Hide-and-Steak: Velo unveils heavenly, hearty Italian cuisine at K11 MUSEA

It is no exaggeration to say the Italian fine-dining options available in Hong Kong can more than match up in authenticity and fulsome flavours when compared to any top restaurant, including many dineries in Italy itself. With hundreds of the country’s chefs calling the Fragrant Harbour their home, there is no dearth of delicacies from any part of this Mediterranean country, be it white truffles from Alba or Florentine steaks from Tuscany.

Given the more-than-adequate representation of this particular cuisine within the city – from takeaway eateries to multi-Michelin-starred restaurants – one may question the efficacy of opening another such cuisinary in Hong Kong.

However, Velo Italian Bar & Grill, the newest such noshery to be unveiled comes with the highest of credentials. Part of Gaia Group, the force behind such restaurants as Isola and Gaia Ristorante (to name but two), Velo marks the group’s first foray into K11 MUSEA, a new museum-and-retail complex in Victoria Dockside.

Rather revelling in the aptness of its name – whose meaning in Italian is hidden or veiled – Velo is tucked away in a corner of the shopping mall, a quiet, hidden sanctuary where food, art and culinary experiences all culminate. On entering, one is greeted by plush interiors in subtle tones of sage, mahogany and black that are at once welcoming and luxurious. This feeling of warmth intensifies further on perusing the menu. Combining the freshest ingredients and culinary expertise, the chefs at Velo have come up with dishes that make the best of the land-meets-sea approach.

Eager to try it out firsthand, we dove right into our tasting, with the first course, Insalata di Astice, being an invigorating mix of Boston lobster, orange, lettuce, celery and red onion doused with lemon vinaigrette to create a mix of tangy, sweet acidity that immediately piques the appetite.

Italian fine-dining — ***Insalata di Astice***

The next dish, however, caused some slight confusion on our part as it approached tablewards, because while we were expecting Crema di Funghi e Tartufo Nero, a mushroom soup, what was served resembled a cappuccino more than a broth, complete with frothy foam. It was only when the server sprinkled truffle shavings on top and explained that it was indeed mushroom soup hidden under the milk foam that understanding dawned and we reached out for the first spoonful. And one spoonful is all it took for us to fall headlong in love with the rich, creamy brew, with its generous portion of truffles spreading warmth through every fibre of our being.

Equally wholesome was the next truffle dish, the Pizza al Tartufo Nero, with cheese, leafy vegetables and black truffle – the simplest of ingredients – transforming it into the most sumptuous of dishes. With the softness of the pizza dough combining with the freshness of the seasonal greens and the earthiness of the truffles, this is perhaps honest-to-goodness Italian cuisine at its very best, without frills or trappings, allowing each ingredient to shine bright.

This back-to-basics approach was again evident in the Spaghetti all’Astice, seafood pasta with Boston lobster and homemade tomato sauce with lobster bisque. Cooked in basil oil and garnished with basil leaves, it’s a dish where each element, be it the sweetness of the seafood, the tanginess of the sauce or the refreshing bite of the basil, combines to create a synergic, flavourful whole. The lobster, in particular, deserves a tip of the hat on its own merit, with its aroma and flavours underlining its sea-to-table freshness.

Moving on to the mains, the Bistecca di Tomahawk is as palate-pleasing – if not more so – than its precursors. Featuring Australian Wagyu beef, roasted potatoes, sautéed spinach and gravy sauce, the star turn is undoubtedly the bone-in Tomahawk ribeye, whose juices are locked in due to being cooked with the bone. The result is any meat-minded diner’s dream – succulent, tender beef that falls apart from the slightest pressure of the carving knife. However, at more than a kilogram in weight, it’s really meant for sharing, even though our heart may say otherwise. Perhaps, therein lies the secret to Velo’s success – plating up dishes that win our love and leave us craving for more.

