"Godfather of Designer Toys" raises funds for Save the Children

Michael Lau Kin-ma, who is referred to as the “Godfather of Designer Toys”, is raising funds by donating his painting in auction at Sotheby’s Asia for the plight of Vulnerable Children in Hong Kong during pandemic times

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a devastating impact on the education and mental well-being of children and families across the globe. Particularly for those from deprived backgrounds.

In Hong Kong, the recent fifth wave has added to the overwhelming strain on young children. While the world slowly emerges from the pandemic, this vulnerable group of youngsters and their families requires continued support from charities.

Also see: Hong Kong Godfather of designer toys and the making of his “artoys”

Responding to the needs of children in Hong Kong, acclaimed artist Michael Lau Kin-ma is donating the proceeds raised for his painting, Gathered Thoughts (Flower Series, 2022), to Save the Children Hong Kong.

Through an auction held by Sotheby’s Asia, Lau’s painting is estimated to fetch between HK$450,000 and $950,000 (US$60,000 and $120,000) as part of Sotheby’s Contemporary Evening Auction in Hong Kong on April 27th, 2022.

Lau’s work will be presented among works by other 20th and 21st century established artists alongside rising creatives, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yoshitomo Nara, Liu Ye, Javier Calleja, Loie Hollowell and Shara Hughes.

The Hong Kong-born Lau grew up in the 1970s when the city was at the peak of industrialisation and a world leader in toy manufacturing.

In 1999, the artist burst onto the scene with his creativity and passion for art, toy and street culture. He created the Gardener series that juxtaposed his favourite G.I. Joe action figures and street culture for a solo exhibition at the Hong Kong Arts Centre. His unique artistic expression garnered global attention and brought him the opportunity to showcase his works in Japan, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Taipei and Shanghai, Los Angeles, London and Paris, leading the global trend of collectable designer toys as an independent artist.

Also see: Sotheby’s to auction seven-foot Spider sculpture worth up to US$20 mln