Affairs of the Art: Upcoming art exhibitions in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s art scene may reach a peak every March, but those who have their heart set on art are in for some good news. A bunch of art exhibitions are coming up in town and we’ve rounded them up for you.

First up is ArtisTree’s Open Rehearsal Series by the International Contemporary Dance Collective (iCoDaCo) which is hosting a dance production and open workshops on 17, 20 and 22 August. Guests will not only be able to engage in open rehearsals with iCoDaCo members, but will also be able to appreciate the performances of stalwarts like the internationally renowned solo artist Mui Cheuk-yin, an internationally acclaimed solo artist, Joseph Lee, the only Hong Kong dancer to have taken part in the 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and Weronika Pelczyńska, award-winning Polish dance artist.

Those looking to delve into the fine arts can, in the meanwhile, also check out the Impressionist, Modern & Contemporary Art exhibition to be showcased at this year’s edition of Fine Art Asia 2018, which is taking place at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 29 September to 2 October. On display will be a whole range of contemporary art and sculpture pieces curated from across the world. A masterpiece by Surrealist painter Salvador Dali, La Vierge et le Rhinocéros, will be headlining the exhibition.

While there, you’d be well-advised to also check out the Photography exhibition at the art fair. Showcasing the best creations from a global selection of galleries chosen by Boogie Woogie Photography, the exhibition hosts a plethora of photographs from contemporary to vintage, from international photographers to Hong Kong’s very own shutterbugs. One of the highlights will be the f22 foto space (Hong Kong) which is hosting a solo exhibition by American photographer Elliott Erwitt. Best known for his candid black and white images, Erwitt has captured numerous iconic shots of luminaries like Marilyn Monroe, Che Guevara and Richard Nixon.

Meanwhile, Alisan Fine Arts is focusing on local heritage at its Aberdeen Gallery with an art exhibition titled Chinese Dreams, as participation in the South Island Cultural District Art Day 2018 on 22 September. Running from then till 15 December, the exhibition is a nostalgic look-back at Chinese art through the works of diaspora artists like Yi Kai and Wu Shaoxiang.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

3 reasons to visit Hong Kong Arts Centre this month

Dedicated to cultivating the audience and development of Hong Kong movies, the Hong Kong Arts Centre (HKAC), provides a selection of movies that celebrates Hong Kong filmmakers.

Featuring the works of emerging Hong Kong filmmakers and paying tribute to legendary film masters, we round up the top three movies not to miss at Hong Kong Arts Centre this month.

Throw Down (Digitally restored)

10/8 (Fri) 7:30pm | 13/8 (Mon) 8pm | 30/8 (Thur) 7:30pm*
*Screenwriter Yau Nai-hoi and guest director Jack Lai will attend after-screening talk.

This month’s ‘Great Hong Kong Movies’ series will showcase Throw Down, released in 2004 as a tribute to the legendary film master Akira Kurosawa. This visually arresting action drama from acclaimed director Johnnie To (Running On, Karma, Breaking News) follows legendary Judo fighter, Sze-To as he unexpectedly gives up his beloved sport and lives life as an alcoholic gambler who runs a pub. After a brash Judo champion newcomer challenges him to duel, Sze-To is encouraged to finish the match that never took place. Soon, Sze-To’s pub becomes the ultimate arena where the greatest Judo fighters show off their skills. Filled with brutality, Throw Down is an emotional tale of one man’s determination to win at all costs.

Taxi Stories

11/8 (Sat) 7:45pm*
*Post-screening Q&A Session with Director Doris Yeung via Skype

As a celebration of Hong Kong indie movies, ‘Independantly Yours’ makes a comeback as a recurrent screening programme, 20 years after its initial presentation by the HKAC.

First up in this month’s programme is Taxi Stories, a myriad of three stories based in three different Asian cities, where the paths of the rich and poor cross one another in and around taxis. A closeted Beijing taxi driver, a pregnant Hong Kong trophy wife and a Jakarta slum orphan. All three characters are eager to connect on a basic human level but are their own worst obstacles. Showcasing a new world, where social mobility is linked to increasing wealth, this movie explores how money divides and separates each of them, making it tough to for them to be who they really are, not what they appear to be.

