From photographic monoprints made from scanned timber to adhesive foils of public gardens described by their creator as 'draugeurreotypes' or 'karaoke'd photographs' to mixed-media works inspired by daily news and environmental issues and sculptures that push not only aesthetic but intellectual boundaries, entries for the inaugural SCMP/Art Futures award promise a glimpse into the future of art.
Jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and the Hong Kong International Art Fair (Art HK 09), the new award, open to galleries less than five years old, sets out to attract the younger galleries by showcasing emerging artistic talent from around the world.
Twenty artists from 12 galleries in seven nations were shortlisted after a selection process that included discussions in London last October and Miami in December. But a Mexican gallery has withdrawn due to health concerns so there are now 18 artists from 11 galleries.
On Thursday a panel of judges - the Post's arts editor, Kevin Kwong, ART HK 09 Advisory Group chairman Charles Merewether, ArtAsiaPacific magazine editor Elaine Ng and Beijing-based art critic Pauline Yao - will decide which artist will receive a US$2,500 cash award and an invitation to create a front cover for the Sunday Post Magazine.
Competition is expected to be fierce with a diverse range of art including drawings, paintings and installations being judged on aesthetics and conceptual depth.
Representing Hong Kong are Ooi Botos Gallery and Gallery Exit; both were established last year.