Give Joy: Emphasising on the joy of shopping and gifting with DFS Group

In time for the holiday season, DFS is back with its annual Give Joy campaign to celebrate the festive mood and the happiness of gifting. From November 15th to December 31st, customers can enjoy shopping from a selection of more than 90 brands including Johnnie Walker, Prada, Dior and more. The specially-curated 2019 collection for Give Joy has a variety of more than 150 products across the retailer’s luxury product pillars, including watches, accessories, wines, cosmetics and much more besides.

Moreover, with the campaign taking place in downtown T Galleria and airport locations worldwide, the luxury travel retailer has set up pop-up stores that allow customers to add a personal touch to the items purchased. Take, for instance, one can stop at a Christian Dior counter in one of the aforementioned locations and get unique gift boxes with personalised ribbons, bespoke name engravings and customised wrapping papers enhanced with evocative fragrances.

Furthermore, the DFS stores will also showcase theatrical events that range from visits by Santa and his crew to performances by local musicians to highlight more on the festiveness of this most joyful time of the year.

“The holiday season is all about sharing and spreading joy. Every year, we are delighted to be able to excite and inspire our customers with an array of heart-warming experiences, pop-ups and activations that celebrate the pleasure of gifting,” said Ariel Gentzbourger, DFS Group Executive Vice President, Merchandising.

For more information on this festive promotion and the wonderous gifts of the Give Joy campaign, visit www.tgalleria.com.

High Bourne: Matt Damon has taken his acting career to stellar heights

Imagine missing out on earning a cool US$250 million. That’s the nightmare that actor Matt Damon recently revealed to be his biggest career regret. The sizeable amount would have been his payout had he accepted the starring role in director James Cameron’s smash sci-fi hit, Avatar (2009), which held the record for being the highest-grossing film of all time for nearly a decade until it was dethroned by Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame earlier this year.

Speaking on this missed opportunity, Damon said: “Jim Cameron offered me Avatar. And when he offered it to me, he goes, ‘Now, listen. I don’t need anybody. I don’t need a name for this, a named actor. If you don’t take this, I’m going to find an unknown actor and give it to him, because the movie doesn’t really need you. But if you take the part, I’ll give you 10 percent…’”

Given that Avatar would go on to rake in a staggering US$2.7 billion, that 10 percent would have equated to a quarter of a billion dollars in the actor’s pocket. As fate would have it, though, he ultimately turned down this golden goose opportunity due to scheduling conflicts. However, massive payday aside, he had a bigger regret: “In having to say no, I was probably passing on the chance to ever work with him. So that sucked and that’s still brutal.”

While he may have missed out on this hugely-lucrative role, that’s not to say that Matt Damon is destitute by a long shot. In fact, as of 2019, his current wealth is valued at a respectable US$160 million, according to Forbes, which ranks him as one of Tinseltown’s highest-earning leading men. What’s more, the experienced 49-year-old thespian has enjoyed what few other of his ilk have managed – the perfect balancing act between Hollywood longevity and personal happiness.

But it seems big screen success was always in the cards for him. Matthew Paige Damon – as his birth certificate reads – was born on 8 October 1970 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as the second son of Kent Telfer Damon, a stockbroker, and Nancy Carlsson-Paige, a professor of early childhood education. With his parents divorcing when he was just two and his subsequent inability to embrace his mother’s “by the book” child-rearing approach, the lonely youth saw acting as his sole reprieve. It was through his high school theatre productions that Damon finally found his true calling, while also meeting fellow thespian and life-long friend Ben Affleck in the process.

Soon thereafter, his scholastic aptitude saw him enroll at the prestigious Harvard University where, during his freshman year, the aspiring actor made his big screen debut with a bit part in the 1988 rom-com Mystic Pizza. When he was subsequently cast as Lieutenant Britton Davis in the 1993 Western Geronimo: An American Legend, Damon chose to drop out of university to pursue the role, deeming it a career-maker. Sadly, the film flopped at the box office, and it wasn’t until 1997 that he finally caught the attention of the world’s cinemagoers.

