#ARTBASELHK13: theW+ TOP 5 ‘OFF-Basel’ Guide to Shops, Parades, Drinks, and Exhibits

It’s that time of year again. Art Basel Hong Kong (ABHK) arrives for the first time in our great city with tons of buzz. For those who are new to all this, all you need to know that this art fair in Hong Kong is the 3rd largest art fair in the world, third only to Art Basel in Basel and Art Basel in Miami. Before the Art Basel brand took over this year, the fair was dubbed ART HK (see all my ART HK posts here). The fair grew so successful since its inception in 2007 that ART BASEL officially became the major stakeholder of the fair in 2011.

This year there wil be 245 galleries from the around the world with over 50 percent coming from Asia and Asia-Pacific.  Of the 245, 48 galleries will mark their first appearance at a fair in Hong Kong. The show will be presented in four sectors: “Galleries” for general work, “Insights” for Asia based works made for the HK Show, “Discoveries” for works by emerging contemporary artists globally, and “Encounters” for site specific works exhibited beyond the booth around the floor and curated by Yuko Hasegawa, chief curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo.

Before we get further into the fair, so much is happening around the city with “OFF-Basel” (Official and Unofficial) Activities in the build up to opening night this Wednesday for VIP Members and Thursday for the General Public.

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Here is our TOP 5 ‘OFF-Basel’ Guide to (Official and Unofficial) Events and Exhibitions Outside Art Basel Hong Kong:

+ ‘PAPER RAIN’ A Public Parade by Arto Lindsay

This multi-media parade built around the idea of cinema, unspools along the Victoria Harbourfront and on the Star Ferry. Contributions from Nadim Abbas, Haegue Yang, Angela Su, João Vasco Paiva, Korakrit Arunanodchai, Alice Ma, Enoch Cheng, Otomo Yoshihide, Cedric Maridet, Kung Chi Shing and Shane Aspegren, as well as more special guests to be announced.

Art Basel Hong Kong is eager to invite the public to take part and participate in this public event commemorating the first day of Art Basel in Hong  Kong. The parade begins with a choir performance at the HKCEC Expo Drive Entrance. Then officially commences from Central Pier No. 10 (ferry will take public from Wanchai to Central). Parade will take artists and public to the Victoria Harbourfront and will end with an electro-acoustic performance by Otomo Yoshihide.

23 MAY 2013, Thur 16:30 - 19:00 / Public Parade Begins at HKCEC Expo Drive Entrance and Ends at the Viewing Platforms at the Victoria Harbourfront / Free and Open To The Public / Weblink

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+ The Saamlung Three: Nadim Abbas @ CL3, Joao Vasco Pavia @ Goethe-Institute, Adrian Wong x Absolut Art Bureau @ Fringe Club

The highly celebrated Saamlung may have ceased operations as a commercial gallery in January 2013, but its space-less expansive projects and works are going the non-commercial route with new shows for the week of Art Basel Hong Kong curated by founder, Robin Peckham. 

Expect new works by its core group of artists, Nadim Abbas, Joao Vasco Paiva, and Adrian Wong (under the Absolut Art Bureau curation)…in three spaces. Abbas’ animated GIFs and molecular structures will be exhibited in an architect’s studios at CL3. One floor below, Paiva continues his formal studies at the Goethe-Institut spaces, and supported by Edouard Malingue Gallery. Wong will have a very interesting “art bar” installation at the Fringe Club with animatronic jazz bands, geriatric lounge singers, Asian porn soundtracks, and surly waiters from a soy sauce steak joint. 

Nadim Abbas at CL3 Architects 20-25 MAY 2013, 15F Hong Kong Arts Centre 2 Harbour Road Wanchai / Joao Vaco Paiva at Goethe-Institut Hong Kong 20 MAY - 8 JUN 2013, 14F Hong Kong Arts Centre 2 Harbour Road Wanchai / Adrian Wong Wun Dun Art Bar with Absolut Art Bureau 22-25 MAY 2013, BF Fringe Club 2 Lower Albert Road Central / Free and Open to The Public / Weblink

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+ MOBILES by Xavier Veilhan 

Word on the street is that Xavier Veilhan may erect site specific MOBILES at Galerie Perrotin’s 50 Connaught Road  home. This week expect a group of recent and never-before scene mobiles of varying shapes and dimensions. Veilhan is known for his site-specific interventions in cities, parks, and living environments (most recently iconic Lautner homes in Los Angeles.) 

