Hong Kong Art Week 2017: Artropolis HK
ByAaina BhargavaThe Hong Kong Art Gallery Association is back for the fifth year with Hong Kong art week, aptly themed 'Artropolis HK.' From November 15th – 26th, numerous events hosted by over fifty participating member galleries and art institutions will celebrate the unique artistic atmosphere of Hong Kong. As the hub of the Asian art market with a growing number of creative establishments, art week offers an insightful perspective into the city's constantly evolving art scene.
Masatoshi Masanobu, Axel Vervoordt Gallery Hong Kong, Image courtesy of Axel Vervoordt Gallery.
ZHOU YANGMING, "20161223", 2016, acrylic on canvas, Image courtesy of the artist and Pearl Lam Galleries
Amongst the many international and local galleries hosting receptions for new exhibitions, there are multiple highlights. The week kicks off with Axel Vervoordt gallery featuring the compelling abstract paintings of Gutai artist Masatoshi Masanobu, later in the week they will host a book launch and talk for the artist at Duddell's. On the same night, White Cube will be presenting the multi medium woodcut prints of Christian Marclay. Pearl Lam will showcase Zhou Yanming’s transient paintings centered on linearity and space. Delicately inspired by the art of David Smith and Robert Indiana, gimhongsok references the work of both artists in his intentionally humorous assemblage sculptures, which will be on view at Perrotin. Gary Mok explores the concept of urban duality at Galerie Ora – Ora, creating cityscape paintings on linen. The strikingly vibrant works of pop artist Jacky Tsai can be found at Contemporary by Angela Li. Jacky Tsai, Christian Marclay, and gimhongsok will all be present at their respective openings, and gimhongsok will particpate in a moderated talk which will take place during the recpetion. Duddell's will exhibiting works by eleven Hong Kong based artists in a show entitled The Preservationists, including a performance by Tang Kwok Hin. In honor of the ending of his exhibition at 10 Chancery Lane, Kwok Mang Ho, more populary kown as Frog King, will also put on a special live light performance in collaboration with Lumieres. The artist will also be participating in a discussion entitled, Art in The 1980s East Village, New York: Artist Frog King (Kwok Mang Ho), also taking place at Duddell's.
gimhongsok, “A Study on Slanted & Hyperbolic Constitution – Small Love”, 2017, cast resin, Image courtesy of the artist and Perrotin Hong Kong.
Gary Mok Wai Hong, "10 Years", 2007, acrylic and oil on linen, Image courtesy of Galerie Ora - Ora.
Jacky Tsai, "The Retirement", 2017, lacquer carving and gold leaf on wood panel, Image courtesy of Contemporary by Angela Li and Jacky Tsai Studio.
By far the largest and most festive event of the week will be the gallery walk for charity, which aims to raise money for three art centric charities: The Women’s Foundation, Sovereign Art Foundation and HKAGA’s Artist Residency Abroad Funding Scheme. On the evening of November 21st, thirty HKAGA member galleries in Central, Sheung Wan, and Sai Ying Pun will be open till late and will serve free wine and refreshments. A series of special events will take place, including a collaborative live show on the stairs of Shin Hing Street by Galerie Ora - Ora and Groovie Production, as well as a performance by the Hong Kong Ballet.
For a more educational and informative perspective on art, Asia Society and HKAGA are co-hosting Asia’s New Frontiers in the Art World, a symposium that is open to the public and free of charge. The two-day program presents a diverse list of accomplished speakers who are instrumental in the industry. Collectors, academics, gallery directors, and museum founders will be addressing topics and developments most relevant to the Asian art world.
Gallery walk for charity 2016, Image courtesy of HKAGA.
HK art week will conclude with an agenda focusing on public engagement and interaction. Different types of tours will be offered, inclduing a guided tour with TK Chan on Chinese Ink Paintings. Another guided tour, Photo Envy is a photo walk through the streets of Hong Kong with photographers Michael Kistler and Tricia Darling. The south side galleries such as de Sarthe, Blindspot, and Alisan Fine Arts, will be offering tours, talks, and artist studio visits for South Island art day. As Organizations such as K-11 Art Foundation, Asia Society, and Affordable Art Fair will be running workshops and child friendly activities for family art day.
Artropolis HK promises to be a fun filled week of art and culture, for more information and a full schedule click here.
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