Since its inception in 1985, the Absolut Creative Competition – sponsored by renowned vodka label Absolut – has been a platform dedicated to fostering a spirit of artistic competitiveness, engaging some of the world’s boldest and most talented up-and-coming artists in an endeavour to find just the right interpretation of its iconic logo. Now, for the first time ever, the event will be taking place right here in Hong Kong.
To participate, entrants can start by downloading the template of the Absolut bottle silhouette from the free competition’s website. From there, they are encouraged to get artistic and create a new logo that shares the company’s vision of a better tomorrow, through any of its five central brand beliefs. What does the lucky winner get, you ask? Well, first there’s the chance to win a €20,000 (HK$205,742) cash prize. Better yet, their creation will featured in an international Absolut campaign, offering them global visibility and prestige.
With our sights set on learning more about the competition and Hong Kong’s own bustling creative scene, we sat down with two of this year’s Absolut Creative Competition local judges – Alan Lo, Co-founder and Executive Director of Classified Group, and Founder of G.O.D. (Goods of Desire) Douglas Young, to get some insight into what the judges are looking for, and some advice to today’s young Hong Kong artists.
As a leading voice in the Hong Kong art scene what are you doing specifically to give back to the community and its budding creatives?
Alan Lo: I’m in a very lucky position in that I can allocate time outside of work towards my philanthropic pursuits, namely co-founding Design Trust and Para Site. At Design Trust, we look to activate long-term, intelligent and meaningful platforms that fund and advocate for the positive values of design. Para Site, meanwhile is a space that allows businesses with a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme to get involved in the local art scene.
Douglas Young: At G.O.D, we are always trying to find new talent and work with them. We fully support their work and give them exposure, even if we can’t pay them handsomely. Because the Absolut campaign is so iconic and is being held in Hong Kong for the first time, it’s a great opportunity to give back.
Absolut has declared that they believe brands should act in a sustainable and transparent way. What does sustainability and transparency mean to you?
Alan Lo: It’s about long term thought, and making a commitment. You don’t have all the answers, but on a basic level, it’s about a well-considered and transparent effort.
Douglas Young: On a philosophical level, we need to produce things that are meaningful. I really believe in the Renaissance of Chinese culture and traditions, and look to create things that last more than just a season. It’s more important to create products that are of value. To me that’s what sustainability is about.
Do you have any advice to isolated or marginalized youth, particularly those who wish to pursue art as a career?
Alan Lo: Go for it. Some of the best works in the world come from a place of emotion built from experiences where you have something to say. Connect and follow those in Hong Kong that foster growth. Explore grants, and keep going. Hard work leads to results, so persevere, persevere, persevere.
Art is often political. How do you approach diversity and inclusivity without alienating any particular sub-group of people?
Douglas Young: I think as a creative person it’s very important to have the courage to speak out, and know that it’s an obligation as an artist to deal with sensitive issues and things that require change. It’s our task to move society on. Conflict is inevitable, but if we keep dialogues open, we can resolve misunderstandings.
Thank you.
To learn more about Absolut’s Creative Competition you can visit their website here.
The last day to submit entries is 31 January, 2019 with the local winner announcement to take place in March and the global winner to be announced in May.
Interview by: Bailey Atkinson