The 2025 Hong Kong Arts Development Awards, held at the historic Hong Kong City Hall, honored outstanding contributions to the arts scene. Among the many categories recognized, visual arts remained a focal point for critics and art enthusiasts alike. Two notable recipients emerged: Enoch Cheng Tak-yan, who received the Artist of the Year (Visual Arts) award, and Dony Cheng Hung, who was honored with the Young Artist (Visual Arts) award. Both artists have demonstrated exceptional creativity and dedication through their diverse artistic pursuits. Enoch Cheng, known for his interdisciplinary approach, has made significant strides in curating and performance art, while Dony Cheng has gained recognition for her innovative solo exhibition following her academic achievements. Their work reflects the evolving landscape of contemporary art in Hong Kong and highlights the importance of supporting both established and emerging talent.

Enoch Cheng's Multifaceted Contributions to Contemporary Art

Enoch Cheng Tak-yan stands out as a versatile figure in the contemporary art world, blending curation, performance, and visual expression into a cohesive artistic identity. His receipt of the Artist of the Year (Visual Arts) award underscores his wide-ranging impact across multiple disciplines. Through his role as curator at Art Central and his theatrical direction of "Jerome Bel," Cheng has shown a unique ability to merge movement, visual media, and conceptual storytelling. His collaborative projects reflect a deep engagement with international artistic influences, particularly from experimental dance and avant-garde theater. This cross-pollination of ideas has positioned him as a key player in shaping Hong Kong’s evolving cultural narrative.

Cheng's creative endeavors extend beyond traditional gallery spaces, often integrating live performance with visual elements. His interpretation of "Jerome Bel" brought together choreography, projected text, and lighting design to create an immersive experience that challenged conventional boundaries between performer and audience. The production, co-developed with theater and dance producers Dick Wong and Mui Cheuk-yin, exemplifies his commitment to pushing artistic limits. In addition to his theatrical pursuits, Cheng has played a pivotal role in curatorial initiatives, most notably through his involvement with Art Central, one of Hong Kong’s premier contemporary art fairs. His work there helped highlight local and regional talents within a global context, reinforcing the city’s status as a vibrant cultural hub. These accomplishments illustrate not only his personal artistic evolution but also his broader influence on the creative ecosystem of Hong Kong.

Dony Cheng's Emergence as a Promising New Voice in Visual Arts

Dony Cheng Hung's recognition as the Young Artist of the Year (Visual Arts) marks the beginning of what promises to be a compelling artistic journey. Fresh from completing her postgraduate studies in fine art at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, she quickly translated her academic achievements into a striking solo exhibition titled “Finding Rest on the Highway.” Held at Gallery Exit in Aberdeen, the showcase featured a compelling mix of paintings and animation videos that captured the attention of critics and collectors alike. Her ability to transform graduation projects into a fully realized exhibition demonstrates both technical skill and conceptual depth, positioning her as a rising force in the local art scene.

Dony Cheng’s body of work is distinguished by its emotional resonance and visual experimentation. “Finding Rest on the Highway” explores themes of solitude, transition, and introspection, conveyed through a blend of traditional painting and digital animation. The juxtaposition of static and moving images creates a layered narrative that invites viewers to reflect on personal and collective experiences of space and time. Beyond the visual appeal, her works engage with contemporary issues, subtly questioning modernity and existential restlessness. Her success in repurposing academic material into a public exhibition speaks volumes about her maturity as an artist and her readiness to contribute meaningfully to ongoing artistic dialogues. As she continues to develop her practice, Dony Cheng represents the future of Hong Kong’s visual arts—a generation that is not only technically proficient but also conceptually driven and socially aware.