As another highlight of Hong Kong Art Week, Art Central officially kicked off on the Central Harborfront. At yesterday’s VIP preview, we saw participation from 98 galleries representing 40 countries, alongside over 500 outstanding artists and speakers from around the world. With rich artworks and diverse activities, it is definitely an event not to be missed!
Art Central 2024
Since 2019, this is the first time returning to the Central Harbourfront as an exhibition area, and it is also the largest and most colorful exhibition since 2015!
Art Central has always provided people with an accessible, engaging, and communicative art experience. The exhibition showcased a total of 98 galleries, all from Asia, featuring galleries with bold and innovative styles. Among them, seventy percent are from Asia, with nearly one-third of the galleries operating art spaces in Hong Kong. It also brought together over 500 outstanding artists and speakers from around the world!
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There are also many key galleries in the main exhibition area, including Bonian Space (Beijing) and WAS Art Centre (Ningbo) presenting a group exhibition of young Chinese mainland artists, engaging in a dialogue with international artists’ works; Kvalitář (Prague) joining forces with four outstanding artists from the Czech Republic, including the experimental painter and sculptor Milan Houser; while the stylistically innovative Spanish gallery VETA by Fer Francés (Madrid) presents a group exhibition showcasing art historically rich paintings, particularly from the United States’ Theresa Chromati and Devan Shimoyama, Beijing’s Kang Haoxian, and Seville’s Cristina Lama; the renowned South Korean female artist Lee Myung-Mi and emerging artist Jang Ji Su are featured at the PNC (Daegu) booth, along with works by Hoon Kwak; Whitestone Gallery (Hong Kong) will exhibit works by Asian and international artists including Jiang Miao and Kongkee, in addition to innovative gallery displays.
Through various art projects, showcase the works of the new generation of Asian artists and artistic concepts from around the world, making art forms more diverse.
“Neo”
What makes it even more special is the launch of a new gallery exhibition area, “Neo,” curated by Mr. Cheng Duen, who serves as the chief curator under the direction of the 2024 Exhibition Director.
“Neo” covers galleries exhibiting for the first time, showcasing emerging or undiscovered artists. Among them, 11 galleries and 15 artists have been selected to debut in the new “Neo” gallery zone, including BFM Art Center (established in Suzhou in 2021), biscuit gallery (established in Tokyo in 2021), Cub_ism_ Artspace (established in Shanghai in 2020), EYECANDIES (established in Shanghai in 2019), Gallery Palzo (established in Tsuen Wan in 2010, and in Daegu in 2022), Gallery Project K (established in Seoul in 2021), PBG (established in Seoul in 2021), ThisWeekendRoom (established in Seoul in 2015), V&E Art (established in Taipei in 2016), wamono art (established in Hong Kong and Tokyo in 2016), and Warin Lab Contemporary (established in Bangkok in 2021).
Focus on Installation Art and Performance Program
Upon entering the exhibition hall, you will first be captivated by an elegant and glamorous red evening gown, which also sets the stage for the exhibition.
This is a collaboration between Norico Sunayama and the CHAT (The Mills Fabrica & Innovation) on the world-renowned performance art piece “A Sultry World” (1995), premiering for the first time in Hong Kong! Under her work, audiences are drawn into a magical space – you can lift the hem of her red skirt and step under it. She deliberately placed brushes and sketchbooks under the skirt, accompanied by the scent of lavender, to experience the boundary between public and private.
Artist Ho Sin Tung (born in Hong Kong in 1986) was commissioned to create a large art piece, making a grand debut at the exhibition – a installation artwork named “Shadow Strike” (2024). Her creative concept is inspired by her personal passion for martial arts, as well as the mental and physical discipline and self-awareness required by artists mastering this art form.
In addition, the area dedicated to alternative sculptures and installation art has also selected five large artworks, inviting the audience to get up close with diverse art media and themes. Other highlights of the event include Zheng De’en’s new piece “The Day We Picnic in Art” (2024), inviting viewers to picnic alongside local art professionals, exploring the function of art and how it impacts collective and individual lives. In Yu Meihua’s new piece “Echoing Tunes” (2024), performers will narrate and showcase aspects of taste, inviting live audiences to participate, adding fresh elements to the performance, and cooking up entirely new stories.
It is worth mentioning that it is an art program — recent works from artists around the world will be displayed on the venue’s state-of-the-art LED wall, using the dynamic and creative nature of audiovisual media to explore individuals’ imaginations of the future. Not only does it explore new art in the field of images, but it also showcases the latest works of avant-garde artists.