That was the year that Good Will Hunting – penned by Matt Damon and his childhood pal Affleck – hit the silver screen. The tale, which follows the journey of an MIT janitor-cum-mathematics savant (Damon) as he finds his place in the world, was to be his first taste of cinematic success, with the then-27-year-old receiving his first nominations for Best Actor, while also winning the accolades for Best Original Screenplay at both the Academy Awards and Golden Globes that year.

After that, his star was unquestionably on the rise, as he set about solidifying his reputation as a true Hollywood A-lister through a series of critically-acclaimed performances such as the eponymous protagonist in Saving Private Ryan (1998), a fallen angel in Dogma (1999) and the antihero in The Talented Mr Ripley (1999).

It was during the following decade, though, that he truly entered the big league, thanks largely to his participation in several big budget franchises. His first franchise role was in the heist movie, Ocean’s Eleven (2001), where he starred alongside such Hollywood luminaries as Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Andy Garcia. The movie’s blend of fast-paced action and charismatic dialogue was such a success that it spawned three more sequels.

But it was another franchise-starter that transformed the actor into a bona fide action star – The Bourne Identity (2001), the spy action film that saw Damon take on the mantle of Jason Bourne, a superspy suffering from amnesia who has to avoid assassins on his journey to regaining his identity. Another box-office hit, it spawned four sequels that collectively grossed US$1.6 billion worldwide.

Soon thereafter, following a series of high-profile romances with actresses like Minnie Driver, Winona Ryder and Rhona Mitra, Matt Damon finally found true love away from the limelight with Luciana Barroso, a bartender he had met while filming Stuck on You in Miami in 2003. The couple wed in 2005, and are now the proud parents of four daughters, including Barroso’s child from a previous relationship.

With the new insight gained from becoming a father, the actor discovered a passion for humanitarian work, particularly in the field of clean water initiatives. To combat this crisis, Damon co-founded H20 Africa Foundation, an NGO dedicated to providing clean water to the needy in Africa. The organisation eventually merged with another charitable body, WaterPartners, to form what is now known as Water.org in 2009, whose mission statement is to “pioneer market-driven financial solutions to end the global water crisis”. The big-hearted actor is also a keen supporter of other causes, including combating AIDS, poverty and war atrocities through a number of other organisations.

But that’s not to say that he’s allowed his onscreen career to languish. In the last decade alone, he’s garnered praise for such diverse roles as that of South African rugby team captain Francois Pienaar in 2009’s Invictus (which saw him nominated for Best Supporting Actor at both the Golden Globes and the Oscars), a Texas Ranger in the Coen Brothers’ 2010 Western True Grit, and a castaway astronaut in not one, but two sci-fi hits – Interstellar (2014) and The Martian (2015).

Next up, though, Damon will have his feet back on terra firma, appearing in the historic biopic Ford v Ferrari in the role of Carroll Shelby, the famed US car designer who, together with Henry Ford II of Ford Motors, aims for an underdog victory against Italian motoring marque Scuderia Ferrari at the prestigious Le Mans race.

After that, the A-lister looks set to reunite with his old pal Affleck to co-write a script 22 years after their previous effort, the afore-mentioned Good Will Hunting, catapulted both actors to superstardom. Their upcoming collaboration with producer-director Ridley Scott and Oscar-nominated writer-director Nicole Holofcener, tentatively titled The Last Duel, will see Damon travel not to the stars, but to the distant past this time – the 14th century to be exact – in a story of a ‘duel to end all duels’ between a knight and a courtier.

While there’s little concrete information on that particular project, the all-star power behind it suggests that something truly special could be in the making – one that will allow audiences worldwide to remember just what makes Matt Damon such a Bourne star.

Text: Tenzing Thondup
Photos: AFP

Marvel Movies: How will the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Four unfold?

