Introducing Karena Lam, one of our judges for The 2022 Sovereign Asian Art Prize. Karena is a multi-faceted and well-respected Hong Kong-based actress, artist, curator, and the ambassador of the French May Arts Festival. A mother of two, also the first to have won the Golden Horse Film Awards for Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best New Performer. Besides acting, she is also passionate about photography and pottery. Her love for the arts has seamlessly transcended through her life, both work and leisure. In 2020, she was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Letters by the French government in recognition of her efforts in promoting French Arts.

What initially drew you to the field of art and ceramics?

Well, the film is a medium of art, actually everything involves art: how you speak, how you make your breakfast, how you dress, what you read, even how you look at a person is a way of art and a way of life. As an actress, I am always drawn to stories, learning about art and the man/woman behind the art broadens my perspective. Ceramics is something that I have been obsessed with for the past two years. I guess obsession is what drives me to go further and deeper. 

What inspires you about the Hong Kong art scene?

Hong Kong is where the East meets West… there are a lot of people interested in buying art. Ha! We have many platforms where you can see/learn/collect art such as Art Basel, Art Central, Affordable Art Fair, Hotel Art Fairs, etc. The recent years, there is a lot of new and upcoming local artists (Tang Kwong San, Kila Cheung, Stephen Wong) being noticed from abroad which is always exciting to know. 

When reviewing the entries, was there anything specific you were looking for? Were you drawn to any particular themes or media?

I feel what’s important is truth. What is most truthful to the artist and its medium. I like to look at the works before reading the descriptions therefore you would be honest with your first thoughts and intuitions. Some have strong descriptions but the artwork itself seemed lacking something. 

What were your thoughts on this year’s shortlist?

I am very proud of the results for this year’s shortlist. Bravo to all parties involved!

What advice would you give to artists considering entering The Prize, or perhaps missed out on the shortlist this year?

Art is ever-changing. There is no bad art, just speak the truth. 

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Find out more on The Sovereign Asian Art Prize here.