Care and Love – Art for Charity

Care and Love – Art for Charity

2024 – The 10th Year of Commitment

Beneficiary: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

🎨✨ As 2024 is about to a close, I pause to reflect on a decade of giving back—a journey that began 10 years ago with a simple intention: to combine my passion for art with the act of helping others. This year marks the *10th anniversary of this commitment*, and I am deeply grateful for the continued support from all of you who believe in Karen Aruba Art. Together, we’ve proven that even small contributions can create meaningful change.

This year, I have chosen to support *Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), an organization that works tirelessly to provide medical care in some of the world’s most challenging environments. With the donation, we’ve been able to contribute toward a “3-day package to support a surgeon” and an “Emergency Health Kit to assist 40 individuals in need”. I hope this continued contribution and commitment will help bring relief and hope to those who need it most.

Looking back, every contribution has been a heartfelt reminder of the importance of kindness, empathy, and resilience. Each year, this commitment reminds me to serve as a way to honor those who are less fortunate and to reflect on the privilege of being able to help in small but meaningful ways.

As I celebrate this special milestone, I remain committed to continuing this journey of giving back. May this tradition inspire others to find their own unique ways to spread care and love, and may we all work together to create a world filled with compassion and hope.

Here’s to another year of *Care and Love – Art for Charity.* I’m so proud of this persistence and initiatives – a 10 years journey!

May the Christmas season fill your home with joy, your heart with love, and your life with laughter. Season’s greetings to you all.

*關愛與愛心十周年*

🎨✨ 隨著2024年接近尾聲，不經不覺，原來這個已是我第十年堅持的慈善旅程，從最初懷著一個簡單的初衷開始：將我對藝術的熱愛與幫助他人的行動結合，每年都選出一個受惠的機構和對象。今年是這份承諾的*第十周年*，感謝大家一直以來對 Karen Aruba Art 的支持，讓我們一起證明即使是小小的貢獻也能帶來深遠的影響。

今年，我選擇支持 : 無國界醫生（Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF)，在現時世界中具挑戰艱難的環境中希望組織能盡力提供醫療援助。透過這次捐款，我們協助涵蓋了一名外科醫生三天的醫療支援及一套可幫助40人的緊急健康包，希望這份持續的承諾能為有需要的人帶來一絲希望與安慰。

💖 *十年，十份關愛與愛心。*

每一年的付出都提醒著我同理心與堅韌的重要性。這份承諾讓我感恩能以小小的行動去幫助更需要的人，同時激勵自己珍惜與感恩。

在這個特別十年的里程碑，我將繼續這份慈善旅程，願這份傳統能啟發更多人用自己的方式傳遞愛與關懷，讓世界充滿更多的希望與溫暖。

*關愛與愛心 – 藝術慈善，期待下一年再續新篇章。💖*  能夠堅持這份10年的初心與行動，我感到由衷的感恩與欣慰。！

💖 *10 years, 10 acts of care and love.*

 

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of our art journey.

Karen

Karen Aruba Art

 

 

 

 

Continuing the Spirit of Craftsmanship – Inheritance and Innovation of Hand-Carved Mahjong Skills 《延續匠人精神 —— 手雕麻雀技藝傳承與革新》項目誕生了!

The “Inheritance and Innovation of Hand-Carved Mahjong Skills” project aims to preserve and develop traditional skills. After three years of hard work and investment, we are committed to promoting the continuation of this cultural heritage.

This project includes “A Study of Hand-Carving Mahjong Tiles” which includes i) Hong Kong’s First Hand-carved Mahjong Guidebook (Chinese Version) and 15 episodes of ii) Hand-carved Mahjong Tutorial Videos. These materials introduce traditional hand-carved mahjong techniques in an interesting and easy-to-understand way, providing basic learning steps for beginners, hoping to pass on the skills and spirit of hand-carving mahjong masters to the next generation.

Full version of information will be available in Chinese version.

