Reviewed: September 3

Constant development, road works and new construction ... these are apparently inevitable elements of life in Hong Kong. But Coming Near You questions this inevitability by publicly exposing the planned massive redevelopment of Central.

With a mixture of documentary photos by Leong Ka-tai and Simon Go, snap- shots showing the potentially affected areas and descriptive handwritten notes, the exhibition simply presents the issues for discussion - but from a strong and vital position.

Although primarily informative, the show focuses on quality of life and historical memory, confronting us with what will be lost and who will gain when or if this redevelopment proceeds.

But, as an art exhibition, it suffers from a fragmented display. The conflict between its position as both an activist project and art show dampens some of its impact, exposing the problematic nature of advocacy-driven art. Perhaps a more focused installation, initiating projects involving the local community and plans for future interventions would have helped.

For gallery owner John Batten, this is only one part of a long-term, sustained challenge to the government's plans. In that regard, he puts the responsibility on the government and the city's residents - imploring viewers, for example, to write letters directly to the Secretary for Environment, Transport and Works.

The show's power comes not from high art, but from its grass-roots opposition to the shortsighted nature of a redevelopment that benefits only private developers and the government, rather than the local community.

We're then confronted with a clear message: erasing history and willfully destroying heritage and tradition can't occur without cost. Are we willing to pay that price for low taxes and more generic tower blocks?