1 + 1 = ∞ 【Book Launch Event】 Felix IP X Linus LIU Hongkong Machines X Cat Mask Boy: Timeless Encounter
Special Thanks: HongKongMachines Popup Store, CFORCAT PRODUCTION
2023/24 The Arts Talents Internship Matching Programme is supported by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.
1 + 1 = ∞
【Book Launch Event】 Felix IP X Linus LIU Hongkong Machines X Cat Mask Boy: Timeless Encounter
Hongkong Machines X Cat Mask Boy: Timeless Encounter Exhibition︱Workshop︱Artist Talk
Hong Kong Machines Series by Felix Ip and Cat Mask Boy by Linus Liu since their publications have been well received by many readers and comics enthusiasts. Both works take local cultures as the themes, filled with classic Hong Kong colours. Two respective original characters namely ‘Boxy Knight’ and ‘Tiger’ from the two titles have vivid and distinct images and are widely recognised among readers. Felix and Linus therefore further develop their characters, transcending the comics boundaries and expanding into fields like animation, game, and toy. In other words, Boxy Knight and Tiger are highly potential comics characters.
Hongkong Machines X Cat Mask Boy: Timeless Encounter is the first local crossover comic book co-created by Felix and Linus. They showcase an unlimited possibility in comics creation through this triumphant collaboration, bringing up a variety of modes in the future development of Hong Kong comics. Same as previous works by these two comics artists, this new comic book is on a theme of affection for Hong Kong. And interestingly, Boxy Knight and Tiger make their debut together as story protagonists. With a harmonious collaboration of two titles, the story is heart-warming and puts knowing smiles on adults' and children's faces.
To comprehensively introduce the artistic journey of two comics artists in this collaboration, Hong Kong Arts Centre (Comix Home Base) organises a series of events, including Hongkong Machines X Cat Mask Boy: Timeless Encounter exhibition, artist talk, workshop, etc. It is hoped that audiences can dive into artists' creative worlds and follow the characters to embark on an adventure — let's visit the old days in Hong Kong and discover the retro childhood games!
Hongkong Machines X Cat Mask Boy: Timeless Encounter
An unexpected time travel brought Boxy Knight the first encounter with Tiger together in the 1970s in Hong Kong. As time went by, the two got closer and established brotherhood… Tiger eagerly assisted Boxy Knight in finding its way back to where it originally belonged. However, as they kept delving into the matter, the mystery of Boxy Knight’s time travel had been gradually revealed. Meanwhile, it led to a succession of chasing and fights between machines. Would Boxy Knight be able to return to the modern times eventually?
Hongkong Machines X Cat Mask Boy: Timeless Encounter is available at HKAC Art Shop and online store (hkacartshop.store).
Hongkong Machines X Cat Mask Boy: Timeless Encounter Exhibition
Date: 19.12.2023 – 29.01.2024
Time: 09:00 - 23:00
Venue: Jockey Club Atrium, G/F to 4/F, HKAC
Free Admission
The exhibition features selected comics drawings, together with a display of drafts and reference materials from the comics artists, so as to offer an insight into the creative process and drawing styles of Felix and Linus respectively. It also explores how the two creators are complementary with each other in search of creative direction when working collaboratively for intriguing comics.
1+1= ∞ Artist Talk
Speakers: Felix IP, Linus LIU, faminik
Moderator: Ko CHEUNG
Date: 13.01.2024 (Sat)
Time: 14:30-16:00
Venue: Eric Hotung Studio, LB/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre
Conducted in Cantonese
Quota: 40
Free Admission
Online registration is required. Places are limited on a first-come-first-served basis.
Our speakers shared about the metamorphosis of their works: from comics to different fields of creativity. Besides working across media, Hongkong Machines X Cat Mask Boy: Timeless Encounter is a collaborative creation by two comics artists. The artists will discuss how their characters, with their unique characteristics, come together and share their insights gained from this collaboration.
Book design also plays a crucial role in comics promotion. This time with Hongkong Machines X Cat Mask Boy: Timeless Encounter, designer and artists have to blend two different artistic styles. How did they manage to achieve this successfully?
faminik, book designer of Hongkong Machines X Cat Mask Boy: Timeless Encounter, having designed numerous comic books and revamping them to attract more new readers, he will share the secrets and importance of book design.
IG: @faminik | Website: https://www.behance.net/faminik
Bat and Mouse Pawnshop Signage Workshop
Tutor: Hong Kong Signage Research Society Limited – Lee Hon Kong Kai
Date: 14.01.2024 (Sun)
Time: 14:00-15:30
Venue: Eric Hotung Studio, LB/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre
Conducted in Cantonese
Quota: 25
Fee: HK$350 (Include one copy of Hongkong Machines X Cat Mask Boy: Timeless Encounter autographed by artists and workshop material fee)
Suitable for adults and children aged 6 and above. Children aged 6-10 should be accompanied by adult.
Online registration is required. Places are limited on a first-come-first-served basis.
The comic Hongkong Machines X Cat Mask Boy: Timeless Encounter is one with strong nostalgia for the old Hong Kong: from Cantonese slang, scenes from every corner of the city to reproducing products of the good old days, each imbued with its own design aesthetics.
The classic pawnshop is an ancient industry with unique and meaningful signage. The instructor will recount stories of the popular Chinese fonts of those days and introduce how did various types of pawnshop signage enriched Hong Kong's landscape.
