Born and raised in Croydon, South-East London, Lun Wong moved to Hong Kong just over two years ago. He recently set up 1KStyles as a fully fledged illustration and design company.

On a rainy night in Soho, Wong put aside preparations for his “Pop Attack!” solo exhibition to explain what he’s about, how he sees Hong Kong’s art scene and where he’s headed with his bold line in illustration…

What’s the story behind your gallery?

All the images are of icons who I feel have heavily influenced popular culture. The reason I chose that idea as my first solo exhibition is that everyone can relate to it – instead of having a collection of random illustrations, everyone can look at these works and recognise something or someone they know. Some may see it as selling out, but I’m just trying to reach people and give my twist on it.

It’s quite an urban twist, how much has street art influenced you?

Growing up in London, the urban art scene allowed you to explore more and express yourself in ways that fine art might restrict you. In the underground scene, you can do anything, whereas the mainstream limits you. Even though street art’s become mainstream, there are still some elements of it that I’ve brought to balance my work.

You also use modern digital techniques – do you consider that cheating?

No. Digital is just keeping up with the times, but sketching will always be important. If you’re an illustrator or designer, you need to know how to sketch. Apart from one original drawing, all the images are based on photographs. But it’s not just simple tracing – there’s much more technique and depth to it, and you can still create your own image.

What sets your style apart?

I love using bold colours. I want my work to stand out, It screams at you, and that’s one thing I’ve always wanted: for my work to reach people and be noticed.

What are your influences? Are they as bold as your work?

It’s all based on my pop culture diet when I was little – 80s cartoons, martial arts films, comic books and manga. It all screams art, and it all screams a culture within itself that has affected our culture. If you look at modern society, all the elements are there.

How has the city influenced your work?

The commercial side of Hong Kong has affected it. In terms of creativity and the arts scene, Hong Kong’s very limited. But if you push yourself further and are determined you can make it, you’ll stand out because no-one’s really pushed certain boundaries.

You think you can push the boundaries?

I believe so. I believe in myself.

How have you found the local arts scene?

To be honest, I think it’s very overrated. There are some artists here who are amazing, and deservedly dowell. But you sometimes wonder why some work receives a host of media attention, when there are amazing artists who don’t get the credit.

Do you think there are enough outlets locally for local illustrators and designers?

No, there are a lot of places that claim to be, but they’re not. It’s growing, but I don’t think Hong Kong’s really the right place for it. It’s very hard for an illustrator or a creative type to make it here unless you’ve got connections.

Speaking of being noticed, your work has caught the eye of Travis Barker, the drummer of US punkband Blink 182.

Yea, Blink 182 recently reformed, so I did an illustration in the new style I’d been working in. I sent it to his clothing company, and he’s used the image on his Facebook, MySpace and Twitter accounts. It’s one thing to have your work recognised, but to have it recognised by a personal icon’s really exciting. The only other time I felt that great was my first big job, which was designing the packaging for the Pacific Coffee Company. And also when I sold a piece at a charity auction for $80,000 – that was surreal.

You own a design company 1KStyles and you also do your own personal work. What’s the difference?

I’m an illustrator at heart, so I love to draw. When it comes to business, I understand that the idea clients have in their head is totally different from the idea I have in mine, so the key thing about 1KStyles is communication. It’s called 1KStyles because I want my work to be so versatile that it not only shows my own twist on things, but also surpasses their expectations.

So the idea of having your own voice is important to you.

Yeah, definitely. I even chose my university over others because of that – it focused on research and reasoning, while others taught you how to focus on the market and be the best. Because sometimes you don’t want that. You want to be the best of who you are..

www.1kstyles.com

-TC

Tags: 1KStyles, Interview, Pop Attack
Posted in Features