Tai Hwa Bank Art Space
Being the Chief Collaborator of Art Central for eight consecutive years, Dah Sing Bank has specially commissioned Hong Kong artist John Yau to create an interactive art installation called “Mountains Beyond Mountains.” The piece allows the audience to interact with the installation and space, experiencing the impact of pollution on humans and ecology, awakening a sense of connection between the audience and nature, prompting reflections on the profound effects of pollution on humans and the natural environment. The “Dah Sing Bank Art Space” also presents the “Dah Sing Bank Ink Art Workshop,” where several renowned artists including Hon Yin Ting, Ng Koon Lam, John Yau, and Yung Tsz Man will lead participants in learning various types of ink art. Moreover, there is an art dialogue titled “Transcending Boundaries: Ink Art Connecting Asian Cultures,” featuring two experienced museum experts and art leaders, Kwok Kin-Chiu and Mung Suk-Chuen, discussing how ink art serves as a cultural bridge between different Asian communities.
The workshop is open to the public for participation, and the proceeds will be donated to the local registered charity, Dabank “Yi · Fang,” to support the awareness and access to art for local vulnerable communities and promote local art education work.
In addition to exhibitions, there are also various in-depth seminars where renowned figures from Hong Kong and overseas discuss cutting-edge themes and the latest trends in contemporary art; local artists and art professionals will provide specially designed guided tours for children; there are also free guided tours, led by professional guides, to share unique insights with visitors as they walk through the art pieces; local educational institutions will bring special programs to the exhibition’s seminars and performances, inviting participation in discussions and appreciation, providing a diverse range of programs for visitors of all ages.
Through a variety of vibrant artistic experiences and numerous rich activities, the audience is encouraged to participate and interact firsthand. Additionally, within the exhibition, there is the EAT CENTRAL food zone, offering a series of culinary delights to provide visitors with a feast. For example, Chôm Chôm serves gourmet dishes inspired by Vietnamese street food, Maison Libanaise presents a dynamic Lebanese menu, Butter Cookies offers freshly baked classic American desserts, and Messina delights with its popular handmade Italian gelato in Hong Kong. To quench thirst, illy and Soho House Hong Kong also present coffee and bar areas, offering refreshing beverages.
As Art Central fair director Corey Andrew Barr stated:
The Ninth Edition of Art Central
Date: March 28 (Thursday) to 31 (Sunday)
Address: 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong (Central Harbourfront Event Space – Central District)
Art Central tickets are now on sale. For more details, please visit www.artcentralhongkong.com.
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There are also many key galleries in the main exhibition area, including Bonian Space (Beijing) and WAS Art Centre (Ningbo) presenting a group exhibition of young Chinese mainland artists, engaging in a dialogue with international artists’ works; Kvalitář (Prague) joining forces with four outstanding artists from the Czech Republic, including the experimental painter and sculptor Milan Houser; while the stylistically innovative Spanish gallery VETA by Fer Francés (Madrid) presents a group exhibition showcasing art historically rich paintings, particularly from the United States’ Theresa Chromati and Devan Shimoyama, Beijing’s Kang Haoxian, and Seville’s Cristina Lama; the renowned South Korean female artist Lee Myung-Mi and emerging artist Jang Ji Su are featured at the PNC (Daegu) booth, along with works by Hoon Kwak; Whitestone Gallery (Hong Kong) will exhibit works by Asian and international artists including Jiang Miao and Kongkee, in addition to innovative gallery displays.
Through various art projects, showcase the works of the new generation of Asian artists and artistic concepts from around the world, making art forms more diverse.
“Neo”
What makes it even more special is the launch of a new gallery exhibition area, “Neo,” curated by Mr. Cheng Duen, who serves as the chief curator under the direction of the 2024 Exhibition Director.
“Neo” covers galleries exhibiting for the first time, showcasing emerging or undiscovered artists. Among them, 11 galleries and 15 artists have been selected to debut in the new “Neo” gallery zone, including BFM Art Center (established in Suzhou in 2021), biscuit gallery (established in Tokyo in 2021), Cub_ism_ Artspace (established in Shanghai in 2020), EYECANDIES (established in Shanghai in 2019), Gallery Palzo (established in Tsuen Wan in 2010, and in Daegu in 2022), Gallery Project K (established in Seoul in 2021), PBG (established in Seoul in 2021), ThisWeekendRoom (established in Seoul in 2015), V&E Art (established in Taipei in 2016), wamono art (established in Hong Kong and Tokyo in 2016), and Warin Lab Contemporary (established in Bangkok in 2021).