When Robert Downey Jr donned his now-iconic red-and-yellow armour in 2008’s Iron Man, few could have imagined that his successful portrayal of “genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist” Tony Stark would spawn a cinematic franchise the likes of which the world had never seen before. Indeed, since this opening instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – the massive movie franchise run by Marvel Studios, based off of characters from Marvel Comics – cinemagoers across the globe have fallen in love with Iron Man and his merry band of superhero friends, The Avengers.

Much of this ‘Marvel-lous’ world’s success lies in its deft ability to blend jaw-dropping action scenes, poignant storylines and irreverent humour, which have pretty much become the calling card of the Marvel movie-going experience, infecting even the most cynical critics with Marvel Fever and causing them to root for such out-of-this-world protagonists as a gamma ray-infused rage monster (The Hulk), an interchangeably-sized ex-con (Ant-Man), a talking tree (Groot of Guardians of the Galaxy), and everything in between.

It is precisely this magic formula that has allowed Marvel to far outstrip any studio competitor, leading it to spin one collective story across 22 movies and three separate phases in what is colloquially known as The Infinity Saga. This superlative success has also translated into lucrative financial gains, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe having grossed over US$22 billion worldwide to date.

However, now, with Iron Man dead, Captain America seeking post-retirement bliss and Spider-Man caught in a web of disputes that may see him exiting the MCU forever, it’s safe to assume that the recently-announced Phase Four line-up will be a very different beast from the 22-instalment saga that preceded it. While the films are almost all still in preproduction, Marvel fans the world over are already abuzz about what to expect. Kevin Feige, the franchise’s executive producer, has also added to the anticipation by dropping a few spoilers as well. So what, exactly, can we expect?

First, as confirmed by Marvel, we can expect nine different instalments – a mix of feature films and TV series – which will run from 2020 to 2022. The studio has already promised to bring back some familiar faces, including Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki, in addition to introducing several brand new characters. There have also been less-than-subtle hints that this will be the most inclusive line-up in MCU history, with its first Asian superhero, first openly-queer character and first deaf superhero, all soon to finally get their fair share of the spotlight.

The most well-known of the next slate may well be Black Widow, set for release on 1 May 2020 as the debut Phase Four outing. Given that Natasha Romanov (aka the Black Widow) forfeited her life in the fight against supervillain Thanos, the upcoming prequel will undoubtedly indulge in Marvel’s penchant for time-travelling shenanigans, transporting audiences back to a time when she was hale and healthy. If rumours are to be believed, the movie will take place between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. A glimpse of the confirmed cast / character list, meanwhile, reveals that we will get a more in-depth look at the Red Room, the Russian superspy programme that spawned Romanov. Scarlett Johansson, reprising her role as the assassiness-turned-hero, will be joined by David Harbour (Stranger Things), and Academy Award, BAFTA and Laurence Olivier Award winner Rachel Weisz.

The God of Thunder also looks set to break with his traditional trope in Thor: Love and Thunder, the fourth instalment of the Thor series, which is slated for release on 5 November 2021. While the return of its star, Chris Hemsworth, and Ragnarok director Take Waititi were all but expected, the news that Natalie Portman (who acted as Jane Foster, Thor’s love interest, six years ago) would not only be reprising her role, but would take over the mantle of Thor from Hemsworth caused much uproar. Add to this the fact that Valkyrie, last seen becoming the new King of Asgard, will be looking for her Queen, and this is one movie that surely has everyone at the edge of their seats.

Meanwhile, the Sorcerer Supreme – ably portrayed by an American-accented Benedict Cumberbatch – is also set to return to theatres in Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness (7 May 2021). While its plot is yet to be revealed, the movie presents an exciting opportunity to introduce the MCU to the multiverse – where many universes coexist simultaneously. However, in a marked shift from the norm, Marvel has already announced that this will be the franchise’s first-ever horror film, so expect a higher-than-normal dose of spine-tingling thrills, all courtesy of the main villain, the chillingly-named Nightmare.