《延續匠人精神 —— 手雕麻雀技藝傳承與革新》

我們很榮幸宣布：致力於傳承與創新香港非物質文化遺產的「手雕麻雀技藝傳承與革新」項目終於誕生了！🥳🥰

經過三年的努力與投入，由最初的資料搜集、紀錄、構思，以至落實執行，終於成功地將手雕麻雀技藝循序漸進的紀錄下來。這些重要的資料紀錄亦為我們的傳承計劃定下深遠意義。三年的等待，終於迎來這份用心的成果！

此計劃包含《手雕麻雀修習誌》 香港首本手雕麻雀教學繪本及配合繪本而製作 共15 集的《手雕麻雀修習誌 (影像教學篇) 》 。

《手雕麻雀修習誌》是香港首本以插畫、圖片和文字形式結合的繪本，有系統地以顯淺易懂的方式記錄手雕麻雀張誠忠師傅的工作過程，詳細教授技藝中的各種細節，包括手雕麻雀工具、運用於筒子、字體、索刮的雕刻技法，細訴昔日的麻雀製造業，以及分享麻雀的美學等。

我們希望這份用心之作，能讓你感受到匠人精神的溫度和魅力。

了解項目內容: https://www.karenaruba.com/ich/

計劃亮點搶先看 👏🏽：
《手雕麻雀修習誌》- 繪本電子版 📚
全港首本以插畫、圖片和文字形式結合的網上教材繪本

• 從基礎技法到應用，手把手引領每一步。
• 全面記錄：手雕麻雀的工藝精髓、香港麻雀業小故事。
• 繪本免費供大眾網上閱讀： https://www.karenaruba.com/ich/ebook/

繪本項目顧問: 吳秋全
技藝顧問: 張誠忠
編著及插畫: 張凱欣
文字寫作: 吳龍

特別鳴謝（撰寫序）：
• 吳秋全先生（香港恒生大學藝術設計與文創產業系兼任教授、「香港設計師協會」原主席）
• 吳文正先生（「文化萌蘆」創辦人）

為配合繪本，我們特意製作了《手雕麻雀修習誌 (影像教學篇)》以便讀者更容易理解和學習。這 15 集短片運用了富趣味性的拍攝手法，輕鬆地深入淺出講解手雕麻雀技藝的重點，並有刀法字體拆解、例子示範、創意分享等等。這不僅希望增加大家對手雕麻雀技藝的興趣和對工藝的尊重，也期盼未來有心人承接這門技藝，使香港獨有的匠人技藝能夠跨越時代的巨輪，得以延續。

只要有下一代守住這門香港傳統技藝，並紀錄重要的內容，手雕麻雀的技藝便有機會得以延續!

《手雕麻雀修習誌 (影像教學篇)》共15集 📽
為配合繪本，我們特意製作了《手雕麻雀修習誌 (影像教學篇)》

由張誠忠手雕麻雀師傅親自示範，女兒張凱欣及家人記錄內容及解說:
• 詳細紀錄：每集深入淺出講解手雕麻雀技藝的重點。
• 內容精華：刀法字體拆解、例子示範、創意分享等。
• 免費供大眾網上觀看：ICH Website | 影像教學片

延續手雕麻雀的匠人精神

我們深信，只要有下一代守住這門香港傳統技藝，並紀錄重要的內容，手雕麻雀的技藝便有機會得以延續!
一起將香港獨特的「手雕麻雀」文化延續下去，共同以手相承，令傳統工藝再次焕發出生命力!

有關查詢此計劃，請留下聯絡方式: ICH Website | 聯絡我們

Beyond Borders of Mahjong Exhibition Rotates to Kuala Lumpur Lasting until 28/1/2025

Experience a never-seen-before insight into the visual beauty of mahjong tiles with this ‘The Art of Mahjong Craft x Photography Exhibition’ which takes an intimate look at what is involved in the traditional art of hand-carved mahjong tiles through photography, imaginative illustrations and painting to reveal the hidden story of such ‘intangible cultural heritage’, which is also treasured as intangible cultural items listed in George Town Penang – World Heritage Incorporated.

