Fong Fai

Reprinted from AATONAU's fong-fai-an-odyssey-in-time-through-ink-calligraphy-and-acrylic

“Time” is always a theme that I want to capture on the canvas. It is a short moment, but also infinite and eternal, a very abstract theme.”

A Heritage of Artistry: Fai’s Hong Kong Beginnings

Fong Fai is an abstract artist who calls San Francisco his home, but his artistic journey has its roots in Hong Kong, where he was both born and educated. He pursued his formal training at the Hong Kong Academy of Art. Notably, the profound influence on Fai’s artistic inclination came from his grandfather, a revered ink painter and educator.From his early years, Fai demonstrated an innate attraction to the world of painting. However, the prevalent academic emphasis on realistic art forms presented a compelling challenge. Undeterred by the conventional norms and inspired by his inner creative calling, Fai charted a distinctive path. In pursuit of his passion and vision, he inaugurated ‘Fong’s Art Gallery’ in Hong Kong. His journey did not stop there. Later, he took on the mantle of educator imparting knowledge at the Oriental Arts Institute.

The Essence of Time and Tradition: Fong’s Unique Style

Fong Fai’s artistry is profoundly shaped by the undulating rhythms of calligraphy and the evocative strokes of color, elegantly bridging the chasm between Eastern and Western artistic paradigms. The very essence of Fong’s oeuvre lies in his persistent pursuit of encapsulating the concept of “Time” on the canvas. For him, time is an enigma, evanescent in its passing yet enduring in its existence.

The Eastern ethos remains a foundational element in Fai’s work, providing an unerring compass that navigates his creative journey. Throughout his career, Fong Fai has seamlessly woven elements from his rich cultural tapestry into his art, accentuating the deep, oriental essence that underpins each piece. Indeed, the intricate bond between an artist and their cultural heritage is often inextricable. For Fai, this connection is palpable, reinforcing that he is, indeed, no exception to this artistic phenomenon. Global Footprints: Fai’s Inspirations and Influence

Throughout his art career, Fong Fai has showcased his Art work not only in the vibrant corners of Asia but also in the diverse landscapes of Australia and North America. It was the exhibitions in iconic locations such as San Francisco and Hawaii that captivated Fong’s heart, ultimately compelling him to establish the United Statesas his domicile. his rich creative power marks an indelible presence in the American art scene.

In the panorama of legendary artists, names like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning stand out prominently. For Fong Fai, the fervent passion and unparalleled creative spirit of Pollock hold a special resonance. Similarly, the indomitable legacy of de Kooning has profoundly influenced the artist’s own sensibilities and perspective.

The Acrylic Appeal: Sustainability and Sunlight in Fai’s Studio

Fong Fai has consistently displayed a predilection for acrylic as his medium of choice in his artistic endeavors. One of the primary motivators behind this preference is the eco-friendly nature of acrylic, which aligns seamlessly with Fai’s commitment to sustainable practices. Additionally, the medium’s ease of use offers him the flexibility and freedom to seamlessly translate his visions onto the canvas.

The ambiance of an artist’s workspace significantly influences their creative flow, and for Fai, an environment bathed in natural sunlight proves to be most conducive. Tucked away at the rear of his residence, Fong Fai’s dedicated studio boasts an array of skylights. These architectural elements not only infuse the space with an abundance of light but also create an optimal atmosphere that catalyzes his creative process, allowing his artistic works to come to life.

 Hajra Salinas   

Holiday Spirit - group show
SFWA Gallery
December 6, 2022 - January 6, 2023
674 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Reception: Sturday-December 10, 2:00-4:00pm

Art For AIDS 2022
780 Valencia Street, San Francisco
Friday, September 9, 6pm–9pm

CHOCOLATE AND ART SHOW (San Francisco)
APRIL 21 & 23, 2022.
SOMARTS CULTURAL CENTER
934 BRANNAN STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103

DART FOR ART 2022
Friday march 18th at 6:00 pm
Gallery Location: 220 Primrose Road in Burlingame

Art For AIDcS 2021

Online Auction:
Monday, October 11 to Saturday, October 16
https://alliancehealthproject.ucsf.edu/artists
Please register to bid on over 200 thrilling artwork, including mine. Art for AIDS benefits
marginalized folks living with chronic mental illness, HIV, and substance use disorders.
Log on to ArtforAIDS.org and register to bid today!

ArtSpan's Benefit Art Auction 2021

Virtual Auction: Saturday, April 24

DART FOR ART 2021

Friday March 19th at 6:00pm
Online Virtual Gallery Auction

Art For AIDS 2020

October 17, 2020
Online Auction
Art Auction Benefiting the UCSF, Alliance Health Project
DART FOR ART 2020

Friday, May 22nd at 6:30pm
San Mateo Event Center - Fiesta Hall
1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo,CA
Holiday Show

Art For AIDS

October 19, 2019. 5:30 - 9:30 pm
Adobe
601 Townsend, San Francisco, CA 94103
Art Auction Benefiting the UCSF, Alliance Health Project

Art San Diego

Contemporary Art Show
October 10 - 13, 2019
San Diego Convention Center
111 W Harbor Dr.
Hall E
San Diego,CA 92101


Language & Letters - group show

September 10 - October 5
SFWA Gallery
674 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Reception: Thursday, September 12, 5:30 - 8:00pm



Artexpo New York

April 4 - 7, 2019
Pier 90, #120.
711 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10019



DART FOR ART 2019

Friday, March 29th at 6:30pm
San Mateo Event Center - Fiesta Hall
1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo,CA94403



Grand Opening - group show

NYA Gallery
7 Franklin Place, New York, NY 10013
Reception: March 7, 2019. 6:00 - 9:00pm