From here, the Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Four line-up gets more murky, with little real information available as yet. What we do know, however, is that – come 12 February 2021 – Marvel’s first Asian superhero will be getting his very own feature film in the form of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, starring Simu Liu of Kim’s Convenience fame as the titular character. The superhero, also known as The Master of Kung Fu, is pegged to come up against the real Mandarin (portrayed by Hong Kong’s very own Tony Leung), the villain falsely embodied in Iron Man 3 by Ben Kingsley and Guy Pierce.

Another somewhat-new introduction is The Eternals, starring A-listers like Angelina Jolie, Selma Hayek and Kit Harrington. It also features the first deaf superhero, Makkari, to be portrayed by The Walking Dead’s Lauren Ridloff. While these mythical characters have been hinted at in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, they haven’t been explicitly name-checked until now. According to the comic books, though, the Eternals are a race of superpowered beings created by a group of space gods called the Celestials. Thanos, the supervillain at the heart of the franchise to date, was an Eternal, and the upcoming movie will introduce others still.

Interestingly, nearly half of Marvel’s Phase Four line-up consists of small-screen series. While the studio has had TV outings before, they’ve never been a part of its cinematic universe so far. Now, though, thanks to a partnership with the newly-announced Disney+ video on-demand service launched by Marvel’s parent company, Disney, fans can expect several of their MCU favourites to hit the small screen post-Endgame. The first of these series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, is set to release in the autumn of 2020, and follows the adventures of the new Captain America, Sam Wilson, and Bucky Barnes. Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor’s brother and the God of Mischief, will also get his own spin-off show, which follows his adventures upon escaping with the Tesseract to an alternate dimension. Two other TV shows, one featuring Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye and the other with Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch and Paul Bettany’s The Vision, round out the list.

In all, while Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will likely retain many of the facets that have made its movies such box-office hits, it is refreshing to see it move away from the tried-and-tested style of its predecessors. Be it through a wider array of characters or the use of mixed-media channels, it could be that this experimental style could yield even bigger profits for the studio. While it will be seven months before we can begin to see the results of this gambol, we can, in the meanwhile, contemplate the many Marvel-lous possibilities…

Text: Tenzing Thondup
Photos: AFP

Take a stroll down memory lane with The Murray Historic Tour

While Hong Kong’s is dotted with hotels large and small, there are some that stand out from the rest, by the sheer beauty of their design, the gargantuan scale of their structure or the historic value of their location. It’s the latter that defines The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel. Built in 2018 on the site of a the former government office tower as part of the city’s Conserving Central initiative, it has seen the US$1-billion preservation project transform a British-era building into a super-luxury, cosmopolitan hotel. But despite the modern veneer at The Murray, what hasn’t changed is its keen resolve to protect its heritage, so we see colonial influences at each arch and turn of the building.

Now, to reinforce the conservation project’s concept to reconnect with the city and community, The Murray team has just launched The Murray Historic Tour – a walk down the memory lane that reveals the historical charms of the familiar building.

Carefully conducted by hotel’s own City Insiders, the tour explores the architectural marvels from yesteryears that still occupy pride of place in the hotel – be it its stately arches, its energy-efficient windows or its grand main entrance. One particularly eye-catching element that is sure to resonate with visitors is a 100-year-old tree (one of only two registered Old and Valuable Trees in Hong Kong) that stands tall in the courtyard.

Strolling indoors, there’s also a guided viewing of noteworthy art pieces by such acclaimed artists as Bahk Seon Ghi, Zaha Hadid, John Kennedy, Jaume Plensa, Isabel Miramontes that adorn the walls of The Murray. However, what makes The Murray Historic Tour truly special is that it’s not just a dry history lesson, it’s a nostalgia-inducing dialogue between the past and the present.

Two guided tours are scheduled daily at 10am and 4pm. Each session accommodates up to 10 guests and advance reservation is required. The tour is complimentary and its route varies depending on availability. For reservations, contact City Insiders at cityinsider.themurray@niccolohotels.com or +852 3141 8809.

