Robert Draws – Hong Kong has become a rising hub for visual creativity in today’s digital age. With Instagram now serving as a global virtual gallery, artists from various disciplines have found new space to showcase their talents. No longer limited to paintings and gallery exhibits, art forms like embroidery and tattoo design are now receiving widespread attention and appreciation.
These artistic expressions have taken over social media feeds and challenged traditional definitions of what is considered fine art. Artists like Simple Bao and Jasmine Tse have elevated the visibility of local talent on an international scale. Their works are no longer confined to canvas or physical spaces but are instantly accessible to audiences worldwide. The surge of creativity coming from Hong Kong is proof that the city is not only a financial powerhouse but also a cultural leader in visual innovation. Below are eight Hong Kong-based artists you absolutely need to follow on Instagram right now.
Street artist Simple Bao has transformed the look of Hong Kong with her vibrant murals, decorating street corners, buses, and storefronts. Inspired by Japanese comics, her distinctive style combines urban elements with whimsical storytelling. Her journey began after leaving her job as a graphic designer and exploring Italy, where she fell in love with mural art. Today, her Instagram account showcases an impressive array of sketches and illustrations. Jasmine Tse, on the other hand, explores modern urban life through quirky comics and social commentary. Her drawings reflect millennial frustrations, local humor, and cultural observations, from commuting experiences to dating in the city. She has attracted over 115K followers who relate deeply to her unique blend of humor and melancholy. Together, Bao and Tse demonstrate that compelling art doesn’t always have to be serious. Their work has become a vital part of Hong Kong’s creative expression in the digital world.
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Pen So is a master of black-and-white illustration, specializing in landscapes, architecture, and comic strips that evoke a deep sense of nostalgia. His work often pays homage to Hong Kong’s colonial buildings, corner houses, and narrow alleyways, capturing the fading beauty of the city’s heritage. His Instagram feed doubles as a visual diary preserving what many fear may be lost in time. Meanwhile, Little Thunder brings feminine energy and youthful charm into her artwork. Known for her soft brushwork and sensual characters, she began publishing her art independently after facing early industry challenges. With over 900K followers, she has built a devoted fanbase and frequently shares her drawing process through videos. Taiwanese-American illustrator Jonathan Jay Lee uses a cinematic approach to showcase Hong Kong’s city streets. His works mix realism with comic-book aesthetics, often portraying neon lights and bustling sidewalks in dramatic color schemes.
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Gaga Ma proves that tattoos can be minimal, elegant, and deeply personal. A former advertising executive turned tattoo artist, she discovered body art after seeing her friends’ tattoos and realizing the emotional potential in inked designs. Her work often reflects themes like gender identity, spirituality, and femininity. She connects with first-time clients through storytelling, translating their experiences into delicate curves and abstract shapes. Shirley Hung, a self-taught embroidery artist, challenges the conventional view of embroidery as merely decorative. Her work features landscapes, personal memories, and even three-dimensional designs, including a mountain created for her debut solo exhibition. She draws influence from artists like Sophia Narrett and Ana Teresa Barboza. Both Ma and Hung turn unconventional mediums into powerful tools of expression, offering viewers a new perspective on what art can be. Through Instagram, they’ve both reached diverse global audiences without stepping into a traditional gallery space.
Rex Koo channels the essence of Hong Kong pop culture with stylized interpretations of famous film scenes and public figures. From playful sketches of In the Mood for Love to minimalist renditions of Bruce Lee, his work carries both nostalgia and modern flair. Drawing from TV commercials, local movies, and comics, Koo captures the personalities of iconic characters with flair and humor. Although social media has helped expand his audience, Koo remains loyal to traditional paper and ink techniques.
He believes that hand-drawn art still holds unmatched intimacy and originality. While many of his pieces have been digitized for Instagram, he continues to experiment with physical formats like zines and story-based comics. Koo’s art is more than just a tribute to film; it’s a love letter to the cultural fabric of Hong Kong. His work invites both laughter and reflection, making his Instagram a must-follow for fans of art and cinema.
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Writer: Sarah Azhari
Editor: Anisa
