Aruba Welcomes Hong Kong Artist Karen Cheung Back With New Mahjong Wanderlust Collection At 2026 Art Fair

Written By: Ricky Acharjee

Ricky Acharjee

I am travel writer at Travel And Tour World with 3 years of experience covering global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news. Dedicated to accurate reporting and compelling storytelling, Ricky explores the trends, innovations, and developments shaping the international travel industry while delivering engaging insights for travellers and industry professionals.

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August 29, 2026 11:40 PM

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Seven years after making her debut in 2019, the remarkable artistic works of renowned Hong Kong artist Karen Cheung (Karen Aruba Art) are returning to the “One Happy Island” of Aruba. From September 11 to 13, 2026, her latest physical artwork collection, “Mahjong Wanderlust – Aruba Theme”, along with four exclusive photographs, will be presented at the Aruba Art Fair 2026 in San Nicolas.

First unveiled during Karen Cheung and her father’s joint solo exhibition in Hong Kong in 2025, the collection will introduce a new piece at this year’s fair. The artwork continues to expand her creative vision, “Mahjong Connections: Culturescapes from Around the World,” which explores how traditional craftsmanship can connect cultures, histories and landscapes through art.

A Powerful Fusion of Nature and Humanity Through Art

The 2026 Aruba Art Fair embraces the theme “Nature × Mankind,” highlighting the evolving relationship between people and the natural environment. Karen Cheung’s Aruba-inspired collection reflects this theme by combining generations of human craftsmanship with the island’s dramatic landscapes and natural identity.

The artwork represents a rare meeting point between heritage and innovation. It brings together Hong Kong’s traditional mahjong carving culture with Aruba’s unique scenery, creating a visual story that celebrates both human creativity and the beauty of nature.

Preserving Hong Kong’s Traditional Mahjong Craftsmanship

At the heart of the collection is a collaboration between Karen Cheung and her father, Master Craftsman Ricky Cheung, a highly respected traditional mahjong carver with five decades of experience. He is recognised as one of the few remaining artisans worldwide who continues the historic craft of hand-carving mahjong tiles.

The collection features carefully selected tiles created through traditional carving techniques passed down through generations. Over the past decade, the father-daughter partnership has worked to protect this disappearing cultural art form by combining Ricky Cheung’s traditional craftsmanship with Karen’s contemporary artistic approach.

Karen transforms the hand-carved tiles through modern digital illustration techniques and detailed hand-painted designs, creating a unique blend of heritage craftsmanship and modern expression. The collaboration gives new meaning to mahjong, presenting it not only as a traditional game but also as a medium for storytelling, cultural exchange and artistic exploration.

From Hong Kong Design Concepts to Aruba’s Natural Landscapes

The creative journey behind the Aruba collection began in 2024, when Karen designed a series of mahjong tiles inspired by Aruba’s landscapes, culture and natural landmarks. She worked closely with her father to bring the designs to life through handcrafted tiles.

After completing the initial designs in Hong Kong, Karen travelled to Aruba with her creative samples to complete the hand-painting process on the island itself. This allowed the artwork to develop a direct connection with the destination that inspired it.

The final pieces were photographed in collaboration with Aruba-based photographer Elnathan Hijmering, who captured the handcrafted mahjong artworks against some of the island’s most recognisable settings. The photographs showcase the collection alongside Aruba’s historic chapel, natural bridge, traditional windmills and iconic palm-fringed beaches.

Through these images, the artwork becomes a visual journey between cultures, showing how traditional Asian craftsmanship can interact with the Caribbean environment.

A Unique Artwork Blending Tradition Technology and Storytelling

The “Mahjong Wanderlust – Aruba Theme” collection combines multiple artistic techniques, including traditional hand carving, contemporary laser engraving and detailed hand painting. Each tile carries layers of cultural meaning, connecting Hong Kong’s artistic heritage with Aruba’s landscapes and identity.

The mixed-media collection demonstrates how traditional crafts can evolve while maintaining their original character. The hand-carved mahjong tiles represent generations of craftsmanship, while Karen’s modern illustrations introduce new perspectives and global cultural connections.

Alongside the physical mahjong artworks, four collaborative photographs will be displayed at the Aruba Art Fair 2026. These images capture the completed masterpieces in the very environment that inspired their creation, allowing visitors to experience the connection between art, culture and place.

By bringing the collection back to Aruba, Karen Cheung continues her mission of using art as a bridge between communities. The exhibition celebrates the meeting of Hong Kong’s disappearing craft traditions with Aruba’s natural beauty, creating a cross-cultural artistic experience built around creativity, heritage and global connection.

At a time when mahjong is enjoying a remarkable revival and becoming one of America’s fastest-growing social trends, this collection provides an authentic exploration of the game’s artistic heritage, cultural significance and global influence. The exhibition offers a deeper perspective on mahjong beyond its growing popularity, highlighting the craftsmanship, traditions and stories that have shaped the game across generations. Although Karen will not be able to personally visit Aruba this year, her original artworks will be displayed at the event, serving as a powerful representation of her unique cross-cultural journey and artistic vision.

“Traveling with mahjong is a journey of connection, and my childhood life in Aruba inspired me to bring people, nature, and peace together — a vision that, through years of persistence, has become one of my life’s most beautiful memories in the upcoming art fair.” Karen said.

A Personal Tribute Rooted in Aruba’s Memories

Aruba has always held a special and lasting significance in Karen’s life, serving as the inspiration behind the name of her artistic brand, Karen Aruba Art. In the late 1980s, Karen spent nearly a year on the island with her parents, including renowned mahjong master Ricky Cheung, as well as her maternal grandmother. During this period, she attended primary school in Dakota, creating memories that would later influence her artistic journey and connection with Aruba’s culture, landscapes and spirit.

Aruba has a deeply personal and lasting significance for Karen, shaping both her artistic journey and the identity of her brand, Karen Aruba Art. The island’s influence dates back to the late 1980s, when she spent nearly a year living there with her parents, including Master Ricky Cheung, and her maternal grandmother. During that memorable period, Karen attended primary school in Dakota, creating a lifelong bond with Aruba that continues to inspire her work and creative expression.

Through a fusion of vivid colours and captivating island landscapes, her artwork transforms mahjong tiles into a visual celebration of Aruba’s unique heritage and local narratives. Each illustration reflects the island’s spirit of joy, tranquillity and togetherness, values that have shaped her creative journey while honouring the timeless traditions of mahjong. Bringing this special collaboration with her father back to Aruba represents a heartfelt tribute to the memory of her mother and grandmother, celebrating their deep connection, cherished memories and lasting love for the “One Happy Island.”

Aruba Art Fair 2026 Set to Celebrate Caribbean Creativity From September 11 to 13

The Aruba Art Fair 2026 will take place from September 11 to September 13, 2026, bringing together artists, art enthusiasts and visitors for a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture. The three-day event will be held at the Aruba Art Fair venue, with activities scheduled each evening from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm local time.

The annual art showcase will highlight the island’s growing creative scene, offering visitors an opportunity to experience contemporary artworks, cultural expressions and artistic talent in the heart of Aruba. The event is expected to attract locals and international travellers looking to explore the island beyond its beaches through immersive cultural experiences.