Mann of Action: Wu Assassins star Byron Mann on his Hollywood journey

Byron Mann, Hong Kong’s most promising export to Hollywood, talks to us about what it is like to be an Asian actor in Western films and his latest success story, Wu Assassins.

You studied law before turning to acting. When did you realise that films were your true calling?

Well, I figured out law wasn’t right for me during my first year of law school itself. I was interning at a law firm in Hong Kong over summer break, when my manager there suggested I pursue something else. He asked me what I would like to do instead and I told him that I used to like acting in high school. He was the one who suggested that I should try my hand at it, because the University of Southern California – where I was enrolled at that time – is in Los Angeles, just minutes away from Hollywood. And that is exactly what I did over the next few years of college. By my third year, I had already signed up for a movie. So even before I had graduated, I knew that I wanted to act for a living.

Did you go through the struggling actor period?

Not in the traditional sense. Having started young, I was quite excited about the prospect of acting. I couldn’t believe they were paying me to do it, I would have done it for fun. Fortunately, as I was already based in Hollywood, I didn’t have to struggle too much, I was landing roles pretty much from the start. I think, if there’s any struggle, it’s in keeping yourself fresh for any new challenge after you’ve been acting for 10 or 15 years.

Do you think that being an Asian worked in your favour?

I really believe that there are roles for everyone in Hollywood. And I’m talking about the mid-’90s, way before Crazy Rich Asians happened. Of course, the roles available to a Caucasian actor were more in number than those available to an Asian, but there were fewer Asians competing for those parts than Caucasians at that time.

What do you consider as a turning point in your career?

There have been several such moments actually, but none of them made an impact overnight. I did this film called The Big Short in 2015. During the production phase, it was a low-budget film and nobody knew anything about it. But after it came out, it got more and more popular. I started feeling its impact over a year later, when producers and directors approached me for roles because they had all seen the movie. They all said they loved how evil I was in that cameo role.

Is there any particular decision you made that you would like to go back and change?

If there’s anything that springs to mind, it’s that for the first 10 years of my career, I only wanted to do feature films. I had grown up watching such great movies as The Last Emperor, Schindler’s List and so on. As a result, I was quite focussed on only signing full-length films and not TV shows. If I had to do it all over again, I would surely consider acting in both mediums.

Do you think that Hollywood has become more sensitive to Asian cultures over time?

I definitely think that there’s more awareness in Hollywood now than there was 20 years ago. There are several reasons for that. First and foremost is, of course, easy access to the Internet. Researching a character’s background and culture has become much easier. Secondly, there’s the emergence of China and India on the global stage. These are huge markets and Hollywood studios definitely don’t want to rub them the wrong way.

How different is the experience of shooting a full-length feature film from doing a TV series?

I would compare a feature film to a sprint, whereas a TV series is like a marathon. In feature films, you have to tell the whole story in two or three hours, so the intensity is at a different level. Having said that though, I think the two experiences are becoming more and more similar now, thanks to streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime. For example, I acted in Altered Carbon and more recently in Wu Assassins on Netflix. Let’s say there are 10 episodes in each series, with a budget of over US$15 million for each episode. Given the money involved, the production quality is very high – it’s like shooting 10 feature films of shorter lengths.

Do you think that streaming services will soon eclipse the theatre-going experience?

That’s already happening to an extent, but I don’t think streaming will completely overshadow the cinematic experience. There’s something unique about collective theatre-viewing. You can’t completely recreate that at home. But, thanks to streaming services, you can watch very high-quality productions at leisure in your own home, at own your pace, and there is definitely a place for that as well.

What are your thoughts on Wu Assassins’ popularity?

