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Karin Weber Gallery is proud to return to its local roots with ‘Click…Clatter… Clunk…’, a group exhibition celebrating the history of traditional printing companies which sprung up around the Central and Sheung Wan neighbourhoods on Hong Kong Island in the 1960’s and 70s. Largely replaced by digital print processes from the 1990’s onwards, the old-fashioned letter press and offset printing shops were integral to their localities. Today, they provide a rich source of nostalgia and inspiration for Hong Kong rooted artists, for whom their sounds, smells and fittings are part of early childhood memories. Several of the (mostly female) artists in ‘Click…Clatter…Clunk…’ are recent art school graduates, in their debut show with Karin Weber Gallery, while we also welcome the return of some long-standing gallery artists.

Works in this multi-themed show stretch across audio, painting, printmaking, fabric and even fiction writing. Carmen Ng’s entire childhood revolved around a print shop as her father used to own one of the iconic outlets. In a series of new paintings, Ng engages with the technical evolution of printing technology, transforming from movable type to digital process. Sound artist Andio Lai creates two audience interactive digital instruments to mimic the retro printing process. Textile artist Kate Ouyang brings her passion for local historical objects to her series of embroidered type set sorts.

In contrast, Rainbow Chan engages directly with the print process in her beautiful etchings illustrating a fable. The close connection between printing and newspaper is the subject of Tse Ngo Sheung’s work. Her tabloid style publication dedicated to this show is full of facts and fiction, private and public stories and histories. As a visitor highlight, Yo Chow’s student desk installation recreates a student learning experience using an old-fashioned desk and chair, plus a selection of type sorts within the gallery space.

‘Click…Clatter…Clunk…’ is more than just a series of sounds. It is a collection of highly personal stories and memories, inspired by a rich chapter in the history of Hong Kong.

About the Artists

Andio Lai (b. 1988 in Hong Kong, lives and works in HK) holds an MA in Fine Arts from The Chinese University of HK (2017), and a BA (Honours) in Creative Media from City University of HK (2015). A sound performer and instrument builder, Lai’s works include comics, multi-media installations and performance pieces. He has composed and created music and sound pieces for a number of local and international projects.

Carmen Ng (b. 1988 in HK, lives and works in HK) draws inspiration from the urban environment that is her home. Ng captures a mix of dream worlds and intense observation in meticulously detailed watercolours. She obtained her BA in Visual Arts from Hong Kong Baptist University and has won several awards, including the Distinguished Publishing Awards: Publishing Concept at the 29^th HK Print Awards in in 2017. Her works are in the collections of Hang Seng Bank and Soho House HK, alongside local and international private collections.

Kate Ouyang (b. 1996 China, lives and works in HK) is a recent graduate (2021) from the Academy of Visual Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University, where she discovered her passion for textiles in her study of sculpture and wearables. Stitching and tailoring are central to her observations of daily life and historical objects in the city around her.

Rainbow Chan (b. 1998 HK, lives and works in HK) holds a BA in Visual Arts from HK Baptist University. Her work focuses on print making illustrations. She is also a talented jewellery designer.

Tse Ngo Sheung (b. 1975, lives and works in HK) is a Hong Kong-based freelance writer, screenwriter, novelist, poet and translator. A committee member of The House of Hong Kong Literature, she is the co-scriptwriter of No. 1 Chung Ying Street, a movie winning 2018 Grand Prix of Osaka Asian Film Festival. She is also the author and editor of a dozen of books from cultural critics, interviews to novels and poetry.

Victor Wong (b.1988 HK, lives and works in HK/Taiwan) graduated from the Academy of Visual Arts, HK Baptist University in 2011. His award-winning practice spans multimedia design, including jewellery and toys.

Yo Chow Tsz Yiu (b.1994 HK, lives and works in HK) is another recent graduate of the Academy of Visual Arts, HK Baptist University. She has won a number of awards and scholarships, including the HKBU AVA Award (2020), the HKAS Graduation Showcase – Excellent Presentation Award (2018).