Veilhan, as a multidisciplinary artist, is “possessed by a highly personal artistic universe inhabited by a heterodox range of characters, objects and animals. Through these devices, the playful component emerges as a fundamental element in evoking a reality populated with symbols, metaphors and other semantic ambiguities.” These timeless studies a transformed into iconic objects that aim to communicate via a “POP” language.

Xavier Veilhan’s Mobiles / 21 MAY - 6 JUL 2013, Galerie Perrotin 50 Connaught Road Central HK / Free and Open To The Public / Weblink

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+ The Gift Shop by TANGRAM

For the second year in a row, Tangram will make Hong Kong’s best independent art, design, and fashion available for all Art Basel guests to take a little something back from Hong Kong with them as gifts for themselves or their loved ones in the world. Yes, it’s the long awaited annual, The Gift Shop, a 2 day pop-up concept shop to be located in Tangram’s studios in Chai Wan Mei (the art and design spaces within Chai Wan’s industrial district.) 

Tangram’s newest collections will be on sale, but so will the rest of these amazing independent brands:

Stars & Tart (silk scarves) / Ferse Verse (paper products) / Hammer & Needle ( Leather Goods for Men) / Harlex (leather goods that can be personalized) / Gemma Hayden Blest (pressed plant collages) / 15SquareStreet (Men’s accessories) / TheYesterdaySkin (vintage and repurposed womenswear collection) / Or-Play (thoughtful children’s toys) / La Petite Mort Preserves and Jams (by Ashton Winkler, ex-Heirloom) / Teahka / MatterMatters (women’s accessories) / Tangram Loves Jaycow (bespoke headpieces with Jaycow Milliner) / Driftwood x Grafter by Michael Leung / Signed Prints By HK Illustrators Kitty Wong, Emilie Sarnel, Emilie Eldridge 

Although Tangram’s founder Paola Sinisterra is perfectly happy with the “Off-Basel” annual shop to stay in Chai Wan, something tells me that this initiative should be closer to the fair next year because it is a treat for guests from out of town to go to a one-stop-shop for all the “CURATED” independent and design goods from our city. And I say curated because that HKTDC Design Store at the Convention Center and Hong Kong Airport just DOESNT Cut it. NO Offense to Anyone.

The Gift Shop / 24 - 25 MAY 2013, Tangram Studio, Unit 1701 Chai Wan Industrial City Phase 2 70 Wing Tai Road Chai Wan / Free and Open To The Public / Facebook Page and Instructions for Transportation

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+ Wong Chuk Hang Art Night

With the Chai Wan Mei galleries and design space unveiling open studio programs for Friday and Saturday, I’d like to highlight another new Art District on Hong Kong Island… the Wong Chuk Hang Art District composed of a group of gallery spaces with include Spring Workshop, Blindspot (annex), Rossi & Rossi, Pekin Fine Arts, Gallery EXIT, and Alisan Fine Arts.

This Thursday night will be their “Art Night” with exhibits by Qui Zhijie, Fang Lu, David Adamo, Christopher Orr, Yang Xinguang, and photographs by Ai Wei Wei, Gu Zheng, Han Lei, Zhao Liang, Qiu Zhijie, and RongRong to name a few. Should be fun. Plus the SPRING space is amazing. (See previous post.)

Wong Chuk Hang Art Night / 23 MAY 2013 Thur 17:00-23:00, 3F Remex Centre 42 Wong Chuk Hang Road (entrance Heung Yip Road) Aberdeen / Free and Open To The Public / Shuttle Bus Available at Art Basel Hong Kong Expo Drive Entrance Starting 18:00 / Weblink

I will see you at all these things… well me or my clones.