Kicking off today running to 28 January 2025 at FabCafe Kuala Lumpur new location, the ‘Beyond Borders of Mahjong’ exhibition is a collaboration between three Hong Kong artists presented by Karen Aruba Art: mahjong hand-carving master Ricky Cheung Sing Chung and artist Karen Cheung (illustrator name Karen Aruba) & photographer AndyPoll, all renowned for their efforts in preserving mahjong craftsmanship.

Housed in FabCafe’s newly relocated, larger venue with an art gallery, experience the debut of Karen Aruba’s mahjong design, “Mahjong Wanderlust – Malaysia Theme,” which will be exhibited in Malaysia for the first time. This is the first exhibition since the relocation of FabCafe Kuala Lumpur to Bandar Sunway to bring people a totally new experience showcasing one of the most well-known mahjong artisans’ work in the world.

Beyond Borders

This unique exhibition features different artists to present the visual beauty of mahjong tiles from different angles, a unique insight that explores the very small details behind the scenes of hand carving mahjong tiles by Craftsman Ricky Cheung. While hand-carving mahjong is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage and people are starting to treasure this dying art, it still lacks an artistic approach to observe and truly appreciate the art value of mahjong along its culture apart from gaming aspects.

For the first time, the debut of Karen Aruba’s mahjong design, “Mahjong Wanderlust – Malaysia Theme” will be exhibited in Malaysia. Hand-painted and designed by artist Karen Aruba, the extraordinary creature of ‘Mahjong Wanderlust | Malaysia theme’ depicts Malaysian culture. Experience a totally new insight into mahjong Malaysian theme with this intimate look at the dying art of hand-carving tiles with traditional mahjong patterns by Master Cheung integrated with imaginative illustrations done by laser-engraving.

When the father & daughter from two generations merge minds, mahjong goes beyond a mahjong game to become one-of-a-kind art piece to capture artistry and culture, by giving a modern twist to preserve the mahjong craftsmanship.

Exhibition Details

Date:	From now on til 28/1/2025
Time:	Mon – Sat 9:00 – 18:00 (Closed on Sun)
Location:	Art Gallery, FabCafe Kuala Lumpur 19, Jalan PJS11/14, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor (NEW Location)
Admission:	Art Project – Free Entry

 

“Voyage with Ambassadors 2” TV Program: Meet the Consul General of Malaysia, Nov 2024

“Mahjong Wanderlust HK Theme” Design featured in WereldMuseum’s exhibition until Year 2026

We are honored to announce that our “Mahjong Wanderlust Hong Kong” theme design has been selected to be featured in a prestigious exhibition at the Wereldmuseum in Rotterdam. The grand opening kicked off on Thursday, October 11, in the Netherlands.

The Wereldmuseum is a collaboration partner of the National Museum for World Cultures, focusing on contemporary art, and we are truly honored that our Hong Kong mahjong design is included.

In December 2023, a team from the Wereldmuseum traveled to China in preparation for this exhibition. Accompanied by a journalist and photographer/cameraman crew, they visited Beijing, Jingdezhen, Yixing, Shanghai, and finally Hong Kong. Along the way, they engaged with many passionate makers and artists, gathering valuable interviews, photos, and objects. We are honored to be one of the two Hong Kong artists’ groups featured alongside incredible artists from China.

According to FashionUnited media coverage, ‘Made in China’ exhibition dismantles negative connotations, puts crafts to forefront.

Seeing our work recognized for its contribution to Hong Kong Mahjong hand-carving and contemporary art, in an effort to preserve this craftsmanship, is a humbling experience.

