Prisms Through Asia

The well-known Vietnamese artist Pham Duc Phong exhibits alongside Filipinos Marcel Antonio, Arturo Luz, and Rene Robles, who counts former American president Bill Clinton among his fans. 10am-7pm. Canvasia, The Rotunda, 1 Exchange Sq, Central. Inquiries: 9151 7881. Until Sep 23 Urban Funk

Asian-American artist Mary Padua's photographs aim to show the similarities and differences of everyday life in cities such as Hong Kong, Beijing, Berlin and Los Angeles, as they moved from the 20th to the 21st century. Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm; Sat, 2pm-6pm. Goethe Gallery, 14/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai. Inquiries: 2802 0088. Until Sep 26

Crop Circle Cosmic Art

The Exhibition: Ceramics Of New Zealand Ceramic art from New Zealand artists that ranges from the sculpted teapots of Rick Rudd to the figurines of Darryl Robertson, whose work is collected by the Dalai Lama and the emperor of Japan. Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm. Shop B, G/F, Tin On Sing Commercial Building, 41-43 Graham St, Central. Inquiries: 2541 5125. Until Sep 27

Simply Complex

Local resident Martha Sugars exhibits her acrylic abstracts and landscapes. A portion of the proceeds will go to Crossroads International charity. 11.30am-8pm. China Tee Club, 101 Pedder Building, Pedder St, Central. Inquiries: 2838 6966. Until Sep 30

Canvases Of The Heart And Soul Established Vietnamese painters Doan Hoang Lam and Le Thong exhibit their oils. Lam's are powerful and introspective while Thong paints women as beautiful and ethereal. Mon-Sat, 9.30am- 6.30pm; Sun, 10.30am-6pm. Arch Angel Art, 38 Peel St, Central. Inquiries: 2854 4255 or antiques@ archangelantiques.com.hk. Until Oct 2

The Virtue Of Tranquil Beauty

Inner Mongolia-born Xue Mo holds her inaugural exhibition of contemplative oil portraits of Asian women. Based in Beijing, the artist creates work described as a return to pure painting in the Renaissance style of a Chinese Vermeer. Mon-Sat, 11am-7pm; Sun, 1pm-7pm. Karen Weber Gallery, 32A Staunton St, Central. Inquiries: 2544 5004. Until Oct 4

Rustic Images - Shiwan Ware From The Eryi Caotang Collection

The Shiwan potters of Guangdong were known for the variety of glazes - from pomegranate-red to greenish-blue - that they used on everything from everyday objects to models of animals. The 180 pieces shown here include works by potters Huang Bing and Chen Weiyan. Mon-Sat, 10am-4.45pm; Sun, 12.30pm-5.30pm. The Art Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin. Inquiries: 2609 7416. Until Nov 16

The Past And Present Of Orthopaedics

Not for the faint-hearted, this exhibition traces the development of orthopaedic medicine in Hong Kong. Tue-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 1pm-5pm. Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, 2 Caine Lane, Mid-Levels, Central. Inquiries: 2549 5123. Until Nov 30 Huizhou Vernacular Architecture Designer Lo Kai-yin has donated intricately carved lattice windows and doors, railings and window panels from her collection to showcase the architectural and decorative arts from Anhui province. Mon, Wed-Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun, 10am-7pm. Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin. $10. Inquiries: 2180 8188. Until June 2004

Contemporary Ceramic Pillows

Popular during the Song dynasty, the ceramic pillow is reinvented by modern artists from around the world. Until Sep 26. Mon-Sat, 11am-7pm. In conjunction with the exhibition, visiting potters Steve Heinemann and Takeshi Yasuda will hold workshops on Sep 29-30 respectively. The Pottery Workshop, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2525 2949

Vocabulary

Painting can be described as being another form of language, an alphabet of information with which the artist hopes to communicate. In this exhibition, Alexis Portilla creates depth in his abstract landscapes with individual planes of colour and line. Mon-Sat, 10.30am-6.30pm. Memory Gallery, Baskerville House, 13 Duddell St, Central. Tel: 2868 6189. Until Oct 15

Performing Arts

Ibrahim Ferrer

Ferrer, the Cuban septuagenarian singer who found international fame with the Buena Vista Social Club, returns to Hong Kong after the recent release of his album, Buenos Hermanos, in what promises to be an emotional outing, with tickets selling fast. Oct 10, 8.30pm. Grand Hall, Hong Kong Cenvention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. $580, $780, $1,080 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 3128 8288

Opera Passion

The City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong opens its new season with a cocktail of opera classics sung by guest artist Alison Pearce, the British soprano who appears regularly at London's Royal Opera House, and Hong Kong's own bass-baritone Derek Anthony. The wide-ranging programme includes arias and duets by Handel, Mozart, Puccini and Gershwin. Sep 30, 8pm. HK City Hall Concert Hall. $150-$250 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2857 2402

Homage To Haydn

Danny Diaz

The singer and musician is back, singing everything from Elvis Presley to Barry White. Sep 20, Sep 26-27, 10.30pm-late. Eyes Club and Bar, Miramar Hotel, 118-130 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui. No cover charge. Inquiries: 2315 5392

Extra-curricular

Martini School

An Englishman Adrift In Shanghai

Robert Bickers, author of Empire Made Me, will talk about the remarkable life of Maurice Tinkler, a policeman in Shanghai for 20 years during the 1920s. Bickers is senior lecturer in history at England's Bristol University and has published extensively on Chinese history. Fri, 12.30pm lunch, 1.10pm address. Foreign Correspondents' Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central. $150, $170. Inquiries: 2521 1511

Aromatherapy For Pets

Learn how to use essential oils confidently and safely on cats and dogs for common skin problems, joint inflammation, and to calm fearful pets. Today, 7pm-9pm. DK Aromatherapy, G/F, 16A Staunton St, Central. Cost: $380. Inquiries: 2771 2847

Film

Unknown Pleasures

Mainland director Jia Zhangke's movie, an official selection at last year's Cannes Film Festival, is about disaffected youth trying to find excitement in a drab town. In Putonghua with English subtitles. Sep 21, 2.30pm; Sep 26, 7.30pm. Lim Por Yen Film Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai. $50 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2582 0200

Urbtix: 2734 9009 Urbtix/CityLine credit card booking: 2111 5999 Fringe: 2521 7251 CityLine: 2317 6666 HK Ticketing: 3128 8288

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