When it comes to local culture, from Hong Kong-style slang, graffiti on the streets, neon lights, to cover illustrations in fashion magazines, and Hong Kong-style comics, all symbolize local creative inspiration. These non-mainstream artistic forces are gradually gaining more attention, bringing them into the art world, showcasing a “down-to-earth” and playful cultural scene.
This summer, Carnaby Fair Gallery brings SUB(X)TURE: “Cultural Festival of Dragon and Phoenix” to K11 Art Mall, featuring the fun works of 6 local creators, creating a Hong Kong cultural mix!
“King of the Drain” Yan Zhaotang incorporates his iconic calligraphy into Lalamove’s orange stylish motorcycles, commonly used cardboard boxes, and sealing tape, bringing the street scenes of the fleet and roads indoors, becoming an artistic check-in spot, presenting the Hong Kong landscape in the most down-to-earth way.
Neon art master Polly Chan collaborates with local craft beer brand “Friend” to create a Cantonese slang neon light photo spot for the cultural festival, with handmade neon signs hanging from the ceiling, incorporating several local slang and idioms that will make people smile knowingly; combining old-school neon lights with fresh slang.
Renowned local comic artist Lin Xiangkun (Elphonso Lam) pays tribute to Hong Kong films by recreating iconic scenes and characters through the use of space and various installations such as retro TVs, comedy scene posters, semi-transparent curtains, and graffiti. Lin Xiangkun creatively reimagines a series of classic characters, allowing visitors to take photos with the abbot from “God of Cookery,” the one-eyed man from “Trouble Expert,” Xia Hui, and Sister Juan upon entry!
Local illustrator SIUKINS collaborates with the century-old restaurant “Snake King Fen” for the first time, using exclusively designed illustrations to recreate the real scene of “Snake King Fen” brick by brick. Let you skip the line and check in with “Snake Soup”! SIUKINS carefully designs new characters for “Snake King Fen” and tells the brand’s story through hand-drawn illustrations on the turntable, allowing all “diners” to savor the story behind it.
Young contemporary artist Ernest Chang combines the raw local street culture with Pop Art and McCafé to create a unique coffee experience, using Hong Kong-style comic design with a surreal outer space theme on a mobile food truck. In addition, he also exhibits several paintings that combine famous paintings with contemporary pop culture, all showcasing strong creativity and humor.
Street rascals DaddyBoy® mainly draws inspiration from the works of “rebellious director” Mou Dunfei, reinterpreting his film characters and classic scenes. The artist has designed a futuristic game space for the cultural festival, recreating the popular cybercafe scene from the turn of the millennium. Using the latest VR technology, the artist presents the street scenes from the game to the audience, exploring Hong Kong’s electronic gaming culture across different eras. A must-visit for all gaming enthusiasts!
He collaborates with Martell Noblige to create an immersive text art installation, expressing the attitude of “I AM AWARE THAT I AM RARE”.
There are many check-in spots at the cultural festival. You may want to visit them to experience various old Hong Kong scenes and have a great time.
K11 ART MALL SUB(X)TURE: “Cultural Festival of Big Dragon and Phoenix”
Date: From now until September 18, 2022
Time: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Shops G11 & G24, Basement, K11 Art Mall, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Reservation: Click here
Image source and learn more: K11 Art Mall
