CAUSE

An Eye for Detail

Being Neighbourly x Christy Li, Head of Communications, Asia Art Archive

Author/ Being Neighbourly
27 December 2024

Asia Art Archive (AAA) started in 2000 with just a single bookshelf, says Christy Li, Head of Communications at Asia Art Archive in Hong Kong. According to her, the idea for the organisation was born out of their co-founder Claire Hsu’s frustration in finding reference materials for her dissertation on contemporary Chinese art at the University of London.

“This experience highlighted a significant gap in the documentation of contemporary art histories in Asia, often written through foreign perspectives. Our mission has always been to ‘fill the gaps’ in the canon of art history, providing access to research materials that reflect the true diversity and richness of art in Asia,” says Li.

Over the past two decades, AAA has cultivated extensive networks within the regional art community, resulting in a repository of more than 130,000 records of archival materials related to contemporary art in Asia. This growth underscores their commitment to documenting less visible histories and facilitating research that empowers artists, scholars, educators and students.

“While we may have started as a niche entity, our ongoing efforts and the evolving art landscape in Hong Kong are helping to broaden the appreciation and understanding of contemporary art in the region,” adds Li. According to her, the opening of major institutions like M+ and Tai Kwun has greatly enhanced public awareness and appreciation of contemporary art. The role of AAA is to contextualize the creative works exhibited in these spaces and to share the stories of the artists behind them. We do so through public and educational programmes, publications, residency, and research projects,” she shares.

While collecting and making accessible primary and secondary materials is their primary focus, AAA is particularly interested in highlighting less documented narratives, “enriching and adding nuance to the broader context of art history”, says Li.

To activate and circulate these materials, AAA develops tools that empower communities to explore and engage with their archives such as research projects, public programmes like talks and exhibitions, school tours and educators’ workshops. These are designed to start conversations and scholarship around art histories.

“Ultimately, our goal is to collectively expand knowledge about art histories in Asia, fostering a deeper understanding of their connected stories, significance and impact on our lives across generations,” tells Li.

The AAA has around 40 staff members who support their mission. Additionally, they have a dedicated board of directors, an advisory board and a teachers’ sounding board of educators who share their passion for making art history in Asia free and accessible to all.

Indeed, collaboration is one of the AAA’s core values, and they welcome invitations and proposals from artists who resonate with their mission and share their values.

They believe that open dialogue and partnership contribute to a richer understanding of art. In a practical sense, this means that artists and individuals can propose their work for consideration for research, exhibitions or residencies. “We welcome initiatives that align with their commitment to fostering diverse voices and perspectives in the art world,” says Li, adding that their residency program catalyzes new ideas through invited artists and creative practitioners who engage with their collections. Encouraging multidisciplinary interaction with flexible time frames, AAA welcomes a diverse range of creative practitioners, including artists, academics and educators.

Their zine residency supports two artists and zine-makers in creating a new zine that responds to AAA’s digital and physical collections. An open call for proposals is announced every spring and selected artists and zine-makers are invited to research AAA collections onsite at their library and online through their website.

Recent zine residents of AAA include Liu Nanxi, who focuses on engaging and collaborating with disability communities; Jay Lau Ka Chun, who uses woodblock printing to contemplate how images are perceived; Nicole M. Nepomuceno, who researches Hong Kong migration histories and peripheral communities; and the artist duo Alice Tsang Hiu Tung and Keung Hoi Ling, who explore various ways of connecting with the body.

What is the best part of what you do?

“Some of my most memorable moments revolve around the profound connections we foster between our archives and our audience.,” says Christy Li, Head of Communications at Asia Art Archive.

Each item in our collection is imbued with the stories of their creators and when we engage with them, they illuminate connections to our present,” she adds.

“One of the best aspects is witnessing the impact our archives have on young creatives. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them use our materials as a springboard for their studies and artistic endeavours.”

Asia Art Archive

11/F Hollywood Centre,
233 Hollywood Road,
Sheung Wan.