Hong Kong is a city for art lovers, no doubt about that. The heady and eclectic mix of East and West finds its way into art, both avant-garde and accessible. Hong Kong isn’t just a focal point in the region, as art collectors flock to the city for Art Basel, putting it right on the map for world art. You certainly don’t have to be a serious art buyer to appreciate Hong Kong, for its street art beckons and its flair for aesthetics can be seen in many facets of everyday life.
Hong Kong Arts Centre
Image Credit: Wikimedia
Before hitting the coolest contemporary art galleries in town, make a visit to the Hong Kong Arts Centre, an organization that has been promoting contemporary arts and culture in Hong Kong for decades. The arts centre hosts a wide range of exhibitions in the visual arts, film, public art, and also features the performing arts. Here, you can get a good mix of high-quality and accessible art with a focus on local works.
Address: 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai
Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
For pre-modern Chinese art, head no further than the Art Museum at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The extensive collection of art gives you a glimpse into the rich culture of ancient and pre-modern China. The museum is a little out of the way on the tourist belt, but it’s worth a visit if you’re interested in antique collections dating back to the Song and Yuan dynasties, including bronzes, jades, calligraphy, and lacquer ware.
Address: Yasumoto International Academic Park, Ma Liu Shui, Hong Kong
White Cube
White Cube is a big player in the art scene in the UK, and you can expect no less in its Hong Kong gallery. With 6000 square feet of space, White Cube has hosted exhibitions of big names in the international scene such as Damien Hirst and Anselm Kiefer.
Address: 50 Connaught Road Central
Empty Gallery
It’d be very interesting to visit White Cube and Empty Gallery on the same day, for the latter turns conventional art-appreciation on its head. Quite the opposite to the ‘white cube’ concept, Empty Gallery asks that you navigate in darkness, with your senses heightened. It almost feels dream-like, as if you’re viewing art that’s part of your unconscious. This 4,500 square foot space plays host to visual multi-media and performance arts.
A visit to Empty Gallery will probably feel like an experience in itself.
Address: 18-19/F, Grand Marine Center, 3 Yue Fung St, Tin Wan
Above Second
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Pop culture and graffiti get a formal space in Above Second. It’s THE gallery in Hong Kong that specializes in street art, pop art, and illustration. Featuring art by local and international artists, Above Second is a gallery that also works to showcase site-specific exhibitions, bringing street art right back to where it belongs.
Address: 9 First St, Sai Ying Pun
1a Space
Founded in 1998, 1a Space is an ex-slaughterhouse turned haven for contemporary visual art with exhibitions and artists all year round. It also hosts festivals and promotes arts education and criticism. Keep an eye on its Facebook page for any news updates on up and coming exhibitions and activities.
Address: Unit 14, Cattle Depot Artist Village, 63 Ma Tau Kok Road To Kwa Wan, Kowloon
Hong Kong Arts Festival
Image Credit: New York Times
Mark your calendars. The Hong Kong Arts Festival is worth traveling for. Held annually, this year’s festival starts 16 February and lasts until 18 March 2017. The Festival is a performing arts extravaganza that brings renowned international artists and local artists for an extensive program that includes theater, dance, music, and opera. From traditional Chinese opera to contemporary Pina Bausch and world music, the line-up makes choosing an incredibly difficult task.
Art Basel
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Art Basel attracts potential buyers and admirers from all over the world. More than 3,000 artists from around the globe are represented in exhibitions, installations, paintings, drawings, and sculptures. One day at this event is hardly enough for the art geek. A large proportion of the art here hails from Asia, so you get a great perspective into contemporary Asian art. The program also includes discussions and presentations, so it’s truly an educational experience to be here. This year’s Art Basel event takes place from 23 to 25 March, so book your tickets if you haven’t already.