JJ.

Urban Reveries; My Top 5 Favorite Works at This Year’s AAA Fundraiser

Non-profit Art organization, Asia Art Archives (AAA) ultimate aim is to raise $6.5Million US for their endowment in order to continue their core work in Hong Kong, which is to archive and accumulate works, stories, and idedas as it relates to Asia’s contemporary art in the new millennium.

85% of their archive is donated material, and whether it be online or their physical space in Sheung Wan, all materials are free and open to the public to access. Starting today you too can support AAA as well as own a piece of work by any one of Asia’s hottest contemporary artists to date via the Archives’ Annual Fundraiser 2012. Proceeds of the pieces at auction can be bid online or bid live depending on the block for each work. All pieces for auction go on exhibit starting today at Sotheby’s One Pacific Place from 10AM to 5:30PM. Preview ends on the 23rd and live auction is this Saturday, November 24th. 

Check out my Top 5 Favorite works on the Auction block.

+ Dream 2007 No. 8 / JING Kewen / Lithograph, 65 x 65cm (SILENT LOT 37)

Jing Kewen’s works have been exhibited prominently in Europe and the United States. Primarily using Oil as his main medium, Jing Kewen’s very formal approach to painting often depict young figures amidst city scapes and architectures, using old 1950s photographs as a jumping off point. It’s not really political as it is aiming towards iconic romance.

+ Lanwei20 Tomorrow’s Resort Taipei, 2009 / anothermountainman (Stanley Wong) / Archival Inkjet Print / 109.2 x 174 CM (LIVE LOT 9)

Lan Wei reflects Stanley Wong’s obsessions with mankind’s abandoned construction projects when the economic bubble bursted in Asia in the mid 1990’s. This study, which began in China in 2006, has spread to documentation of other equally haunting ghost sites in the region such as Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. 

+ Al Gubaiba, 2012 / Joao Vasco Paiva / Acrylic and Offset Print on Canvas / 60 x 60 x 2 CM (SILENT LOT 68)

Joao Vasco Paiva is a Portuguese artist who has actively been producing great work from Hong Kong since he moved to the city in 2006. This particular painting reflects his formal studies in 2D and 3D which lean towards symbols, shapes, and topographies with an architectural implication. For example he took the Al Gubaiba (DUBAI) Subway Map and removed it of lines, text, and content, whats left is an alternate reading of the same subject matter via new form. His aim is to create or reveal a new facet of information from his urban studies.

+ Gloucester & Gloucester, 2001 printed in 2012 / LEUNG Chi Wo / C-Print / 35.5 x 55cm (SILENT LOT 47)

Co-founder of Para/Site Art Space, Leung Chi Wo is one of Hong Kong’s most prominent independent art figures. Leung Chi Wo usually works with Hong Kong as the main subject of his works, questioning history and identity through text and photography. This work is an offshoot of the artist’s Colour Series (1999-2003) and deals with perception of the urban space through the photographic capture and subsequent tweaking of the composition. 

+ Light Year No.9, 2006 / LIU Wei / Oil and Acrylic Paint on Metal Plate / 80 x 80cm (LIVE LOT 11)

Beijing born Liu Wei was recently named Artist of the Year in 2007 via the Chinese Contemporary Art Awards and showcased at Art Basel Miami Beach and the Lyon Biannial in 2007. Since then Liu Wei has shown in the Shanghai Biennial and exhibited his first show in London via White Cube Gallery this year. Liu Wei works with multiple mediums from sculpture, to film, to installation, to print. His works touch upon the human and social condition via dream figures and fantastical narratives.

Do you see a common thread in all the work above? Anyway, curious to know what your favorite pieces are in the auction. Check it out at the preview, and let me know!

SUPPORT AAA Fundraiser 2012 / Preview 20-23 November and Auction 24 November at Sotheby’s 5F One Pacific Place, Admiralty HK.

JJ.

