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Press

2018-10-02

Now Open:【The Hong Kong Arts Centre】 40th Anniversary Flagship Exhibition
Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense
Exploring Hong Kong’s cultural and artistic identity
Exhibition Period: 30 September to 4 November 2018
Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre

Culminating in its 40th year celebrations,The Hong Kong Arts Centre(HKAC) is delighted to announce the opening of Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense, the first exhibition presented in the newly renovated galleries of the HKAC, following extensive work supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. Showcasing the newly invigorated and inclusive environment of the HKAC to its full capacity, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense is a celebration of the HKAC’s dedication and commitment to serving the community over four decades, and a look towards to the future of the organisation.

A long-term beneficiary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, the HKAC was built with the help of the Club’s donation in 1977. The Club has been contributing to the HKAC’s capital works for four decades and in 2014, the Club’s Charities Trust granted a further donation of HK$68 million for the HKAC to renovate and upgrade the facilities of its main building, which enables them to comply with the latest regulations on architectural, mechanical and engineering safety standards. It also improves energy efficiency, enhances operational performances and equips the building with barrier-free facilities. To acknowledge its continued support, the HKAC recognises the Trust as its “Partner in Arts”.

Anthony Chow, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club believes that with the upgraded facilities, the HKAC will continue to advance the arts in Hong Kong and showcase the wealth of talent that the city possess. “The Club’s long and continuing support for the HKAC reflects its strong commitment to arts, culture and heritage in Hong Kong,” he added, “through our support, we aim to build a culturally vibrant city, to enrich citizens’ lives and to promote social inclusion,”

More about the Exhibition:
Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense explores and celebrates Hong Kong’s cultural and artistic identity as seen through the lens of one of Hong Kong’s most iconic city districts, Wan Chai. Curated by guest curator Valerie C. Doran and the HKAC curatorial team, the exhibition features works by 18 artists local to Hong Kong, or intricately connected through international ties to the city. The exhibited works also explore the role Wan Chai plays in forming Hong Kong’s artistic identity, and its image in the eyes of both local and international audiences.

“Since its foundation 40 years ago, the Hong Kong Arts Centre has fostered artistic exchange, forging connections between the arts of Hong Kong and the rest of the world through a wide range of programmes and collaborations. Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense is both a continuation and celebration of that heritage, and presents a new perspective that forms urban cultural identities,” says Connie Lam.

Hong Kong has been uniquely shaped by a crucible of economic, political, ethnic and cultural influences, resulting in a vastly diverse heritage and identity, which is in turn made up of and influenced by the localised personalities of distinct districts within the city. The exhibiting works in Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense look at the bonds formed across generations, multiple languages and artistic genres that establish community and a love of place. The exhibition has been curated to examine personal, historical, and experiential responses to Wan Chai.

“Though varied in their responses, each of the artists presented in Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense share an interest in the idea of place and how this is formed by individual interactions, past, present and future. The dialogue generated between the works opens doors to a new, more layered understanding of Wan Chai as a historical space, a cultural hub and a centre for community engagement,” says Valerie C. Doran, Guest Curator.

During the exhibition period, Thematic tours around Wan Chai will be arranged and will narrate the history of the area, illustrating connections between the district and the artworks presented in Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense. Art Experience Workshops will shed new light on the district’s past, present and future, as well as the history of the HKAC as a cultural hub that has consistently over 40 years generated artistic dialogue. Programming will also include a Film Showcase on Wan Chai for audiences to experience the district's charm in a cinematic dimension. Creators and artists who are fans of these films, including director Angie Chen, actor Anthony Wong, Co-scriptwriter Andy Lo will also talk about how their works have been influenced by Wan Chai. 

Venue:  Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre
Date: Sunday 30 September – Sunday 4 November 2018
Time: Monday to Sunday, 10am – 8pm
Enquiries: 2582 0200 / hkac@hkac.org.hk

Free admission and free public guided tours available at the exhibition

Image Caption:
01-02: The Hong Kong Arts Centre’s 40th Anniversary Flagship Exhibition - Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense
03: Wanchai Islands: Wanchai Colonies (2018), MAP Office, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense. Image courtesy of the HKAC 
04: Harbour (1969), Gaylord Chan, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense. Image courtesy of the artist.
05: In Search of Insomnious Sheep (2004), Leung Mee Ping, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense. Image courtesy of Lam Kin Hung.
06: Illegal Immigrants (1985), Luis Chan, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense. Image courtesy of the HKAC
07: Pocket Park series (2018), Frank Tang Kai Yiu, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense. Image courtesy of the HKAC
08: Huangpu (2005), Cédric Maridet, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense. Image courtesy of the artist.
09: Drunken Life Dying Dream(2017), South Ho Siu Nam, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense. Image courtesy of the HKAC
10: One Thousand and One Moons (2018), Ho Sin Tung, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense. Image courtesy of the HKAC
11: Leftovers / With Leftovers (2008, 2018), N.S. Harsha, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense. Image courtesy of the HKAC
12: A Summer without Fireworks (2015), Mark Chung, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense. Image courtesy of the HKAC
13: Monument of My Chico (2018), Trevor Yeung, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense. Image courtesy of the HKAC
14: Tin Hau is coming for a Piece of Water (2018), Jaffa Lam, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense. Image courtesy of the HKAC
15: Process with Body, Water & Pendulums  (2009-2011, 2016, 2018), Phoebe Hui, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense, Image courtesy of the HKAC
16: Here and There (2010), Firenze Lai, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense. Image courtesy of the artist.
17: There was and There will be (2018), Xyza Cruz, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense, Image courtesy of the HKAC
18: Beyond (2018), Choi Yan, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense, Image courtesy of the HKAC
19: Lockhart Road on Stage (2009), Chu Hing Wah, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense. Image courtesy of Hanart TZ Gallery
20: Have a Rest (2008 to present), Yeung Tong Lung, Wan Chai Grammatica: Past, Present, Future Tense, Image courtesy of the HKAC

High-resolution images can be downloaded here:
Link: http://gallery.sinclaircomms.com/
Password: talkofthetown

Presenter: Hong Kong Arts Centre
Donors: Anonymous; CL3 Architects Ltd.; Mr. Nelson Leong; Mr. Bryant LU, JP; Trevor &   Dominica Yang
Supported by: Hong Kong Arts Development Council
 

Hong Kong Arts Centre - The relevant destination for arts and creative inspirations in Hong Kong
HKAC is a multi-arts centre that fosters artistic exchanges locally and internationally, bringing the most forward creations to Hong Kong and showcasing homegrown talents abroad. HKAC stimulates innovation and promotes creativity. Being Hong Kong’s only independent non-profit multi-arts institution, HKAC offers exhibitions, screenings and performances, connecting the arts of Hong Kong to the rest of the world through programmes and collaborations. Come to HKAC to experience, appreciate, learn and be inspired by arts.
Official website: hkac.org.hk | Facebook: Hong Kong Arts Centre | Instagram: @hongkongartscentre


Media Contacts:
For more information, please contact Sinclair at (852) 2915 1234:

Sheriza Wadhwani sheriza@sinclaircomms.com (852) 9128 8151
Ridley Cheung  ridley@sinclaircomms.com (852) 6689 2966