It's officially Hong Kong Art Gallery Week, organised by the Hong Kong Art Gallery Association which consists of over 50 members, whose mission is to "advance the Hong Kong art gallery community by providing one voice to its members, reaching out to the local and international art communities, and helping deepen market knowledge and best practices." You can find them on Facebook here!
Hong Kong has a fast-growing art market, with record sales constantly made at Sotheby's and Christie's auction houses, the launch of Art Basel this year, and the arrival of many international galleries.
It is therefore incongruent that there is not more of a 'gallery culture' amongst Hong Kong's residents. People are often intimidated by the white cubes and rarely venture into galleries, afraid that a lack of art knowledge or intent to buy would be judged or unwelcome. This art week gives the public the feeling of 'safety in numbers,' and to encourage exploration of art and its appreciation, even if the viewer has no interest in collecting.
Galleries have organised lectures and fun activities, and opened their doors wide open for all to enjoy. As expressed in an interview with one of the organisers, "We want people to see why it's important to have art, and to see how much visual art can give depth to a person, a society, and a city."
Today was a beautiful day to be strolling the streets and popping into galleries. My friends and I made our way from Sheung Wan into Central, making a pitstop in Soho for a lazy brunch along the route. The gallery owners were eager to introduce us to their collections and the artists they represent, and the sheer diversity of the art ensures that everyone can find their own piece of inspiration somewhere.
You can find a detailed map with locations and event descriptions here, or click after the jump for more photos and a list of my personal favourite galleries!
A list of my preferred galleries in the Central district– a mix of small local establishments to international branches:
Amelia Johnson Contemporary
www.ajc-art.com
G/F, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central
Galerie Ora-Ora
www.ora-ora.com
G/F, 7 Shin Hing Street, Central
Kumquat Gallery
www.kg75.com
G/F, 75A Hollywood Road, Central
Blindspot Gallery
www.blindspotgallery.com
24-26A, Aberdeen Street, Central
Karin Weber Gallery
www.karinwebergallery.com
G/F, 20 Aberdeen Street, Central
Sundaram Tagore Gallery
www.sundaramtagore.com
57-59 Hollywood Road, Central
10 Chancery Lane Gallery
www.10chancerylanegallery.com
G/F, 10 Chancery Lane, Central
Opera Gallery Hong Kong
www.operagallery.com
G/F - 3/F, W Place, 52 Wyndham Street, Central
Galerie du Monde
www.galeriedumonde.com
108 Ruttonjee Centre, 11 Duddell Street, Central
Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central:
Ben Brown Fine Arts
www.benbrownfinearts.com
Lehman Maupin
www.lehmannmaupin.com
Pearl Lam Galleries
www.pearllam.com
Gagosian Gallery
www.gagosian.com
Hanart TZ Gallery
www.hanart.com
Interacting with gallery owners, artists, and gallerists is always a rewarding experience.
Art in the streets
Art can make you laugh.
Art can make you ponder.
Art can make you extremely uncomfortable.
Art can make you feel relaxed.
Sometimes, an empty gallery can speak volumes too.
So get out there now and explore our city's galleries!
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