I was young, every brushstroke on canvas was arduous, but now my technique has improved dramatically, and it could even be done on computer.
Q: You developed a series of souvenirs based on Chairman Mao Zedong at M.A.O. Space. Can you elaborate on them?
A: I resided in China for many years and I can use my own art language to remake an image of the great leader fused with a contemporary touch.
I have a future plan with my partner to invite some artists to design Mao souvenirs. M.A.O. Space could be opened at places that Chairman Mao once lived in or in big cities such as London, Paris and New York.
Q: Some people are born with a passion that never fades and it seems you have never lost your passion. Do you still have a dream to fulfil?
A: It is impossible for a man to live without a dream and it would be a waste of life without an enthusiasm toward work. My next dream will soon emerge, and it is under my control and again it is linked with art. But let me keep it a secret for now.
Q: Who are your favorite artists?
A: Picasso, I like his style. Andy Warhol, I prefer his touch with fashion. Zao Wou-ki, I like the color and tradition revealed in his paintings. Walasse Ting, his brilliant colors conquered me.
Q: Do you collect art?
A: I like art, and of course collect it. But my collection is entirely related with life. Every place I go, I try to find a piece of art related to it, whether big or small.
Q: If you were in your 20s now, what advice would you give to yourself?
A: Under the erosion of time, everyone grows old. But there is one thing in me that has never changed, that is my character.
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