Additionally, we were invited to design a special edition “Travel Mahjong City – the Netherlands” set, inspired by the beautiful landscapes from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, with Master Cheung hand-carving the tile 荷. We’re grateful to share our artistry with a global audience. My heart-felt thanks to @Kanghong for the excellent quality of digital printing technology and WereldMuseum for their trust of our work to bring artistry into traditional craftsmanship in an effort to support cultural heritage.

The exhibition will be in Rotterdam until June 2025 and will then move to Amsterdam until mid-2026. A heartfelt thank you to the curator and team for recognizing our unique artistry.

If you wish to own the Mahjong Wanderlust Hong Kong Design set, pls view our collections:

Mahjong Wanderlust – Hong Kong Theme – Karen Aruba Art Collections

(craving, engraving, hand-painting production lead time: 3-4 months per one set approximately)

Interview by WereldMusuem Rotterdam (Dutch)

Interview by Wereldmuseum Rotterdam (English Translation)

FashionUnited : ‘Made in China’ exhibition dismantles negative connotations, puts crafts to forefront (fashionunited.com)

Exhibition photo credits @wereldmuseumsrotterdam

New Box Design of Creative Mahjong Workshop

We’re very delighted to introduce our newly designed gift box, enhancing your mahjong coloring experience. This workshop offers a unique blend of art and culture, immersing you in the vibrant atmosphere of Hong Kong. Explore beautiful blessing patterns and personalize your own set of tiles, including a hand-carved “One Bamboo” and four circle tiles of your choice. Our expert-led demonstration will guide you through the intricate craftsmanship behind each piece.

Discover the elegance and history of mahjong as you engage with its artistic side. The workshop is both educational and enjoyable, providing a rare glimpse into Hong Kong’s cultural heritage. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, this experience promises to be memorable and inspiring. Take the chance to make the gift set and take home a piece of this cherished tradition.

For more details, visit: Karen Aruba Art’s Creative Mahjong Coloring Workshop

For workshop group enquiry, please contact us at least two months in advance due to hand-made work. Appreciate the understanding.

Wall Art “Mahjong Ventures: A Tapestry of Lives” in New York City

We are excited to see that the wall art, “Mahjong Ventures: A Tapestry of Lives,” is now on display at Sparrow Nest’s Studio in New York City! This piece is a heartfelt tribute to the global mahjong community, featuring intricate skylines from Europe, Tokyo, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and New York City. It beautifully illustrates players from around the world engaged in the vibrant dance of Mahjong, set against iconic landmarks rich in mahjong culture.

Tucked into the scene are two dedicated craftsmen, skillfully carving and painting to preserve the storied heritage of mahjong craftsmanship.

Sparrow Nest’s Studio is a hub for Riichi Mahjong, a Japanese ruleset, and a key player in building the World Riichi Tournament, set for Tokyo in 2025. We’re excited to see people from all walks of life come together to celebrate mahjong culture.

As we did ‘The Art of Mahjong’ workshop in New York last March, as we preserve mahjong craftsmanship and promote this rich cultural mosaic worldwide. Huge thanks to David, Gemma at Sparrow Nest’s Studio, and USPML for their support, and to Master Ricky Cheung for his incredible work.

Mahjong Wanderlust – Northern Europe | Sweden Theme

We are delighted to share our continued travel journey to the next chapter of our Mahjong Wanderlust Collections, inspired by the enchanting landscapes of Northern Europe, with a special focus on Sweden!

Imagine traditional mahjong artistry seamlessly blending with the minimalist elegance of Scandinavian design. This collection is more than just a game; it’s a tribute to the beauty of Swedish culture, captured through intricate craftsmanship and innovative creativity.

As Mahjong travels across the globe, it carries with it stories and connections, weaving a tapestry that unites us all. Our European theme celebrates this journey, highlighting how Mahjong breathes new life into cultural heritage while embracing the unique elements of Northern Europe.

Thanks to the invitation, our contemplative art and craft continue to inspire reflection and connection of mahjong with the nature and people.

Mahjong Wanderlust – Northern Europe | Sweden Theme is now available at https://collections.karenaruba.com/