Hon Bing-wah / Hong Kong designer

I love art pieces blending both Chinese and Western elements. I have a preference for Chinese culture as I am Chinese myself. I have a keen interest in Chinese traditional arts and often present them using modern techniques like incorporating geometric shapes into the artistic presentation.

Hon Bing-wah, a renowned Hong Kong designer had played a pivotal role in the creation of the flag and emblem of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In 1989, he, along with Hong Kong sculptor Van Lau and renowned architect Ho Tao, partook in the selection process for the flag and emblem design of HKSAR. Subsequently, he was commissioned by Beijing to help in the design refinement and finalization. Now you can see the SAR flag and emblem has featured a dynamic bauhinia flower. Ho has told us the story behind the scene.

After reviewing over 7,000 applications and engaging in more than a year of selection, we, as designers, share our thoughts on the works in an artistic but scientific approach. I proposed simplifying the design akin to Canada's use of the maple leaf, suggesting that Hong Kong could adopt the bauhinia flower which has represented Hong Kong for long and the stars which symbolize sovereignty of our motherland. Why use a rotation pattern? Because it indicates that Hong Kong has a dynamic nature and will continuously make progresses. This is Shanghai's ‘city flower,’ the white magnolia. I used it to design as a trophy at a television festival. These are anti-war posters featuring bullets and bullet cases. This one symbolizes Hong Kong’s ‘Can-do Spirit.’ Hong Kong people were able to deal with all the challenges. And now we have low-rent housing and a subway system. The city has evolved into a bustling metropolis.

Over the past years, Hon Bing-wah has been involved in a multitude of public design projects, ranging from the emblem of Hong Kong SAR and to the logos of Hong Kong Arts Festival and of the international charity organization - GX Foundation. Through such endeavors, he has gradually stepped onto the international stage. Hon Bing-wah, has full confidence in the potential development of Hong Kong arts.  

I hope the government can give more support to local Hong Kong artists and designers.We are living in a place where East meets West. We are familiar with artistic concepts in both local and international contexts, having a broader perspective. There are numerous highly gifted designers in Hong Kong, many of whom are exceptionally qualified and talented. While Hong Kong, a relatively small place, has fewer opportunities, the opening up of the Greater Bay Area presents an abundance of opportunities for our artists and designers.