Para/Site Moves Up With 2012 Art Auction

It’s Fall at the end of the year, and you know what that means… Art Auctions. Yes, we attended the Annual Para/Site Art Auction this year located at Lane Crawford’s very cool One Island South company digs and was hosted by Board of Directors, William Lim of CL3, Yana Peel, Executive Director/Curator, Cosmin Costinas, with live auctioneer, Jehan Chu of Chaiwanese. 

Cosmin and Jehan below. 

It was really interesting to attend this particular auction, especially because i’ve been going to Para/Site auctions ran by Jehan for so many years now. I still remember when the auctions were small and held at the KEE Club back in the day. And now it’s a full dinner affair with friends and supporters. Very neat to see how far Para/Site Art Space and its programs have evolved over the years.

Ignacio checks out works on display for Silent Auction.

Some of my favorite pieces include this abstracted architectural topography by Joao Vasco Paiva, titled High Tide (2012) which sold at live auction for 42K HKD. The work was graciously donated by the artist and Saamlung Gallery.

This metallic skateboard by Olafur Eliasson, Your Mercury Ocean (2009), was donated by Vitamin Creative Space, and sold for 100K HKD.

I really liked Lot 62, a selection of prints by Sunjung Kim, Anton Vidokle, and Nikolaus Hirsch.

This one I liked, a DVD by Ming Wong, called Honeymoon In The Third Space (1999).

A good seller, Heman Chong’s, muted geometric composition from Never Let Me Go (2011), caught my eye. This painting on canvas sold well at 50K, and is a donation from Vitamin Creative Space.

Are you cool on your island? I absolutely loved this work by MAP Office, titled Honeymoon Island (2011), which I hope found a great home via silent auction.

This print, Cheng Ran’s Still of an Unknown Film (2008), sold at 60+K HKD, and a donation by the artist.

And there was no way I can do a post about Hong Kong art, without a work by my favorite artist, Nadim Abbas. This piece, Chernobyl_Core.gif (2012), is a print donated by Abbas and Saamlung Gallery.

The work of emerging artist, Trevor Yeung drew plenty of fans. Here G.O.D.’s Benjamin Lau and Alan Lau admire Yeung’s work, Sleepy bed (Sao Paulo Hostel 1) (2012). Yeung photographs subjects, usually male, all around the world, and turns them into multi-layered compositions which involve the photographic image as well as an overlay of illustration.

Next to the work, Lot 30, is a piece by Antony Gormley. Body XI (2011), was the biggest seller of the night and sold at 160K HKD by an absentee bidder. The work was donated by the artist, and Vitamin Creative Space.

In attendance was artist, Adrian Wong, and Xue Tan. Adrian was actually working on the composition for his Fall 2012 Saamlung show with his rabbit. Dont Ask.

We also spotted Alex Seno and Lane Crawford’s Eliot Sandiford. Thanks Alex for the invite!

Great to finally meet Claudia Albertini of Platform China.

The room was full of super couples as well. There’s no art shindig without the following… Tangram’s Igancio and Paola who will soon be unveilinga new collection in December. Here they are channeling the work of Chow Chun Fai, aptly titled Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera (2011), which sold at live auction for 75K HKD. Perfect.

Supercouple #2, FIOL Prosecco addict Pietro and Whitney of the Gagosian Hong Kong. 

Supercouple #3, Tim and Marc, here standing next to Yuk King Tan’s The Mandate of Heaven (2011). Love.

Supercouple #4, cool peeps Michelle and her husband, Varun. Great to see them here.

Twitter Supercouple Bonus, my gal, artist Yuk King in Tangram. Hello Yuk!

The tables at the canteen.

Whitney’s favorite works.

Pals on my table, Benjamin and Alan. Nice to meet you both!

Para/Site IS Hong Kong’s leading contemporary art space, the oldest, and most active. They exhibit, they publicize, they create discourse, and you wouldn’t think that based on their tiny space in Sheung Wan, that they are paving the way for many emerging artists. The point is, they’re moving spaces and adding curators, and they’re thinking big. Check out the works that were at auction here.

