Category: Art

Zao’s Wow Factor: Pretty pastels command high price

The majestic two-panel painting entitled 24.12.2002 – Diptyque II, by renowned Chinese artist Zao Wou-Ki, was expected to fetch an estimated HK$25 million at the time of print. The work went on the block at Christie’s recent autumn auctions in Shanghai. Diptyque II’s sale comes only months after 29.09.64 – another of the artist’s acclaimed oil paintings – sold in Hong Kong for a record-breaking HK$154.2 million.

Notable for his affiliation with abstract expressionists of the École de Paris, Zao was celebrated for his inimitable style of gestural painting which combined calligraphic brushwork with large-scale abstract compositions.

Although Zao’s works have always referenced the convergence of Chinese and European aesthetics, his creative output in the 2000s was characterised by a “bolder and freer” technique, peaking with the completion of Diptyque II in 2002. Grace Zhuang, a senior specialist of Asian art at Christie’s, says, “This diptych, sourced from a European collection, is certainly a masterpiece of his late period.”

The auction of Diptyque II echoes a sustained increase in demand for contemporary Chinese art. Christie’s spring sales in Hong Kong totalled $HK2.47 billion, so it would be no surprise if one of China’s most celebrated 20th-century painters exceeded market expectations.

Note: Diptique II set the record for most expensive artwork ever sold at Christie’s in Shanghai. The final hammer price was 33.6 million yuan. 

Artist Playground: The Park Lane Hong Kong extends support to local artists

In keeping with Pullman Group’s global art initiative, the recently refurbished The Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel, held an art exhibition titled “Artist Playground”, in collaboration with Geneyclee Gallery, to extend support to local artists.

Art scene in Hong Kong is flourishing, but young artists are still struggling to find a footing in the space; so Pullman’s initiative to focus on local millennial artists is both thoughtful and strategic. Displayed in the hotel’s popular coffee shop, Ebb & Flow, which witnesses regular footfall from international visitors, the artists’ works immediately catch attention and create a buzz among guests.

The three artists, Liane Chu, Jennifer Chow and Ticko Liu, whose works are displayed, believe such initiatives go a long way in encouraging artists to pursue their dreams.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Video: Johnny Yau

Carrie Lam officiates the opening of Fine Art Fair 2017

With over a decade of experience under its belt, the ever-popular Fine Art Asia made a triumphant return at the HK Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Among the VIP attendees celebrating the launch of the exhibition was Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mrs. Carrie Lam. She is a familiar face at the event, having officiated the opening of Fine Art Asia for the past five years in a row.

Lam took a turn of the floor and admired collections of Himalayan art, Mongolian artefacts and French Impressionist paintings.

While viewing some historic china pieces at the Jorge Welsh Works of Art, London and Lisbon booth, Lam commented, “These export porcelains verify the concept of the ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative, and are evidence of the 100 years of cultural exchange along the silk sea route.”

Fine Art Asia remained open for four days, allowing Hong Kong’s art lovers a rare opportunity to view a smorgasbord of artistic mediums spanning over 5,000 years from every corner of the world.

Legendary French designer’s private collection on show in Hong Kong

Hong Kong art lovers take note. Highlights of legendary French interior designer Jacques Grange’s personal art collection will be open to public viewing ahead its sale by Sotheby’s France in November.

Drawing from years of experience and travels (Yves Saint Laurent, Princess Caroline of Hanover and Paloma Picasso are just a few of his prominent clients), Grange’s eclectically refined taste is conspicuous in his collection.

Sotheby’s France Vice President Cecile Verdier says, “It’s a huge pleasure to unveil Jacques Grange’s personal collection to the public. Discovering his private world makes clear in an instant why the world’s greatest collectors clamour to call on him.”

The sale will feature 150 different items encompassing modern artworks, photographs, 19th century drawings and Symbolist works.

Art enthusiasts will be able to spot works by Pablo Picasso, François-Xavier Lalanne, Alexandre Noll and Damien Hirst on display.

The selection will be on show at the HK Exhibition Centre from 29 September to 2 October, alongside Sotheby’s Hong Kong Autumn Sales. Don’t miss out!

L’ÉCOLE: Educating Hong Kong on the precepts of jewellery arts

Hong Kong jewellery aficionados were in for a treat as the third edition of L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts returned to The Qube in PMQ last week.

The School, which is supported by luxury jewellery brand Van Cleef & Arpels, held a series of workshops, talks and demonstrations that explored different facets of jewellery craftsmanship.

Guests were invited to try their hand at Savoir-Faire techniques and attempt Japanese urushi lacquer classes, or attend talks on ‘The Universe of Gemstones’ and ‘Art History of Jewelry.’