Workshop participants can create pawnshop signage with Cantonese slang that glows in the dark.
Facebook: 李伯伯街頭書法復修計劃 | IG: @leehon_hk
Creative Writing Workshop - Recreating Vintage Record Covers
Tutor: Nixon
Date: 14.01.2024 (Sun)
Time: 16:30-18:30
Venue: Eric Hotung Studio, LB/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre
Conducted in Cantonese
Quota: 25
Fee: HK$200 (Include one copy of Hongkong Machines X Cat Mask Boy: Timeless Encounter autographed by artists and workshop material fee)
Suitable for aged 15 and above.
Online registration is required. Places are limited on a first-come-first-served basis.
The protagonists of Hongkong Machines X Cat Mask Boy: Timeless Encounter travel back in time from the present day to Hong Kong in the 70s. The comic artists showcase the beautiful and unique scenes of that era, along with local Cantonese slangs and Cantonese song lyrics.
Those were the days when people were caring for each other, an old-fashioned but heart-warming Hong Kong. With the rise of pop culture in the 70s, everyone had the opportunity to showcase their own charisma. This workshop reviews the record industry from the 70s to 90s and appreciates the lyrics. The workshop will also recreate vintage record cover designs and rewrite the inner pages in the form of modern poetry to create a new record that reflects your personality.
Facebook: Tohin Wong | IG: @nnn.nixon.playground
Check the latest moves on Facebook: hkacchb | Instagram: @comixhomebase of Comix Home Base!
Enquiry: 25820200 | chb@hkac.org.hk
The organiser reserves the right to the final decision of the detailed arrangements of the events.
Comics Artist: Felix IP
FB: felixipart | HongKongMachines
IG: @felixipart | @hongkongmachines
A cross-media creator. He loves doing creations and playing basketball. Though he has entered his prime, he is still full of childlike innocence! He is particularly fond of robots, and has a passion for Tokusatsu. Mixing old things with new elements is his strength! Before 2014, he was the creative director of an animation company and has participated in projects such as animated film TMNT, Astro Boy, Monkey King Reloaded, and animated TV series Zentrix, Father of the Pride, etc. He now shifted his focus onto comics, illustration and design, such as the comics version of Blood and Steel, Hong Kong Infected: Mong Kok Station, Z for Zombie Hurly Burly Yau Ma Tei, Hongkong Machines Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, and Gear Up! My Samurai!. Hongkong Machines Vol. 1 was awarded with the Best Picture Book in Hong Kong Publishing Biennial Awards 2019.
Comics Artist: Linus LIU
FB: linusliukc | catmaskboy
IG: @linusliukc_ig | @catmaskboy_ig
A Hong Kong independent comics artist. He has been drawing and creating for years and participating in projects that involve sketching, comics, animation, digital art, etc. His creative inspiration comes from daily life and wild imagination. His publications includes Cat Mask Boy, illustration collection SHE and SHE REMEMBERS, animated short Cat Mask Boy's Summer Holiday. He is also serialising 4-panel daily comic strip Gold Fish Cat. He won the gold award with Cat Mask Boy in the 1st HK Comics Support Programme sponsored by CreateHK in July 2022.
Organiser
Hong Kong Arts Centre
Art for Passion, Art for Life, Art for All
Since 1977, the Hong Kong Arts Centre (HKAC) has been a platform for nurturing and supporting artists, and infusing art into everyday life. Its unique arts and educational programmes aim to make the arts accessible for all. The HKAC believes in the transformational power of art for people from all walks of life. Established more than four decades ago, the HKAC bring art to the people of Hong Kong – by presenting programmes for visual arts, performing arts, moving images and media arts, comics and animation. Other areas also cover arts education, conferences, festivals, public art and community projects, all done with the vision and mission of engaging and inspiring creativity in the Hong Kong community.
In 2000, HKAC founded its educational arm, Hong Kong Art School (HKAS). The HKAS provides award-bearing programmes to nurture artists and art practitioners, as well as short enrichment courses for the general public. The HKAC aspires to engage everyone in the community to become an active participant in the arts – as an enthusiast, an artist or a patron.
Let's continue to embrace 'Art for Passion, Art for Life, Art for All’, and share the inspiration.
Official website: hkac.org.hk | Facebook: HongKongArtsCentre | Instagram: @hongkongartscentre
Comix Home Base
Hong Kong Arts Centre (HKAC) believes that comics and animation are important local pop culture and artistic creations. HKAC has been dedicated to planning and organising diverse and unique activities to promote the arts and culture of comics and animation to the local community and abroad.
Since 2006, HKAC curated Comix Home Base project (CHB) and hosted over 700 ani-com-related events, such as exhibitions, talks, workshops, performances, publications, screenings, public arts, etc. Outside Hong Kong, the footprints of Hong Kong comics can be found in France, Belgium, Britain, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Japan, Singapore, Mainland China, Taiwan, South Korea, etc. Through the uniquely planned programmes, several Hong Kong comics artists have got chances to initiate international collaborations in publishing their comics in foreign languages in Europe and US. These all have made an impact on the international comics scene and helped to raise the profile of Hong Kong comics internationally.
HKAC (CHB) continues to proactively look for opportunities to promote Hong Kong's diverse comics and animation arts, with the aim of increasing international recognition and awareness of Hong Kong's comics artists and their unique works.
Official website: www.comixhomebase.com.hk | Facebook: hkacchb | Instagram: @comixhomebase