Focus on Installation Art and Performance Program
Upon entering the exhibition hall, you will first be captivated by an elegant and glamorous red evening gown, which also sets the stage for the exhibition.
This is a collaboration between Norico Sunayama and the CHAT (The Mills Fabrica & Innovation) on the world-renowned performance art piece “A Sultry World” (1995), premiering for the first time in Hong Kong! Under her work, audiences are drawn into a magical space – you can lift the hem of her red skirt and step under it. She deliberately placed brushes and sketchbooks under the skirt, accompanied by the scent of lavender, to experience the boundary between public and private.
Artist Ho Sin Tung (born in Hong Kong in 1986) was commissioned to create a large art piece, making a grand debut at the exhibition – a installation artwork named “Shadow Strike” (2024). Her creative concept is inspired by her personal passion for martial arts, as well as the mental and physical discipline and self-awareness required by artists mastering this art form.
In addition, the area dedicated to alternative sculptures and installation art has also selected five large artworks, inviting the audience to get up close with diverse art media and themes. Other highlights of the event include Zheng De’en’s new piece “The Day We Picnic in Art” (2024), inviting viewers to picnic alongside local art professionals, exploring the function of art and how it impacts collective and individual lives. In Yu Meihua’s new piece “Echoing Tunes” (2024), performers will narrate and showcase aspects of taste, inviting live audiences to participate, adding fresh elements to the performance, and cooking up entirely new stories.
It is worth mentioning that it is an art program — recent works from artists around the world will be displayed on the venue’s state-of-the-art LED wall, using the dynamic and creative nature of audiovisual media to explore individuals’ imaginations of the future. Not only does it explore new art in the field of images, but it also showcases the latest works of avant-garde artists.
Tai Hwa Bank Art Space
Being the Chief Collaborator of Art Central for eight consecutive years, Dah Sing Bank has specially commissioned Hong Kong artist John Yau to create an interactive art installation called “Mountains Beyond Mountains.” The piece allows the audience to interact with the installation and space, experiencing the impact of pollution on humans and ecology, awakening a sense of connection between the audience and nature, prompting reflections on the profound effects of pollution on humans and the natural environment. The “Dah Sing Bank Art Space” also presents the “Dah Sing Bank Ink Art Workshop,” where several renowned artists including Hon Yin Ting, Ng Koon Lam, John Yau, and Yung Tsz Man will lead participants in learning various types of ink art. Moreover, there is an art dialogue titled “Transcending Boundaries: Ink Art Connecting Asian Cultures,” featuring two experienced museum experts and art leaders, Kwok Kin-Chiu and Mung Suk-Chuen, discussing how ink art serves as a cultural bridge between different Asian communities.
The workshop is open to the public for participation, and the proceeds will be donated to the local registered charity, Dabank “Yi · Fang,” to support the awareness and access to art for local vulnerable communities and promote local art education work.
In addition to exhibitions, there are also various in-depth seminars where renowned figures from Hong Kong and overseas discuss cutting-edge themes and the latest trends in contemporary art; local artists and art professionals will provide specially designed guided tours for children; there are also free guided tours, led by professional guides, to share unique insights with visitors as they walk through the art pieces; local educational institutions will bring special programs to the exhibition’s seminars and performances, inviting participation in discussions and appreciation, providing a diverse range of programs for visitors of all ages.
Through a variety of vibrant artistic experiences and numerous rich activities, the audience is encouraged to participate and interact firsthand. Additionally, within the exhibition, there is the EAT CENTRAL food zone, offering a series of culinary delights to provide visitors with a feast. For example, Chôm Chôm serves gourmet dishes inspired by Vietnamese street food, Maison Libanaise presents a dynamic Lebanese menu, Butter Cookies offers freshly baked classic American desserts, and Messina delights with its popular handmade Italian gelato in Hong Kong. To quench thirst, illy and Soho House Hong Kong also present coffee and bar areas, offering refreshing beverages.
As Art Central fair director Corey Andrew Barr stated:
The Ninth Edition of Art Central
Date: March 28 (Thursday) to 31 (Sunday)
Address: 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong (Central Harbourfront Event Space – Central District)
Art Central tickets are now on sale. For more details, please visit www.artcentralhongkong.com.