Hong Kong, Indonesia, China, Netherlands｜2017｜98 min
In Cantonese, English, Indonesian & Putonghua with Chinese & English subtitles｜DCP｜Colour

Small Talk

31/8 (Fri) 7:45pm*
*Post-screening Q&A Session with Director Huang Hui-chen via Skype

The second pick from Hong Kong Art Centre’s ‘Independantly Yours’ programme showcases Small Talk, released in 2016. This movie explores the relationship between a mother and daughter from the young girls eyes. Her mother wakes up well before her, prepares her lunch and takes off. Every evening after eating out, she comes home, washes up and closes her bedroom door, ensuring she is fast sleep by 9pm. While they haved lived in the same house for decades, they live life like they are strangers to each other. Explore the journey as a daughter finally gets the courage to talk to her mother. But will she be ready to hear what she has to say?

Taiwan | 2016 | 88 minutes
In Taiwanese and Mandarin with English subtitles | DCP | Colour

Venue: Louis Koo Cinema, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai

To book tickets: Urbix or call (852) 3761 6661

For more information: www.hkac.org.hk

Leisure and Pleasure: A round-up of Hong Kong’s must-see events this August

From concerts by legendary Rock ‘N’ Roll singer Bob Dylan and Linkin Park’s lead singer Mike Shinoda to the epicurean bonanza that is the annual Hong Kong Food Expo, here’s our shortlist of Hong Kong’s must-see events in August.

Bob Dylan
4 Aug

Iconic singer-songwriter and redoubtable Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Famer Bob Dylan is returning to Hong Kong for the first time in seven years. With more than six decades of experience under his banjo strings, this notoriously taciturn 77-year-old folk-rock legend will be taking concertgoers on an evening’s ramble through his own remarkable back catalogue – much of it drastically reimagined – while also paying tribute to the many standards and styles that have informed his own music over the years. Don’t expect a crowd-pleasing greatest hits tour, do expect to watch in wonder as one of the last touring 1960s superstars grants you a brief admission to his world. Absolutely one of Hong Kong’s must-see events this month.

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, HK$488-1,288

Mike Shinoda – Post Traumatic Tour
7 Aug

Just over a year ago, Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington took his own life, leaving fans of the band devastated and causing many to wonder if this marked the end of the road for one of the most potent forces of contemporary rock. While there’s no sign of the reconstituted remnants of the band hitting the road, the next best thing might just be a night in the company of Mike Shinoda, Linkin Park’s lead songwriter, whose solo tour, in support of his aptly-named Post Traumatic EP, finds its way to KITEC in early August.

KITEC, HK$488-748

*International culinary delights at Hong Kong Food Expo*

Hong Kong Food Expo
16 – 20 Aug

With freebie-fond old ladies having already oiled their trolley wheels in readiness, the Hong Kong Food Expo – the HKTDC’s annual gambol through the world’s gourmet ginnels and epicurean expressways, and a chart topper amongst Hong Kong’s must-see events this month – once again opens its doors in late August, with cartloads of Korean sea cucumbers, several buckets of Bengali breakfast cereal and at least two tones of Trinidadian tofu already en route to the Hong Kong Convention Centre. Try and make sure you take in the last day of the show, when sumptuous samples abound – after all no one wants to take several thousand servings of sticky toffee pudding back home through two dozen different time zones.

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

*ALICE (in wonderland) features colourful costumes and energetic choreography*

ALICE (in wonderland)
17 – 19 & 24 – 26 Aug

Immerse yourself in the magical world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland this summer, all courtesy of the scintillating majesty of the Hong Kong Ballet. Written by Septime Webre, ALICE (in wonderland) bursts at the seams with high-energy choreography, captivating sets and well over-the-top costume designs. Fasten your seatbelts and join Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Dormouse and both Tweedles (Dee and Dum) as they pirouette their way through this high-energy production, with the live backing of the ever-enchanting City Chamber Orchestra.

Hong Kong Cultural Centre, HK$140-680
Yuen Long Theatre, HK$100-300

Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festiavl — *Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival*

Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival
24 – 27 Aug

If you’re looking for all the latest happenings in the world of the high tech and digitally designed, then point your sensor array at the Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival, which is promising to beam the very latest tablets, smartphones, digital cameras and VR accessories right into the heart of the HKCEC. So, set your phasers to shop and your credit card to soon-to-be-maxed-out and head down to the gadget gala of the year. You should also warp-factor in a quick dip into the concurrent Hong Kong e-Sports Festival.

