Attention book lovers, the latest edition of the Tai Kwun Contemporary art museum’s “BOOKED: Hong Kong Art Book Fair” will be held at the end of this month! In addition to the usual art-themed prints, this year’s art book fair will also feature a new project called “Sound and Print,” showcasing how “sound” and “print” can blend and complement each other. It is definitely worth looking forward to.
As one of the largest art book fairs in Asia, the lineup of exhibitors is very impressive, including publishing or book retail units from various countries, such as Printed Matter (New York), Nieves (Zurich), onestar press / Three Star Books (Paris), Self Publish Be Happy (London), Afterall (London), Jakarta Art Book Fair, abC (Beijing/Shanghai), Fake Magazine (Ningbo/Shanghai), etc.
The new project “Sound and Print” is curated by Chu Pui Yee and Edward Sanderson, and co-organized by Ho Sze Yin. This special project explores how sight and sound overlap: on one hand, the sounds we hear and the music we listen to are recorded within printed materials, in packaging designed for sound and music, as well as in magazines, zines, and flyers; on the other hand, printed materials can also trigger or generate sound.
There are significant similarities between the recording and printing of music/sound and both are widely distributed, affordable, and opposed to those considered valuable and unique “artistic masterpieces”, thus embodying a down-to-earth, independent spirit.
This project first launches a special exhibition composed of sound art and experimental music. These works mainly come from the mainland and are generously loaned by Dr. Edward Sanderson, a scholar and curator based in Hong Kong, along with an exploration of related themes. At the same time, the artist book library will showcase artworks created by Yeung Ka Fai (Hong Kong), Dave Muller (Los Angeles), and mmmmor studio (Dusseldorf/Hong Kong).
During this book fair, “Sound Meets Book” will hold a live piano performance led by Yang Jiahui as part of his “Furniture Music” series. He will combine modified furniture with books and recorded sounds, using visual techniques to express sound and silence.
“BOOKED: Hong Kong Art Book Fair” will feature over 80 artists, publishers, institutions, and bookstores, including Hong Kong photographer Tang King Fung, Swiss independent publisher Nieves, and the high-end French publisher onestar press / Three Star Books. There will also be a series of public events such as lectures, workshops, and performances. Notably, the “Base” founded by performance artists Florence Lam and Peng Jing will bring special live performances to the venue. They will interact with books in various acrobatic ways, redefining the concept of “body knowledge” for women.
The program is quite rich, book fans definitely can’t miss it!
Date: April 28th to May 1st, 2023
Location: Tai Kwun Contemporary
Ticket Price: HKD 40 (Standard) | HKD 30 (Discounted) (Purchase here)
