Where Courage Blooms, Art Flourishes – Tjia Man Yan
When I graduated from Munsang College, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure whether I had the strength to chase my dreams. It was my teachers and mentors who inspired me to take the leap and enroll in the Bachelor of Arts program at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Their unwavering belief in me became my anchor, pushing me forward when doubt crept in.
Four years at university passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. Those years were filled with challenges, growth, and countless moments of artistic exploration. The culmination of it all was the graduation exhibition at the Arts Department, a proud moment I will never forget. There, I was deeply honored to receive the prestigious HART Grand Prize, an acknowledgment that felt surreal. The prize came with a $2500 grant, which will support my creative pursuits, and a six-month residency at HART Haus, a collaborative space where artists from various disciplines come together to create, exchange ideas, and exhibit their work.
In 2023, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Curating, and Art Criticism. That same year, I was humbled to be the recipient of the HART Grand Prize. My graduation project was deeply personal—an exploration of the coexistence between humans and the laws of nature. Through it, I sought to reveal how deliberate dualities can ultimately harmonize into unity. My artistic focus has always been on conceptual and experimental painting and mixed media. These mediums allow me to confront the fragility of human existence, delving into the cycles of construction and deconstruction that define both life and materials.
October 2023 marked another milestone as I began a collaborative exhibition with two fellow graduates from Hong Kong Baptist University. This showcase of our graduation works was the first step in our residency, an opportunity I cherish as I navigate the uncharted waters of my future. Though the path ahead remains uncertain, I hold on to the hope that I can continue striving for artistic excellence.
The support of HART has been instrumental. As a non-profit organization, they are unwavering in their commitment to nurturing local creative talent. They provide inspiration and a platform for cross-disciplinary innovation within the creative industry. HART is a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s artistic ecosystem, fostering cultural exchange, collaboration, and a deeper exploration of art’s possibilities. Beyond its operational space, HART actively supports the next generation of artists and enthusiasts, while also engaging in community projects to uplift those in need.
In the residency’s workspace, I am surrounded by the spirit of collaboration and creativity. Here, art becomes more than just an individual pursuit—it transforms into a shared language that connects people, ignites conversations, and breathes life into ideas. Every brushstroke, every conversation, every exhibition reminds me that the courage to take that first step has made all the difference.
Man Yan receiving the HART Award
The workspace provided by HART Hong Kong