That said if you missed out on the Para/Site auction, but would still love to purchase work as well as contribute to a good cause, the Asia Art Archive Annual Fundraiser site is now up, and you can actually bid on your favorite work online. Yes. Contemporary Art at your fingertips. Many of whom had works that sold well at the Para/Site Auction. Good luck!

ART Para/Site

JJ.

“All Space is Future Space, and All Space is Fiction.” Saamlung Proclaims, as it Opens This Friday.

Landscape 50, 2010 / Chen Chien-jung / Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas, 130x162cm

The title of this post is from gallerist and curator of Saamlung, Robin Peckham, and pretty much sums up the theme of THE inaugural interdisciplinary group show that is No One To Hear You Scream which will celebrate its opening night this Friday, February 17th 2012. The show will feature the work of Taiwanese artist, Chen Chien-Jung, Chinese Gao Weigang, Macanese Photographer João Ó, Dutch Sculptor Frank Havermans, American Sculptor John Powers, LA-Based Yaohua Wang, and English artist Piers Secunda. 

Urban Model Series / Frank Havermans / Acrylic on Cardboard Model

As with previous Saamlung exhibitions, it’s obvious Robin’s interest in the point where design, architecture, art, and urban disciplines intersect will be further explored in this exhibition via science-fiction motifs and current studies of Object-Oriented Philosophy and Feminist New Materialism. Namely works will address issues of “Space” in different ways, either in its composition of it, or the creation of the “Space” around the work, which was already explored a bit via exhibitions by João Vasco Paiva and Charles LaBelle as soft-opening shows for the gallery.

The Third Interior View, 2008 / Gao Weigang / Oil on Canvas, 180x220cm

Don’t let this scare you, in fact let it entice you further to witness a new collection of works by a group of artist, some who are exhibiting in Hong Kong for the first time. And these guys are big where they come from. Gao Weigang was the winner of the ArtHK Art Futures prize last year and Frank Havermans has shown recently in the Shenzhen/HK Biennial Exhibition of Art and Architecture is known mostly for his provocative architectural installations. Chen Chien-jung’s architectural paintings (visual collages?) were recently exhibited via a solo show at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum.

Thresholds-Jiantan Underground, 2011 / João Ó / Chromogrenic Print Mounted on Aluminium, 160x120cm

In true Saamlung fashion, I expect this show to be as tight and as focused as the rest of them, and no less engaging.

Chen Chien-jung, Gao Weigang, Frank Havermans, João Ó, John Powers, Piers Secunda, Yaohua Wang: “No One to Hear You Scream” / 17 February - 31 March 2012 / Opening: 17 February 18:00-21:00 / Saamlung, 26F Two Chinachem Plaza, 68 Connaught Rd. C (135-137 Des Voeux Rd. C.), Central, Hong Kong / Tues.-Fri. 11:00-19:00, Sat. 12:00-18:00 / gallery@saamlung.com / www.saamlung.com 

JJ.

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Your Art Agenda This Week, Wanderlisted 11.12.08 // Charles LeBelle, Linus and the Feel Good Factory, and the One World Exposition

Who says Hong Kong lacks culture?

I may be in cold and wet New York, but if you’re lucky enough to be in Hong Kong this week, there are a few shows worth highlighting and visiting that will make me envious that you’re there right now and I’m not. It looks like the group show at 10 Chancery Lane Gallery on December 8^th seems like a sure thing, exhibiting works by a group of international artists working with the theme of “Elemental Forces”. December 9^th, is more difficult if you want to check out all that HK has to offer in terms of art and culture. For a continuation of the art/design/architectural theme of Joao Vasco Paiva began with the first pre-show at SAAMLUNG, Charles LaBelle will present his own group of works dealing with architecture and spaces with the gallery’s second pre-show starting Friday night.  For video and film enthusiasts, OSAGE Kwun Tung will be one of several venues hosting the VIDEOTAGE ONE WORLD EXPOSITION, highlighting the works by Chinese and Hong Kong filmmakers and multi-media artists from Cao Fei to Johnny To, also launching this Friday night. Last but definitely not the least, if you’re into performance art you’ve really got to check out my friend Linus Hui at XXX this Friday night. I can’t really explain what it’s all about, but for sure, it’s something special and unique for Hong Kong.

