While many may complain that Hong Kong’s art and culture scene is lacking, the growth of galleries and institutions—from the much-anticipated M+ Museum to the increasing prevalence of international blue chip and local galleries alike—suggests that this is changing. This year’s Hong Kong Art Gallery Week seems to be another affirmation of that sentiment. The event began on November 26 and will run until December 5, and is the largest-ever art event presented by galleries across the whole city.
Fifty galleries are presenting programmes which balance the local with the international, and will host over fifty free public events and more than twelve new exhibition openings. Artists and prominent speakers will explore themes related to Hong Kong’s growing presence as an arts hub both regionally and globally. Events include talks, tours, performances, workshops, open studios, and exhibitions, and will be available to the public. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the city’s galleries through the mapping of Hong Kong’s evolving art neighbourhoods, from Central and Sheung Wan to Chai Wan and South Island. Organisers of the event aim to “highlight Hong Kong’s unique, year-round art offer and to introduce the culture of gallery going to new audiences,” thus encouraging everyone, not just current gallery-goers, to develop an interest in the cultural landscape of the city.
Ho Fan. Departed. Courtesy of the artist and AO Vertical Space
Ho Tzu Nyen. EARTH (2009). Single channel video, 41 min.
Courtesy of the artist and Pearl Lam Galleries
Huang Rui. One Country, Two Systems — 50 Years Unchanged (2006)
50 kinds of food, medicine, makeup, everyday products, wood, panel
Courtesy of the artist and 10 Chancery Lane
Irene Dubrovsky. The Big Wave (2011). Acrylic, amate paper on canvas.
Courtesy of the artist and Puerta Roja
Courtesy Hong Kong Art Gallery Association
Detailed information and event listings for Hong Kong Art Gallery Week 2014 can be found here.
by Louise Lui