The True Value of Art: Works by Ka Fai Fung

Curator

Luke Chapman

In this compelling collection, Ka Fai Fung invites us to examine the complex relationship between art, cultural narrative, and historical evolution. Drawing from his experiences in Hong Kong, a city shaped by the convergence and competition of Eastern and Western influences, Fung constructs a powerful allegory about transitions of power and the forces that shape collective consciousness. What makes Fung's work particularly resonant is his sophisticated use of symbolism and storytelling. His theatrical arrangement of figures suggests that human experience exists within predetermined scripts—where "old powers have departed, while new ones have emerged" and where "invisible forces influence people's ideologies." Yet within this seemingly deterministic framework, Fung subtly points to the possibility of agency through artistic expression. Fung eloquently articulates his belief that art derives its value from multiple sources: its ability to "reflect culture and beliefs," its capacity to present ideas "innovatively and aesthetically," its endurance as historical testimony, and perhaps most importantly, its potential to "break limitations and advance evolution." Through this exhibition, Fung positions the artist as both witness and participant in the unfolding drama of civilization—documenting the present moment while simultaneously imagining alternative futures. In doing so, he affirms art's essential role not merely as cultural artifact but as a vital force in human progress.