PERSONA |
MIXED MEDIA – PURE ARTIST Tung Chunger Agnes Pang brings new meaning to the old adage of one woman’s trash being another’s treasure with her recycled art. Elizabeth Kerr meets the free-spirited artist, educator and environmentalist P HO T O S BY Tal Sh ah ar - w w w. m a g nif icent-hkg .co m
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gnes Pang is probably best described as a ball of energy, a phrase generally reserved for mischievous children, said facetiously. But she is, marching into Starbucks in Citygate decked out in a bright orange sweater and matching tutu-shaped skirt, sneakers completing the look. Her black hair is straight, and sharply cut bangs frame her face. If it weren’t for the frequent chuckles and constant smile, she’d look stern and unapproachable. She couldn’t be less so. Agnes needs every ounce of that energy, even if she put the life part of work-life balance at the top of her list by opting out of the wealth-driven rat race ages back. Ten years ago to be exact, Agnes started an art studio for all-ages lessons, and immersed herself in creating art from what most of us would call garbage, largely from the weirder end of that spectrum – clam shells, wine corks, wire Champagne caps, the foam net on imported fruit. She started making a name for herself as a mixed-media artist. Prior to that, however, Agnes worked in public relations and with an art consultancy. “I needed a break, and I started making art for myself,” she begins. “It was interesting and it made me happy. So I quit my job and opened Draw 2. There are a lot of art teachers in Hong Kong and I wanted to do something different.” After earning a degree in fine arts from the University of Hong Kong, Agnes went on to study law (though she’s not a certified lawyer), and later earned a master’s degree in business. She also explored dance and drama, and admits to being the kid who hammed it up in the living room and entertained the family at holidays. “I like different things. My mind doesn’t stop. I considered a PhD many years ago… Maybe it’s time to go back to school,” she adds. See? This is why she needs the energy. 18 LIFE ON L ANTAU | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022
ART FOR ALL
At the Wanchai-based Draw 2, Agnes committed to promoting creativity through recycled found materials, though that wasn’t the primary driver. Her initial aim was to get away from oil, acrylic and bronze, and prove that “art isn’t only what you see in a gallery. If it helps save the world too, then great. It’s a great side effect.” The studio (closed now due to the pandemic) was a way for Agnes to spread the gospel of art for all (check out what she did at www.draw-2.com). She wanted to inject the concept of ‘learning’ about art with a
❝ I think I’m popular for workshops because I’m not a ‘regular’ teacher. My workshops are like a show and I engage everyone to get them to give it a try – Agnes Pang