Wu Assassins’ popularity has really exceeded my expectations. As of 23 August, it was ranked the third most-watched show in the world. What has surprised me the most is how audiences worldwide have responded to some of the racism issues addressed in the show. There’s a scene in episode 7 where my character responds to a racist waitress by educating her about the history of Chinese people in America. That scene has gone viral worldwide and has been one of the main talking points for the show. That’s very gratifying for me.

What was it like playing Uncle Six, who had a huge character arc in Wu Assassins, so much so that the audience ends up rooting for the villain?

The character of Uncle Six that I played in Wu Assassins has been a highlight in my career – a rather unexpected highlight, I might add. I signed up for this show because I had worked with the creator / producer John Wirth previously on AMC’s Hell On Wheels. I had such camaraderie with John that when he asked me to do this show, I said yes without even knowing much about the character or the series.

But I am glad that I said yes. I had a good time getting into the skin of this character and creating a contrast between how he looks at present and how he looked like 15 years ago, and following him on his journey when he lost his fire power and became a mere human, particularly what he looked like and how he felt when he took a road trip with his adopted son in episode 7. It was important for me to play a real human being instead of a stereotypical Triad boss. That was the challenge for me.

Finally, who’s your favourite actor?

Ah, there are so many… Al Pacino, Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, Daniel Day-Lewis, Meryl Streep… I would like to compare acting to really good food. After you’ve tasted something delicious, you think about it even after the meal is finished. It’s the same with movies. After you watch a good movie, you walk out of the cinema hall and still think about it. That’s good acting there if it moves you and gives you pause for thought. All the actors I just named are the ones who have moved me deeply with their acting prowess.

Thank you.

Interview by: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction & Styling: San Wong
Grooming: Chris Yu @ Morphologique
Venue: The Fleming Hong Kong
Wardrobe & Accessories: Etro, BOSS, Jimmy Choo, Giorgio Armani, Chopard, Cerruti 1881

Artistic Vision: Contemporary Chinese artist Wang Xiaobo on his stunning creative success

We spoke with famed contemporary Chinese artist Wang Xiaobo, whose works are currently on display at The Repulse Bay residences as part of its first-ever art exhibition, on the secrets behind his success.

Wang Xiaobo posing with his art pieces, currently on display at The Repulse Bay Residence

Why did you choose to become an artist, and what inspires you to continue creating art?
My parents are both academics, and my brother was similarly educationally gifted. I, however, was not so lucky in that respect, and never did well in school examinations. Luckily, I discovered my love of painting early on, and my father was particularly encouraging of my talents and urged me to pursue my passion. My art is my means of connecting with life, of interpreting my experiences and interactions with other people.

Artwork by Wang Xiaobo at The Repulse Bay Residence

What are the inspirations for your artworks?
My works are a kind of self-reflection of my own personal experiences. Everything I’ve created is based on a particular phase of my life. For example, when I first got married, I was enamoured with exploring the various facets of love. Then, when I had my two sons, I found inspiration in their constant curiosity, their constant need to ask: “Why?”. In fact, my Looking for Future series was inspired by their youthful inquisitiveness.

Your works have sold for millions of dollars, why do you think your creations are so popular with collectors?
I’m not sure if “popular” is a good or bad thing for an artist. I think, at its core, art is like philosophy, it’s a pure expression of an artist’s feelings. However, commercial art – those pieces dedicated to pleasing buyers – is how one earns a living. Having said that, I think I’ve been lucky to strike just the right balance between these two aspects, which is why my works have resonated with a wide range of people.

Your artworks are currently being displayed at The Repulse Bay residences. How do you feel viewing art can stimulate residents / guests in the art of living well?
Art is a wonderful medium of expression, it is a fantastic platform for inspiring the imaginations of anyone, no matter what their age and where their interests lie. No two people experience art the same way, it’s a unique, personal affair. Ultimately, I believe that exposure to art stimulates the mind and expands a person’s horizons, and that is what I hope residents and visitors to The Repulse Bay will feel when they view my creations.