+ FORCES: A Group Show / 10 Chancery Lane Gallery . Dec 8

Works by Carol Lee Mei Kuen (HK), Ken Matsubara (Japan), Lindy Lee (Australia), William Furness (UK/HK), Xiao Lu (China)

Forces explores the works of five artists and how they interact. Playing on the idea of the Chinese five elements and the effects they have upon each other as a constant action and reaction. The system of five elements was used for describing interactions and relationships between phenomena. The artists in their processes all work in a way incorporating the forces of nature into their dynamic and use varying elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water creating a dialogue between them.

Opening, Thursday December 8^th. 6:30-8:30 / 10 Chancery Lane, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong, (Behind the former Central Police Station / Victoria Prison) / Tue - Sat, 10am - 6pm Tel: (852) 2810 0065 / info@10chancerylanegallery.com / www.10chancerylanegallery.com 

+ GUILTY: Works by Charles LaBelle / SAAMLUNG .  Dec 9

Saamlung is hosting solo exhibition of new work from Hong Kong-based U.S.-born artist Charles LaBelle, focusing on the work Guilty (2009-2011) as a component of his long-term project Buildings Entered (1997-ongoing). As the second of three scheduled pre-opening projects for the gallery, this presentation introduces a project that continues a focus on architecture, bodies, and alienated urban space initiated by the first exhibition of work by João Vasco Paiva. Charles LaBelle is widely known for Buildings Entered, his ongoing lifework for which he documents every building he enters, regardless of location or situation; he then executes drawings of some buildings, occasionally on the pages of books. For this exhibition, LaBelle has sketched some 176 buildings of religious or spiritual significance—churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, cathedrals, cult headquarters, and tombs—on the pages of the text Guilty by Georges Bataille.

Opening, Friday December 9^th, 7:00-9:00 / Saamlung, 26/F Two Chinachem Plaza, 68 Connaught Rd. C (135-137 Des Voeux Rd. C.), Central, Hong Kong / Tues.-Fri. 11:00-19:00, Sat. 12:00-18:00 / gallery@saamlung.com / www.saamlung.com  

+ VIDEOTAGE Presents THE ONE WORLD EXPOSITION / Osage Kwun Tong . Dec 9

Works by aaajiao, Eric Siu, Ou Ning, Cao Fei, Linda Lai, Wang Jianwei, Danny Yung, Wang Zhenfei, Wang Luming, Teddy Lo, Yang Fudong, Johnnie To

12 of the 18 media artists in One World Exposition will be exhibited at Osage Gallery, Kwun Tong opening Friday 9 December, 6-9pm. The media artists from Hong Kong and Mainland China will be presenting new collaborations and special pieces reflecting on the future of contemporary Chinese art in fields ranging from video and film to lighting, theatre, computer games and interactive media.

Gillian Chung in Jiang Zhi’s 0.7% Salt, 2009/video/color/8’35”

Hostage, Wang Jianwei 2008/video/color/32’

In addition to the exhibition at Osage Kwun Tong, there will be a room dedicated to 20 films by video artists from Mainland China screened continuously throughout the period. On the opening night, there will also be a special performance by artists Wang Jianwei and Danny Yung (8-9pm) and the launch of a new collaborative installation by Wang Luming and Wang Zhenfei at Osage Open.

For more information please visit http://oneworldexpo.org.