WORLD OF ABSTRACTION - group show

January 8th - February 2nd, 2019.
SFWA Gallery
674 Irving St,San Francisco,CA 94122.
Reception:Thursday,January 10, 5:30 - 8:00pm



Two - Person Show

January 4 - February 28, 2019
Essentia Berkeley
1799-D Fourth St,Berkeley,CA 94710.
Reception:Saturday,January 12th 1:00 - 3:00pm



State of Us Art Show
Public Hosted by Liz Lewis and Chris SwimmerThursday, November 1, 2018. at 6 - 11 pm
The Nexus Center
1436 Howard Street, #201, San Francisco, CA94103




SF Open Studios

November 3 & 4
11am - 6pm
239 - 12th Ave, San Francisco, CA94118




Vibrant Vision - group show

October 9th - November 10th
SFWA Gallery
Reception: Thursday, October 11, 5:30 - 8:00pm
674 Irving St, San Francisco, CA94122



Art For AIDS

Friday, September 21, 2018. 5:30 - 10:00pm
City View at Metreon
135 Fourth Street, San Francisco, CA94103
Art Auction Benefiting The UCSF, Alliance Health Oroject



World of Abstractions - group show

April 3rd - May 5th, 2018
SFWA Gallery
Reception: Thursday, April 5th 5:30 - 8pm
647 Irving St, San Francisco, CA94122




DART FOR ART 2018

Friday, March 16th at 6:30pm
San Mateo Event Center
1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo, CA94403




Art For AIDS

October 20, 2017. 5:30 - 10:00 pm
City View at Metreon
135 Fourth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Art Auction Benefiting the UCSF, Alliance Health Project 




The Works of Fong Fai - solo show

May 5 - September 6, 2017
OAKLAND ASIAN CULTURAL CENTER
388 Ninth Street. Suite 290, Oakland, CA 94607
Opening Reception: May 10, 6:00 - 8:00pm




DART FOR ART 2017

Friday, March 24th - 2017. 6:30 pm
San Mateo Event Center  
1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo, CA94403 



Reception: Saturday, November 12, 2016. 7 - 10pm
Back To The Picture
1160 4th St. San Francisco, CA94158




Art For AIDS

September 16, 2016. 5:30 - 10:00 pm
City View at Metreon
135 Fourth Street, San Francisco, CA94103
Art Auction Benefiting the UCSF, Alliance Health Project




"LUCKY 7 WITH RESILIENCE"

 Fong fai & misho
 July 9 - 23, 2016
Reception: Saturday, July 9, 2016. 2:00 - 5:00pm
Misho Gallery
680 8th Street, Suite 203, San Francisco, CA 94103




Friday, April 8th - 2016Burlingame Masonic Center - 145 Park Road - 6:30pm                         

                                                                           

Making Senses: Living in an Abstract World - an exhibition

 
Artist : Di Meng, Fong Fai, Hilla Hueber, Steven Senter,
Pichai Pongsasaovapark, James Su and Julie Huang,
Tiffany Yue Liu, and Misho
Curator by Pichai Pongsasaovapark
October 8 -17, 2015
Misho Gallery
680 8th Street, Suite 230, San Francisco
Reception : October 8, 2015, 6:00 - 8:00pm




Art for AIDS

October 9, 2015. 5:00 - 10:00pmCity View at Metreon

135 Fourth Street, San Francisco. CA 94103Art Auction Benefiting the UCSF, Alliance Health Project

ArtSpan's Benefit Art Auction               Saturday, March 28, 2015.  6:30 - 11:00pm

SOMArts Cultural Center

934 Brannan Street ,San Francisco, CA 94103

Solo Show

January 8 - August 8, 2015California Pacific Medical Center

2100 Webster street , suite 100, San Francisco, CA

Art for AIDS

September 19, 2014. 5:30 - 10:00pm

City View at Metreon

135 Fourth Street, San Francisco. CA 94103

Art Auction Benefiting the UCSF, Alliance Health Project

ArtSpan's Benefit Art Auction

 Saturday, March 29, 2014.  6:30 - 10:00pm

 SOMArts Cultural Center

 934 Brannan Street ,San Francisco, CA 94103

Art for AIDS

October 25, 2013. 5:00 - 10:00pm

City View at Metreon

135 Fourth Street, San Francisco. CA 94103

Art Auction Benefiting the UCSF, Alliance Health Project

Fong Fai  - solo show

August 10 - October 27, 2013

Ligne Roset

162 King Street, San Francisco. CA 94107

Reception : Saturday, August 10th 6:00 - 8:00pm

ArtSpan's Selections Juried Exhibition

                   at ArtPadSF

ARTISTS: Amber Crabbe, Rodney Ewing, Fong Fai, 

                  Carol Koffel, & Steven Vasquez Lopez

Thursday, May 16 - 19, 2013

Phoenix Hotel

601 Eddy Street

San Francisco, CA 94109

ArtSpan's Benefit Art Auction             

Saturday, April 13, 2013 - 5:30pm - 9:30pm

SOMArts Cultural Center

934 Brannan Street ,San Francisco, CA 94103

ABSTRACTS  - solo show May 30 - October 30, 2012Domaine Chandon1 California Drive, Yountville. CA 94599Exhibit curator by sharon dellamonica/fine artReception : Sunday, August 26th 3:00 - 5:00pm

  Art for AIDS September 14 ,2012. 5:30 - 9:30pm

City View at Metreon 135 Fourth Street, San Francisco. CA94103Art Auction Benefiting the UCSF, Alliance Health Project

2012 Visual Art Showcase - group show  MAY 18 - September 7, 2012 San Francisco City Hall, S F. CA94102 Exhibit curator by Mckinley Art Solutions Reception: May 18th 5:30 - 8:00pm