Girl on sofa, an oil painting by Stephen Yeung, Hong Kong artist and teacher

Budding Hong Kong artists now have a ready-made home to display their art, with the newest Galerie des Arts et de la Culture, set up by Belgian national, Christian Verhoeven.

"I and my wife have always loved art, and we noticed that here in Hong Kong there were many talented artists who didn't have a real opportunity to bring their artwork forward to the public, so we decided to open our Gallery, and give them a chance for recognition," said Mr Verhoeven.

Mr Verhoeven and his wife opened the Gallery last year with their own capital in Mui Wo on Lantau island.

The gallery aims to promote artists rooted in Hong Kong, by exhibiting their work, in any form of art from paintings and drawings to sculptures, ceramics and photos.

"Sometimes we go beyond the functions of a 'traditional' gallery. In June for example, we had a cultural event with a lecture evening hosted by English and Chinese poets. Last Chinese New Year, we celebrated by inviting a Hong Kong Chinese calligrapher to write New Year wishes for the people walking by the Gallery. And if people gave any money, it was all for Mr. Zheng, the 76-year old calligrapher," said Mr Verhoeven.

The Gallery charges nothing for artists to exhibit their artwork, but they take a 45 per cent commission on items sold. Currently, the Gallery is exhibiting oil paintings by Stephen Yeung and an exhibition of watercolours and ink paintings by Jovi Wong.

"The exhibitions change about every three weeks, and so far we have a waiting list for almost two years!" enthused Mr Verhoeven. He spent three years in Guilin and Hainan in China as an art photographer, before arriving in Hong Kong in 2003.

Easy to set up business

Dreaming woman, an oil on canvas painting by Hong Kong artist Jovi Wong

"We chose to stay in Hong Kong because it's very easy to set up a business here. And there really are a lot of fine artists in Hong Kong, who are very valuable. There really are people here with great talent - they just need a chance to be recognised," said Mr Verhoeven.

Mr Verhoeven plans to move his Gallery closer to the Central district on Hong Kong island to attract more buyers. Hopefully, people would continue to stream in to take in a little bit of local art, and take home a thing of beauty at an affordable price.

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever" said Mr Verhoeven, quoting the English poet John Keats; that remains his inspiration for advancing the cause of art around bustling Hong Kong.

Related link
Photoshopinside.com