A selection of photography by up-and-coming local talents was also on display. The artists were selected by a panel of industry experts as part of L’ÉCOLE’s Legacy Program.

L’ÉCOLE President Maria Vallanet-Delholm succinctly summarised the pop-up school’s objectives, saying, “The inspiration behind the founding of L’ÉCOLE was to open up the inner world of jewellery to the public, provide a form of initiation for those really interested, and to share the passion of our professors and experts.”

Blue is the warmest colour: Vacheron Constantin’s exhibition reveals Hong Kong at dusk

 

World-renowned watchmaker, Vacheron Constantin, recently hosted the “An Invitation to Travel: Blue Hour, Hong Kong” Overseas Exhibition to celebrate its iconic Overseas watch collection.
French photographer Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze scouted eight distinctive locations of Hong Kong and captured their unique beauty at the twilight hour of dusk. Whether it’s the illuminated skyline of the Victoria Harbour or the rural stilt houses of Tai O, the common destinations of the city reveal themselves in a new ‘blue’ light through Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze’s lenses. These photographs serve as a reference to Vacheron Constantin’s range of Overseas watches that are perfect for the modern jetsetter.
Be it the Overseas Chronograph for the gentlemen or the Overseas Small Model for the ladies, the watches perfectly complement both formalwear and casualwear, thanks to their interchangeable straps. For the world traveller, the timepiece displays no less than 37 different time zones, including those that are offset by a half hour or quarter hour in relation to UTC time.

Award-winning photographer Joseph Anthony hosts exhibition at Wyndham Place

Jacada Travel launched its collaboration with multi-award-winning Nikon photographer Joseph Anthony at The Haven, a new multipurpose space within Wyndham Place. 

Joseph has recently been honoured at the Bird Photographer of the Year 2017 (BPOTY) awards, which is one of the most prestigious award ceremonies for wildlife photographers. 

For the Hong Kong audience, Joseph is exhibiting his photo series called, City to Wilderness, that transports viewers to Sri Lanka.

Given the popularity of his exhibition in Hong Kong, the exhibition has been extended till mid-October.

Keep Walking: Johnnie Walker Blue Label pays tribute to Hong Kong’s spirit

 

You may have heard about the genie in a bottle, but have you heard about a city in a bottle? That’s exactly what Johnnie Walker Blue Label has sought to achieve with its Pioneering Cities edition, in which the premium blended whisky-maker has collaborated with local artists from the world’s most thriving cities to depict each city’s true essence through artwork on limited-edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottles.

For the Hong Kong edition of the Pioneering Cities collection, Johnnie Walker has partnered with Hong Kong-raised illustrator Victo Ngai, a Forbes Art & Style 30-under-30 honouree and a two-time gold medallist at New York Society of Illustrators.
Victo’s artwork on the Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottles depict vibrant snippets of Hong Kong culture, including a Cantonese opera performer who takes centre-stage with her opulent blue costume, patterned with suggestions from the city’s iconic skyline, colonial architecture and neon lights.

To further underline the Chinese influence, an Oriental-themed tassel hangs decoratively from the bottle’s golden cap, making the bottles a prized possession for any art lover.

 

 

Each bottle also has its own unique serial number starting with Hong Kong’s area code ‘852’, followed by a four-digit number.
Talking about the special tribute to Hong Kong, Johnnie Walker Blue Label brand ambassador, Martin Newell, says, “As a progressive city with a never-say-die attitude, Hong Kong deeply resonates the ‘Keep Walking’ spirit of Johnnie Walker.” He further urges whisky lovers to try the limited edition, not just for the artwork, but also for the unique whisky that is blended from one in a 1000 casks, chosen meticulously from all corners of Scotland.

Priced at HK$2300 per 70cl bottle, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Pioneering Cities Limited Edition is now available at major retailers and specialised stores across Hong Kong.

 
Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Harbour City turned into a ‘Bubble’ land for Shinji Ohmaki’s exhibition

At the opening of Harbour City’s public art project, Bubble Up, Japanese artist Shinji Ohmaki flew in to Hong Kong for his first solo exhibition in the city. For the occasion, Ohmaki had tailor-designed a special three-metre-tall, six-level bubble pyramid at the centre of the forecourt. It seemed that Harbour City was transformed into a bubble-filled wonderland.

Prized Art

The Sovereign Art Foundation held a gala dinner and auction in which most of the artworks by the Sovereign Asian Art Prize finalists were sold. The gala dinner also celebrated Chinese artist Li Hongbo, who won the 13th annual Sovereign Asian Art Prize. Along with the title, Hongbo was awarded a trophy and US$30,000 (HK$234,000).