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, HK$30

Leisure & Pleasure: The top events in Hong Kong this July

From the International Arts Carnival to Beauty and THE Beast ON ICE, here is a roundup of July events in Hong Kong.

6 Jul –12 Aug: International Arts Carnival The International Arts Carnival is back and ready to thrill kids with another fun-filled line-up of children’s events. The month-long carnival celebrates every imaginable form of performance art, from films and musicals to physical comedy and magic, while educating your little ones on the different cultures of the world. Check out a shadow puppetry interpretation of the Chinese epic, Mulan, enjoy the windswept journey of two siblings in Air Play, or catch some Hawaiian tropical tunes and hula performances at Ukulele Ohana Jam.

Locations vary

7 July: Shek O Challenge

For those who wish to challenge their endurance and cardio, the Shek O Challenge is back! With a choice between a 2.2km swim, 8.5km run or a 9km paddle (surfski and paddle), participants will start at Big Wave Beach and race across to Shek O Back Beach.

Make it a group challenge by splitting the run and paddling races between friends or family to make up a relay team. Kids can also participate in a 600m swim race. And if racing is not for you, come along to cheer on friends and family and enjoy a beach barbecue with live music.

Shek O, Hong Kong, HK$400-$450

18 – 24 July: Hong Kong Book Fair

Long-awaited tomes and much-anticipated page turners will take centre stage at this year’s Hong Kong Book Fair. The impetus for this annual event, which is organised by the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council, was to foster a love of literature amongst the local population. And if the attendance figures are anything to go by (the event regularly draws hundreds of thousands of visitors), it’s become a resounding success. This year, in addition to the publishers’ booths, 360 different cultural events have been organised to further promote reading in the city.

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai

21 – 22 July: Beauty & THE Beast ON ICE

If you’re looking to get away from the stifling summer heat, why not head indoors and check out the cool, enchanting musical theatrics of Beauty & the Beast on Ice? Based on Disney’s beloved classic, this interpretation blends fancy ice-skating choreography and dazzling aerial acrobatics, courtesy of renowned dance troupe The Russian Ice Stars. While away an entertaining afternoon by singing along to your favourite childhood tunes and cheering Bella onwards to her happy ending.

KITEC, Star Hall, 1 Trademart Dr, Kowloon Bay. HK$280-680

27 – 29 July: Hong Kong International Darts Festival

Once the purview of local pubs, the game of darts has finally stepped onto the international stage. The inaugural Hong Kong International Darts Festival will draw top players from eight different countries to compete for the winning spot. An exclusive concert on the opening night will feature such acts as local singer Jason Chan and Cantopop groups Supper Moment and Super Girls. Attendees can watch the matches for free, and also get top tips on improving their dart game on-site.

KITEC, Star Hall, 1 Trademart Dr, Kowloon Bay.
Concert (27 Aug): HK$380-580, free entry to the tournament

Text: Tenzing Thondup

Images courtesy of: International Arts Carnival, Shek O Challenge, HKTDC, Beauty and THE Beast on Ice and HK International Darts Festival

Leisure & Pleasure: The top events in Hong Kong in June

June is set to be an action-packed month with something new or fun to do everyday. From Irish Celtic dancing to the Dragon Boat Festival, here is a roundup of June events in Hong Kong.

1 – 3 June: Wheeldon, Ratmansky, McIntyre & The Beatles

This month, the Hong Kong Ballet is staging a unique showcase of the works of three of the world’s most highly-regarded choreographers. First up is Rush, which will mark the company’s first staging of a work by Christopher Wheeldon, the award-winning British choreographer, whose ballets are said to offer ”an unforgettable musical experience visualised through the complexity of human bodies in motion”. The bill is completed by A Day in the Life, Trey McIntyre’s Beatles-inspired rock ballet, and Alexei Ratmansky’s stunningly gymnastic one-act ballet Le Carnaval des Animaux.

Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Sailsbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. HK$140 – $1,000

9 June: Road to Ultra

Road to Ultra is back in Hong Kong this month, with this remarkable single-stage electronic music festival making its third visit to the city. Once again channeling the spirit and the beats of the Ultra Worldwide festival, the event promises cutting-edge stage production world-class visuals, stunning lighting, cryogenics, pyrotechnics and far, far more. With promised performance from such electronic dance luminaries as Axwell Ingrosso, David Guetta Galantis, Fedde Le Grand and Carta, it’s probably best to ditch granny en route.

AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. HK$1,080 – $1,280.

12 – 17 June: Irish Celtic

If you liked Riverdance, you are probably going to love Irish Celtic. Billed as “A thrilling Irish dance extravaganza set to get your feet tapping” this display of rhythmic Gaelic gyration is coming to Hong Kong for the first time this month and promises to deliver the finest performers from many of the leading Irish dance companies. All in all, the event said to allow audiences to “witness incredible talent and an infectious love for dance in an evening of high energy dance and explosive rhythms, combined with Irish folklore”. It’s maybe worth a punt if your wi-fi is broken.

The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai, HK$445 – $895

14 June– 12 August: Chinese Opera Festival

Every year, Chinese Opera Festival sees celebrated artists captivate audiences with compelling mix of operatic genres, with Cantonese Opera always taking pride of place. This year, audiences will be treated to the seldom-performed shuaya (tusk stunt), an incredible stage skill said to be right up there with bian lian, the legendary face-changing performance. Along with the on-stage operatics, patrons are an array of film screenings, lectures exhibitions, all of which are said to offer a diverse range of insights into the inner workings of Chinese opera.

Various locations.

18 June: Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

Better known locally as the Tuen Ng Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival is annual tribute to Qu Yuan, one of China’s national heroes who drowned himself 2000 years ago as a protest against corrupt government practices. Back then, townspeople beat drums and threw rice dumplings into the water to prevent the fish from eating his body. Now, though, his passing is more marked by competitive boat racing, with crews of between 20-22 rowers battling to propel their 10 metre-plus vessels faster than any of their rivals. As the crowds roar, watch as the ornately-carved race to the finish line. Beer is also available.

Locations vary.

21 June – 2 September: Water Play Street Summer Party

This month, Disneyland is turning the fun level up to 11 with the debut of its Water Play Street Party, an event said to feature many of the characters from the company’s illustrious back catalogue, including Mr and Mrs Incredible, a host of very familiar Toy Story faces and surprise appearances from many of the stars of its most-successful movies. Alongside these will be a variety of street performers and special events, with an unforgettable time in a unique Disney style promised to all visitors.

Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island.

22 – 24 June: Dragon Boat Carnival

If you somehow miss out on the Dragon Boat Festival, then don’t despair. You can still get your fix oddly figure-headed aquatic fun courtesy of the International Dragon Boat Race, an event also known as the Dragon Boat Carnival. For three whole days, this sees Victoria Harbour as home to a series of dragon boat races, with international, local and company-sponsored teams all competing to bring home gold in this prestigious tournament. The fun, however, doesn’t necessarily end there. As its name suggests, the event is one big party, complete with live entertainers, marching bands and lion dancers, as well as a range of well-stocked San Miguel beer tents.

Central Harbourfront.

29 – 30 June: West Side Story in Concert

Fans of Leonard Bernstein’s classic West Side Story can catch the hit musical this month – but with something of premium feel. Every screening of the rightly-acclaimed big screen version of the Broadway hit at the Hong Kong Academy of Arts will have a live soundtrack courtesy of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. So, get ready for this epic retelling of this raucous love story, all set the amid the vicious rivalry of two 1950’s New York street gangs – the Jets and the Sharks. Be prepared for a truly thrilling performance, complete with such memorable show-stoppers as I Feel Pretty and America

Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. HK$220 – $480

Text: Hira Desai

Going Dutch: Dutch Days in Hong Kong explores the country’s rich culture and heritage

To celebrate King’s Day or Koningsdag – Holland’s National Day that falls on 27 April – the Dutch Consulate General in Hong Kong dedicates the whole month of April to celebrate all things Dutch through a month-long festival, aptly named Dutch Days in Hong Kong.

Now in its fourth year, the festival – co-organised by Asia Week Hong Kong – featured a series of panel discussions, art competitions, photography exhibitions, culinary evenings and good ol’ family fun activities – all steeped in that quintessential Dutch flavour.