Hong Kong Culture Festival 2019 kicks off with Hong Kong Ink Art Walk 2019

As the city’s arts and culture aficionados are already aware, the annual Hong Kong Cultural Festival aims to preserve and revitalise intangible cultural heritage by promoting public awareness and engagement. Organised by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Earthpulse Society, its fifth iteration opened with two superlative exhibitions under the title of “Sino Group Presents: Hong Kong Ink Art Walk 2019”.

A focal component of the festival, the Hong Kong Ink Art Walk 2019 this year aims to introduce stunning ink artworks from over 10 of the city’s leading art galleries to the public, all in the hopes of highlighting the Fragrant Harbour’s rich cultural diversity and to foster greater dialogue amongst artistic talents across the region.

(From Left) Mr Hing Chao, Mr Zhao Zhijun, Mr Wucius Wong and Ms Juliana Lam — (From Left) Officiating guests Mr Hing Chao, Mr Zhao Zhijun, Mr Wucius Wong and Ms Juliana Lam

The opening ceremony saw many of luminaries of the cultural world in attendance, with its officiating guests including such notable names as Mr Hing Chao, Chairman of Intangible Cultural Heritage Earthpulse Society, Mr Chan Shing Wai, Assistant Director at the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Ms Nikki Ng Mien Hua, GM of Sino Group, Ms Juliana Lam, Managing Director of Julius Group.

Mr Wucius Wong introduces Hong Kong Waters Korean Mountains exhibition

The two exhibitions, titled Hong Kong Waters Korean Mountains: Hong Kong and Korea Exchange Art Exhibition and Cacophony of Colours between the Fragrant Harbour and the Steppe: Hong Kong and Inner Mongolia Water Colour Exhibition, are set to run from 19-29 September at Hong Kong Central Library’s Exhibition Gallery.

Mr Zhao Zhijun introduces Cacophony of Colours artworks

The first, curated by ink artist Wucius Wong, comprises artworks created during a cultural trip undertaken by Wong and others to the South Korean island of Jeju. The latter, curated by artist Zhao Zhijun, presents an arresting array of watercolours created by regional artists to portray life in Inner Mongolia and Hong Kong. To find out more about the impetus behind these works, check out our exclusive video coverage of Hong Kong Ink Art Walk 2019 below.

For more details, please visit http://www.hkculturefestival.com

Avo-lutely Delicious: Beloved British Avobar opens in K11

In 2017, Australian millionaire Tim Gurner caused quite a stir when he suggested that millennials would be more financially secure if they could just stop spending their money on avocado brunches. Thankfully, Gurner’s advise was largely ignored, with countless new eateries featuring avocado-fronted fare continuing to crop up across the globe. The latest of these is British-based avocado restaurant Avobar, which has opened its doors in K11 Musea, making Hong Kong its first international outpost.

Indeed, there isn’t a dish on offer at Avobar that comes without the ridiculously popular and healthy green fruit, as patrons can choose from smashed, mashed, sliced and diced plates ranging from from pasta, burgers, desserts and even avo-infused cocktails. Liana Kazaryan, owner of Avobar spoke to us during our tasting, explaining that her team wasn’t merely trying to build up a restaurant, but a lifestyle of healthy and positive choices.

Undoubtedly our favourite dish of the day was the Avo Bun Burger, nestled a sweet potato and red lentils between the avocado bun slices. Despite its deliciousness, though, holding onto the burger proved difficult when even the slightest grasp from our fingers had the buns sliding awry. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong-exclusive dish Pasilla & Mushroom Risotto provided us with a more than generous helping of miso zuke cod, while the risotto below it was creamy and rich. When it came time for dessert, the Choc Avo Brownie a fitting end-note, though those with a strong sweet tooth may be left craving something a tad sweeter. Regardless, Avobar proferred some truly unique and delicious interpretations of avocado-inspired dishes, affording those seeking a healthier diet with plenty to choose from.

Avobar, Shop B201, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Text: Bailey Atkinson