THERE has been an interesting exchange of correspondence between Greta Olson and the Hongkong Museum of Art (South China Morning Post, May 31 and June 12) concerning information available at the recent exhibition of sculpture by Auguste Rodin.
Hongkong now has facilities of international standard for cultural events; the range and quality of performances and exhibitions are ever-increasing and thus the quality of life becomes richer.
In the field of visual art, particularly Western art, however, there is often something of a lack of context.
Complicated exhibitions of high quality may come and go, but with no permanent public collection of Western art as a basic reference point in Hongkong, and the arts being less-than-featured in general education programmes, it is often difficult for the visitor to make connections, let alone cross-cultural ones and the art of learning how to fully appreciate and understand worthwhile works of art.
In this context, back-up support at special exhibitions has a special significance.
Programmes, often with extensive notes, are free at concert/opera performances in Hongkong.