那「Tuna Prize」呢……？
在這個什麼也可上Google問「how to…?」的年代，我們習慣羅列條件和原因，並理所當然地歸納出結果。即使過往被認定為「不食人間煙火」的藝術學科及相關行業，似乎亦慢慢發展出一套「指引」。例如某種風格可以打入某個市場、某類主題會大受歡迎……於是，怎樣做藝術，也開始有路可循 –– 寫Proposal、搞展覽等，好像是藝術系畢業生的指定動作。同樣，對於「Tuna Prize」、對於如何當一個藝術家，大家或許心裏有數。
其實，我們並無否定這些「指引」的意思。這些指引，無疑反映了藝術系畢業生在社會擁有愈來愈多創作的機會。只是，作為一個年輕藝術家（即使回看視覺藝術院第一屆畢業生，大家還很年輕吧），最應該堅守的，大概是我們的一份傻勁、一份對藝術的真摯追求，而非一份刻板的 guideline。
文：鄭婷婷（2013年畢業生、2014年「吞拿魚奬」海報設計者）
後話：
哈，沒想到這段小篇章會有機會放到一個展覽的平台，那容許我多補充幾句吧，「How to Become a Tuna?」其實仍然是很吸引我的一本假書 tagline，因為好像「很好呀，看看書就可做到喇」。無疑，有例可循、有法可依是既方便且幸福的，但似乎同時引導我們走進一個個框架中。與朋友傾談間，我們常說：「這個藝術圈倒真荒謬。」是的，種種光怪陸離的標準、心態及網絡天天都在發展中。我們的圈子如是、整體社會亦如是。既然如此，或許是時候，讓我們在不滿和控訴之上，嘗試逐步改變、逐步創新，自組我們的一套新想法。這，就是「年輕」該做的事吧。
「吞拿魚獎」歷屆得獎名單：
2009年得主：黃嘉榮；特別表揚：張景威、羅偉珊
2010年得主：伍啟豪；特別表揚：陳杰
2011年得主：黃紹全；特別表揚：薛晉寧
2012年得主：許維倫；特別表揚：林秋怡
2013年得主：從缺；特別表揚：葉建邦、黎慧珊
2014年得主：張梓軒、熊彩秀；特別表揚：鍾正、吳森枝
We have been surrounded by all sorts of awards since our childhood. Each of these awards implies a particular set of instructions. For instance, one have to at least “sit still” for an “Award for Good Conduct”. Perhaps some voluntary work to be done for getting “Award for Best Service”, while getting good results is essential for any academic awards and a “First Honor”. If your follow suit these bunches of requirements, the awards are yours! (How simple is that!)
So, what about “Tuna Prize”…?
The online generation could literally google solutions for all sorts of problems. We accustomed to a smooth flow of conditions and causes, which easily lead us to conclusions. There are even guidelines for art subjects and artistic career, the area people used to describe as an “otherworld”. You may enter a certain market with a particular style, or popularize one’s work with a particular subject matter. A stereotype is formed, just like proposal-writing and exhibition-curating have become must-dos for art graduates. Art-making is somehow bounded by a set of guidelines. And perhaps, we graduates know it all too well.
In fact, we are not denying these paths and guidelines, as they do suggest an abundance of chances and potentials for art graduates is yet to come. As a young artist (even the first batch of our alumni they are still young, aren’t they?), what worth to pursue might be our enthusiasm in art, instead of all the dull guidelines.
Text: Cheng Ting Ting (2013 Graduate, 2014 “Tuna Prize” Poster Designer)
Afterword:
I have never thought that this little passage will be shown in an exhibition. But as it actually happens, allow me to say a bit more. “How to Become a Tuna?” is still a tagline of a fake book that I am really interested in. The reason behind is that, “it is good, and we can do it by reading a book”. It is indeed convenience and great when there are rules to follow. However, these rules and guidelines directed us into certain frames at the same time. When I chat with friends, we often have such expression, “the whole art industry is really ridiculous.” Strange standards, attitudes and network are developing day by day. It applies not only to our industry, but to the society as well. Under these circumstances, maybe it’s time for us to start changing bit by bit, and have our own set of innovative thinking. This is what we should do to empower our youth.
Tuna Prize winners from 2009 to 2011:
2009 - Winner: Wayne Wong Ka Wing; Special Mention: Reds Cheung King Wai, Susie Law Wai Shan
2010 - Winner: Roger Ng Kai Ho; Special Mention: Chan Kit
2011 - Wnner: Victor Wong Siu Chuen; Special Mention: Sit Chun Ning
2012 - Winner: Hsu Wai Lun; Special Mention: Lam Shirley
2013 - Winner: vacant; Special Mention: Yip Kin Bon Elvis, Lai Wai Shan Gloria
2014 - Winner: Chang Tsz Hin, Hung Choi Sau; Special Mention: Chung Mark, Ng Sum Chi