As Annemieke Ruigrok, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Hong Kong and Macau puts it, “The Dutch Days will give you an insight into other forms of Dutch art and culture that may not be that well known.”

Several events like a Dutch oyster and caviar masterclass by Blend Brothers and Martin Rjik, an art x dining experience inspired by the Dutch Golden Ages, a photography exhibition by Dutch photographer Frank van Driel were among a host of cultural exchanges that brought nearer the rather distant shores of Hong Kong and the Netherlands this year.

In Asia Week Hong Kong Director Candice Lee’s own words, this celebration is an endeavour to “learn about Dutch society, culture, arts, entrepreneurship, which, we hope, will motivate everyone to enjoy what the Netherlands has to offer.”

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Video: Lai Tin Yeung

Résonances de Cartier high jewellery collection debuts in Hong Kong

After London, New York and Shanghai, Cartier picked Hong Kong as the next destination to launch its latest Résonances de Cartier high jewellery collection.

Three days ago, a crowd gathered in eager anticipation at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong’s Diamond Ballroom to get a first glimpse at this stunning new line of glittering gemstone designs.

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The opening ceremony kicked off with Peggy Hui, Cartier’s Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau, giving a rousing opening speech. Following this, local celebrities – all decked in pieces from the Résonances de Cartier collection – shared personal insights on their own styles and how to select jewellery pieces.

Last night, Cartier also held an exclusive gala dinner to introduce the new line to VIP guests at the Grand Hyatt. A-listers and industry leaders turned up in full force for the event, which also boasted a special exhibition highlighting the luxury jeweller’s 170-year legacy of tradition and fine craftsmanship.

Check out our exclusive video coverage above to get see which stunning Résonances de Cartier designs were sported by local celebrities Gigi Leung, Kathy Chow, Niki Chow and Jennifer Tse at the press conference.

Last-minute gift ideas for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is fast approaching. If you’ve not yet had time to plan something special, don’t fret. We have rounded up some last-minute gift ideas that will show your Mum some much-deserved love.

Pamper time at I-Spa, Intercontinental Hong Kong

Gift your Mother with the “Spring Delight – Perfectly Pampered” Experience at I-Spa, inclusive of a 1 hour and 45 minute treatment (“Muscle Rejuvenation Back Massage” followed by an ESSE Bespoke Facial) and a set Cantonese lunch at the hotel’s 2-Michelin star Yan Toh Heen. Relaxation and rejuvenation finished off with a spot of lunch is sure to make your Mum feel a million dollars.

For further information and I-Spa appointments: (852) 2721 1211, hkghc.spa@ihg.com

TUMI’s timeless gifts

For Mother’s Day, TUMI delivers its world-class travel, business and lifestyle essentials to take care of all your mother’s on-the-go needs. Combining an elegant style with high functionality, the TUMI range of travel cases, day bags and accessories are a great way to treat your mother on this special day. This season, TUMI combines the classic shades of blue with bold patterns to suit different styles and personalities. Available across a range of premium styles, choose from a selection of limited editions and seasonal products from the Voyageur women’s collection. What’s more, shoppers can enjoy the complimentary monogramming service in-store to personalize luggage tags and patches with your mum’s initials.

For more information visit: www.tumi.com

Mikimoto’s pearls of love

Pearls symbolise health, purity, and happiness and can be gifted with meaningful wishes of perfection, wealth and peace. Presenting a series of Japanese Akoya Pearl Pendant and South Sea Pearl Jewelleries for Mother’s day, MIKIMOTO’s Bloom Collection allows children to pass meaningful blessings to their beloved mums with a gift of timeless elegance.

For more information visit: www.mikimoto.com.hk

Exotic Delvaux handbags

As we move full swing into the Summer season, why not add a pop of colour to your mums wardrobe? With breathtaking patterns, intense pigments and dynamic prints, Delavaux’s Spring-Summer leather goods collection is a pure embodiment of beautiful Africa. Beautifully blended with subtle statements of modern Western Art, this ambitious collection – complete with various lines – is a stunning infusion of influences.

For more information visit: www.delvaux.com

Along with a gift, why not surprise your Mum to a special dinner or family brunch? For more ideas, check out our guide to the Top places to dine with your Mum this Mother’s Day.