Switching to the Art World Attracts Singaporean Tycoon; Anthony Wong Frankly Admits Losing Heart in Hong Kong Film Industry

Last month, Hong Kong Best Actor Anthony Wong suddenly posted about bidding farewell to the Hong Kong stage, triggering heated discussion. Recently, he stated bluntly that he has grown to dislike the local film industry, feeling he has been treated unfairly for many years, and even confessed: "The Hong Kong film industry no longer deserves anything from me."

In recent years, he has been focusing on painting, having already created over a hundred pieces, several of which have been purchased by a Singaporean tycoon in one go for collection. The artworks are priced from five to six figures in Hong Kong dollars. His next plan is to hold an exhibition in Japan.

Anthony Wong recently appeared on Chapman To's online show "One Night with To", where he rarely opened up about feeling utterly disheartened with the Hong Kong film industry. While Chapman To still fantasizes about playing certain roles when watching movies, Anthony Wong states bluntly that he no longer has any such expectations.

Anthony Wong: Feels Like People Owe Me a Lot

He said the entire industry has made him feel disgusted: "I feel like people owe me a lot. I have been treated very unfairly. The Hong Kong film industry is no longer worth my effort to give anything."

Anthony Wong took Edison Chen as an example, saying that after Chen's entertainment career hit rock bottom, he focused on his fashion brand instead—and carved out a new path for himself. Half-jokingly, he said maybe one day, a character written by himself and Chapman To could also sell for a sky-high price.

Earlier, he had lent his early works to inns as decoration. Unexpectedly, what began as a casual hobby gradually developed into a new career direction, and his paintings started to attract collectors.

He once revealed that he's preparing a website dedicated to displaying his works, inviting those interested in collecting or simply appreciating them to visit. However, he also made it clear that his works now have a certain collection value: "Smaller pieces fetch five-figure HKD, larger pieces have already reached six figures HKD." For the time being, he does not conduct transactions in Hong Kong.

In recent years, Anthony Wong has created over a hundred works, with his "Hidden Words in Paintings" series especially popular among buyers. Some netizens have asked if he will hold an exhibition in Taiwan; he responded that he will go to Japan first. Reportedly, in mid-August, he will attend a creative seminar in Tokyo with playwright Chong Mui-yan, where selected works will be previewed at the same venue, and discussions for a formal exhibition will follow. He describes many turning points in his life as "unintentional but fruitful," saying that joining a TV station, making movies, and even painting now were never planned far in advance.

He revealed that last New Year, while gazing at the sea and pondering what to do next in life, he considered painting, singing, acting, and stage performances. As his performing arts work gradually stopped and his musical partner passed away, it seemed only painting was left for him. "It's as if heaven didn't need me to choose which path, only painting remains—so I focused on it. I never expected that such focus would bring so many unexpected rewards."