Q & A with Aka C.: Fluttering Wishes

Aka C., a Hong Kong artist and former member of the jump-sing girl group Super Girls, presents her fourth solo exhibition, Fluttering Wishes, at Harbour City Art Gallery. Through her signature black-and-white needle pen drawings accented with gold, she captures delicate light and shadow to create poetic scenes filled with healing and hope.

Featuring animals blended with global lucky symbols, new canvas works, a zodiac lucky cat series, and a standout light installation Also Known As in collaboration with KOFFA, the show reflects on her 13-year creative journey while exploring themes of identity, fleeting joy, and inner warmth. In this exclusive Q&A, Aka C. shares the stories and inspirations behind her shimmering world of fluttering wishes.

Q. What inspired the title "晃樂·願" (Fluttering Wishes) for this exhibition?

A. The inspiration came from capturing the movement of light at home. "晃"means the flickering of light, while "樂" stands for joy. I realised that art is a direct way to send blessings, and with this exhibition, I wanted to share simple happiness and positive energy with everyone who views my work.

Q. The exhibition continues your signature black-and-white with gold needle pen style. Why do you love working with such fine lines and this color palette, and what themes are you hoping to convey?

A. Black and white feel the most authentic. They do not let emotions be dominated by colour at first sight; they guide you to focus on the structure and soul of the artwork. I enjoy building a whole world with delicate lines. As for gold, it is the highlight of each piece. A little goes a long way, adding a refined touch, just like small moments of light in life.

Q. Can you tell us about the Also Known As light installation you created with KOFFA? What does this piece mean to you personally, and how does it represent your exploration of multiple identities? I'm honoured to collaborate with KOFFA on this light installation, which summarises my 13 years of drawing and growth.

A. In this day and age, no one has just one identity. I was an artist, and now I'm also a visual artist — they do not conflict. Bruce Lee once said that the meaning of life is to maximise the talents given to you. That is what I am doing. I hope people can see different sides of themselves through this piece.

Q. This show includes your first works on canvas instead of paper. What motivated you to experiment with different mediums, and how has this changed or expanded your creative process?

A. Texture is one of the most direct senses. Paper has its delicacy, but canvas holds stronger weight and tension, which was a new challenge for me.

I do not want to be limited by mediums. In the future, I plan to explore ceramics, glass, electroplating and more. Art should have no boundaries, and I want to try every possibility.

Q. How did the 12 zodiac lucky cat series come about? What drew you to mixing maneki-neko with the Chinese zodiac?

A. We all know the cat is missing from the Chinese zodiac. Instead of regretting it, I wanted to create a crossover. The lucky cat is already a symbol of blessing, and combining it with the 12 zodiac signs allows me to connect with everyone.

I drew all the zodiac signs as babies because infancy is the purest state, representing unconditional love. I want to remind people that even when we grow up, we still deserve to be loved this way, and we must protect the child within us.

Q. Why did you decide to release limited signed reproductions of the zodiac lucky cats accessible as collectibles, and what message do you want to share through them?

When I was drawing the rabbit zodiac piece, several people already asked if they could collect it. The original is one-of-a-kind, and I hated the idea of disappointing others.

This series carries New Year blessings, so joy is meant to be shared. I wanted more people to bring home this good luck easily, as something meaningful to keep.

Q. How did your background in performance and entertainment as a member of Super Girls shape your path into becoming a visual artist?

Both paths are about expression — just different tools and rhythms. Perseverance has always been part of me.

On stage, I shone outward, connecting with the audience instantly through movement and voice. Now, drawing is an inward journey, a quiet way to refine stories with lines. Both are precious.

Drawing is simply my most direct and powerful form of expression right now, allowing me to communicate my accumulated emotions more precisely.

Q. You've said drawing helps you process emotions and find calm. How has your art journey helped you grow personally over the past 13 years, especially after leaving the stage spotlight?

A. Thirteen years ago, my art was very dark — full of skeletons, struggle and restraint. It was my emotional outlet.

When people told me they related to those pieces, I realised art should not only be about self-pity. I gradually transformed, turning pain into blessings. This process taught me to reconcile with myself, and I found my responsibility as an artist: not only to record struggle, but to give people strength.

Q. Your works often feature animals combined with lucky symbols from around the world. What draws you to animals as subjects, and how do they help express your thoughts about life and feelings?

A. The purity of animals is a precious reflection of humanity. They live simply and sincerely, without complication, and that authenticity breaks through walls between people.

I use lucky charms to give unconditional blessings a physical form. Animals connect us through shared life, and lucky symbols brighten our hope. Together, they express the kindness and gentleness life should have, in the simplest way.

Q. This exhibition looks back at your past work while also showing new directions. What are your hopes for the future as an artist, and is there a particular wish you want to share with your audience through this show?

These past few years have not been easy for anyone. Through this exhibition, I want the audience to know: every piece you see is a carefully crafted blessing, made with time and heart.

In the future, I hope to keep creating and growing with people who appreciate my art. Art is long-term companionship. I will keep drawing, you keep watching, and we will grow together — that is enough.