Harbour Art Fair livens up the art scene in Kowloon
With Hong Kong Arts Month at full throttle, it pays to make a curated choice on the events that you should attend. High on the recommendation list is the Harbour Art Fair that returns to Harbour City for the third year.
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Contemporary art comes alive at the Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfront
Harbour City has been a new focal point of contemporary art since it brought in the much beloved giant inflatable ‘Rubber Duck’ to the harbour in 2013. Its ongoing mission of bringing art into life has seen artists from around the globe exhibiting their works in the sprawling shopping complex, including the iconic French street artist Invader.
For the Arts Month, it is hosting the largest art fest in Kowloon that is definitely worth making the trip across the harbour for. So whether you are an experienced collector or art enthusiast, you will find something to appreciate and even take home with you.
Harbour Art Fair @ Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel
Go room-hopping at the 5-star Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel where over 50 hotel rooms are being transformed into a kaleidoscope of modern and contemporary art, showcasing photography, paintings, sculptures, ceramics and more.
In addition to popular returning galleries, many inspiring galleries will make a debut. Look out for Hatch Art Project from Singapore which will present artworks focused on contemporary issues of food, fashion and artificial intelligence. Architects should not miss AHC Projects from Germany who will bring architecture-influenced artists with works inspired by geometries, twisted spaces and overlapping collages. With Korean art the latest collectables, make it a point to view the works form acclaimed galleries from South Korea including Ban Gallery, Keumsan Gallery and Chung Jark Gallery.
If you are interested in other mediums, support local ceramics artist Karen Wong whose eponymous workshop will make its debut with a spectrum of ceramic works ranging from traditional functional ware to pioneering attempts. Another you should check out is Malaysian artist Chao Harn Kae who tactfully combines elements of functional ware, sculpture, humans and animals into innovative shapes.
Harbour Art Fair runs from March 29 to April 1, with VIP Preview on March 29. General admission tickets are priced at HK$100 each. Get yours at the west side lobby or information desk on the 12th floor of the hotel.
“Art in Life” Special Exhibitions @ Harbour City
Fans of contemporary Korean art can enjoy a spot of shopping while checking out the works of three promising Korean artists displayed at the mall in their first solo exhibition in Hong Kong.
Start with “The Wave of Coexistence” by Jang Se Il whose installation at the Forecourt of Ocean Terminal comes from his Standard Animals series which explores how animals respond to the rapidly changing manmade environment. Think about what coexistence means to you when you walk through the tunnel of transparent waves and appreciate humpback whales, hammerhead sharks, and rays vigorously swimming through the waves.
Next up, enjoy the “Sound of Nature” installation by Lee Sung Ok at Atrium II, Gateway Arcade. The series of intricate hanging insects made of stainless steel bear Lee’s wishes for nature’s defence amid extensive manmade damage. When you look at their reflexive surfaces, reflect upon their symbiotic relationship with the immediate environment.
Visit the Gallery by the Harbour at Ocean Centre to view “My Black Rainbows” by Henn Kim. The talented illustrator depicts a dreamy world of emotions through her signature monochrome illustrations that come with a humorous touch. You will probably resonate with her portrayal of the modern world of loneliness, confusion and constraints, and may even be inspired to pick up a piece or two.
The three exhibitions are open for public viewing from now until April 3.
Art Talks on “Gaming and Contemporary Art”
Make it an Art Sunday on March 31 by attending two art talks held at the Bauhinia Room on the 4th floor of the Marco Polo Hongkong hotel that are open to the public.
At noon, Ip Yuk Yiu, Associate Professor at the School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong, and Evelyn Char, art critic, curator and blogger, will chair a discussion on “Gaming and Contemporary Art”.
At 3 pm, join the “Applied Art in Contemporary Hong Kong” talk chaired by artist Wong Tin Yan and typeface designer Kit Man, and moderated by Vennes Cheng.
Email [email protected] to RSVP.