May is not the only month when Hong Kong goes crazy for contemporary art. Recently, the earlier months of the year have seen the introduction of a number of successful art events, from the Art Walk to M+’s pop up exhibitions.
A visitor at Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong. Image courtesy Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong.
Since the 2008 inauguration of Art HK, now Art Basel in Hong Kong, much has changed in the city’s contemporary art scene. Record-smashing auction prices, the invasion of international galleries and the opening of multiple arts institutions to nurture local talents are just a few of the shifts in Hong Kong’s cultural landscape.
But perhaps the most obvious change of all is the increase of art events preceding the behemoth art month of May. The Asia Hotel Art Fair Hong Kong, which wrapped up on 2 March 2014 after attracting crowds of 5800 and expanding the number of participating galleries, is one such example of the growing number of pre-May art events.
Add to that a number of homegrown art festivals, events and exhibitions taking place city-wide this month, and March 2014 looks to be an exciting art month for Hong Kong. Below, Art Radar lists three must-see art sights in Hong Kong over the next four weeks, perfect for newcomers to the city’s vibrant art scene.
Art lovers at Hong Kong Art Walk 2013. Image courtesy Hong Kong Art Walk.
Hong Kong Art Walk, 12 March 2014
Since 2001, this charity event has grown to become one of Hong Kong’s arts fixtures. Visitors are encouraged to mingle with gallerists and with fellow art lovers during the event, making it a great social gathering for those who enjoy food, wine and gallery-hopping on the hilly side of Hong Kong.
This year, 60 participating galleries situated in Sai Ying Pun, Sheung Wan, Central, Aberdeen, Wong Chuk Hang, Quarry Bay and Chai Wan will open their doors until 11:30pm. A few of our favourite contemporary art galleries include 10 Chancery Lane Gallery in Central, Artify Gallery in Chai Wan, Para Site in Sheung Wan, and Pékin Fine Arts in Wong Chuk Hang.
Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong 2013 seen from above. Image courtesy Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong.
Affordable Art Fair, 21 – 23 March
The second Affordable Art Fair is returning to offer original art pieces at wallet-friendly prices by young and emerging artists. Some 100 galleries – up from last year’s 83 – are taking part in this edition, which again focuses on artwork between HKD1,000 and HKD100,000.
What’s more is that there is the new, specially curated “Under $10,000 Wall”, as well as a “Gallery Speed Dating” session, in which 10 gallerists will talk about art styles, mediums and artists in 60 minutes – perfect for those with a short attention span. Events like Children’s Art Studio and Art Talks will also be held concurrently to complete the experience.
Lee Kit, ‘You, (you)’, 2013, installation view at the 55th Venice Biennale. Image courtesy the artist, M+, WKCDA and HKADC. Photo by David Levene.
Mobile M+: ‘You.’, 6 March – 13 April
Whether or not you attended his show at the 2013 Venice Biennale, Lee Kit’s upcoming solo exhibition at Hong Kong’s Cattle Depot is one not to be missed. Based on his artworks and installations at the Biennale, the contemporary artist and Hong Kong representative has created a series of new work to explore the ambiguous territory between the public and the private – often a burning question within the city. Some will see it as a response to, while the others an expansion on, Lee’s previous experience in Venice.
The event is organised by Hong Kong’s soon-to-be largest art museum M+, located in the West Kowloon Cultural District.
Lee Kit, ‘You (you)’, 2013, installation view at the 55th Venice Biennale. Image courtesy the artist, M+, WKCDA and HKADC. Photo by David Levene.
Tim Cheung
Related Topics: Hong Kong art, events in Hong Kong, fairs, art tourism
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