Opening, Friday December 9^th, 6:00-9:00 / Osage Gallery Kwun Tong, 5/F, Kian Dai Industrial Bldg, 73-75 Hung To Rd, Kwun Tong, Kowloon / Exhibition Dates: 10 Dec 2011 - 8 Jan 2012 / (852) 2537 0688 / info@osagegallery.com / www.osagegallery.com

+ LINUS KNOWS HOW TO GET IN YOUR HEARTS & GROINS / XXX . Dec 9

Linus & The Feel Good Factory is made up by factory manager Linus, a handful of mastermind elves, and a dwarven workshop. It has been making bizarre paper costumes and cute little paper creatures since 2009. Following the massive success of experimenting in 2010, the factory decided to launch a self-help guide in 2011. Thus Linus Knows How began. Linus Knows How is a tell-tale instruction for all situations: from child birth to contraception, from orgies to the salvation of your soul. Most of them sarcastic, and all are depressive. On 9th Dec, 2011, Linus & The Feel Good Factory will play Agony Aunt and teach you something about Love, Relationship & Sex. We will show you the route to the hearts and to the groins. A little paper set will be constructed especially to celebrate the occasion. You are welcome to take photos, with a small token of thousand HK dollar notes. The exhibition is at 7pm at 9th Dec, 2011 at XXX Gallery; open to public.

Opening, Friday December 9^th, 7:00 – 10:00 / XXX, 212 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong / RSVP on Facebook

xJJ

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White, Minimalist, and Hot; Saamlung Opens With Palimpseptic

Supporters of the arts were out to celebrate the launch of Robin Peckham’s newest commercial gallery space Saamlung in downtown Central Hong Kong on Friday. The press release did state that the exhibition opening for a much awaited solo by João Vasco Paiva, was supposed to be a softer launch, but in fairness to the turnout it ended up turning into the opposite of “soft”. Saamlung was big enough, and the ceiling heights incredible, but if people were spilling out into the hallway, no amount of aircon was available to turn down the heat emanating from the event. Nasty evening rain couldn’t keep the crowds away either.

The artist, João Vasco Paiva, with Leung Chi Wo.

The works, a series of paintings, a sculpture, and a video installation, all deal with symbols, signs, wayfinding, codes, and armatures, inspired by Hong Kong’s relationship with the MTR, the city’s subway system. Joao works with all media in an effort to expand on his subject matter from all possible angles. All subjects seem familiar, but at the same time devoid of their original context, because the figures depicted are stripped entirely of text and number, making the piece of work completely new and foreign to the viewer, despite its familiarity.

Video Installation.

The Turnstile.

The paintings complimented the sculpture and vice-versa, with the all white space completely perfect for the minimalist art.

Spotted: Tangram’s Ignacio Garcia (left), Robin Peckham (center), and Jehan Chu of Vermillion and Chaiwanese (right), with a friend.

I’m a big fan of art editor/author/blogger, Xue Tan (middle). She was really down to earth which I love, here chatting with MAP Office’s Valérie Portefaix.

If you don’t remember, Xue Tan was responsible for the amazing portraits of graphic designer, Lingzi Zhang for Tangram’s S/S 2012 Campaign.

Other funny spottings, Valerie’s son within a wall gap serving drinks to guests. It was a bit performance art. Valerie proudly snapping shots of her son below.

Osage’s social media guru and #HKFashionBlogger Sybil Kot with the multi-tasker/Asia Art Archive/Saamlung Gallery Manager (i’m sure i’m missing something), Natasha.

Osage’s Jade.

Other cool peeps at the show. I love her glasses.

Xue Tan’s friend.

And me and Xue.

This was some really great work by João. Also kudos to Robin for an amazing gallery space. It really reminds me of the kind of galleries you see in New York. Additionally you REALLY should check out Xue Tans website, The Creators Project, right now. Its the kind of content I’d love to do if I did blogging full time. She works on it in conjunction with Intel and Vice. Her latest article is about China as the World’s Architectural playground.

MVRDV’s China Comic and Animation Museum below.

Hope to collaborate with Xue Tan in the near future.

RELATED ARTICLE: Saamlung Pre Opening, Works João Vasco Paiva

João Vasco Paiva: Palimpseptic / Saamlung, 26/F Two Chinachem Plaza, 68 Connaught Rd. C., Central District, Hong Kong / http://www.saamlung.com

JJ.

All comments moderated. To get more info on comment moderation for this personal blog project, please visit http://www.wanderlister.com/DISCLAIMER