Something new: Italian jobs

Art and design aficionados eager for a fix at the 2012 edition of Fine Art Asia in October can ease the pain of waiting at a sneak preview of one of the event's most anticipated exhibitions next month.

The exhibition, titled "From 20th Century to Eternity" and to be held at the K11 mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, will showcase some of the highlights of Fine Art Asia's "20th Century Italian Design Furniture Exhibition" including pieces by Ettore Sottsass, Matteo Thun, Marco Zanuso Jnr and Nanda Vigo.

Exhibition curator Calvin Hui Kim-lung, founder and artistic director of 3812 Contemporary Art Projects, says: "Italian design in the 20th century was pioneering and adventurous. It transcended design and entered the worlds of architecture and art. These designers proved very influential on those who followed and many believe the pieces from that period are timeless - hence the word 'eternity' in the title."

Of the 50 pieces shipped over for Fine Art Asia, about 30 will be on show at K11. "It is probably the biggest and most exceptional collection [of classic Italian furniture] brought to Hong Kong so far," says Hui.

The curator says a highlight will be Sottsass' iconic Carlton bookshelf (top left), "as it is a truly collectable piece that not many will have seen before". Design buffs should also look out for the playful Super table/floor lamp (above right) by Martine Bedin and the striking black-and-white table (left) by Vigo.

The exhibition will be open from noon to 10pm from Thursday to September 30. K11 Art Mall is at 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 3118 8070; www.k11concepts.com