HKMoA’s “Dreamchasers” exhibition telling stories of Hong Kong artists in pursuit of dreams starts tomorrow (with photos)
The Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) will launch a new exhibition, “Dreamchasers: Stories of Hong Kong Art”, starting from tomorrow (March 21) to take visitors on a 60-year journey through Hong Kong’s art scene. It invites audiences to reflect on the paths taken by various Hong Kong artists in pursuit of their dreams.
A team of local architects and designers led by Mr Kevin Siu and Mr Shuyan Chan, in collaboration with graphic designer Mr Gary Tong, have crafted a unique space for the exhibition. The space displays artworks of veteran Hong Kong artists Gaylord Chan, Ha Bik-chuen and Tong King-sum, as well as contemporary artist Rosanna Li, from a HKMoA collection. Visitors can explore memorable moments and stories of the artists through projection and interactive elements, and learn about the development and evolution of Hong Kong art. The exhibition reflects the four artists’ persistent pursuit of their dreams and how they channelled their views on art and life into their creative work. These artists have made significant strides in sculpture, painting, ceramics and more, highlighting the rich diversity of Hong Kong’s vibrant art scene.
　　
Chan (1925-2020) began to paint and pursue his dream at the age of 42. Initially, he worked with acrylic and quickly established a distinctive and unique personal style. Although his health deteriorated in 2001, and it became difficult for him to stand for long periods to paint, he did not give up and he turned to Microsoft Paint. Chan’s digital art work “Cologon” is a pioneering example of his digital art in early 2000s, showcasing his boundless creativity.
Through self-taught mastery and relentless dedication, Ha (1925-2009) gradually entered the world of art. His works infused the vibrancy of everyday life, blending humour and wit, while reflecting his deep connection to the community and nature. Despite hardships, he never abandoned his dreams. Instead, he channelled fragments of life into creative inspiration, achieving the extraordinary. Crafted from repurposed bamboo, discarded ironware and old tools, “Lone Commander” exemplifies Ha’s ability to transform the mundane into unique artworks.
Despite facing health problems and limited mobility from a young age, Tong (1940-2008) transcended these obstacles through his art, embodying an extraordinary spirit of perseverance, establishing him as one of Hong Kong’s pioneering sculptors. Through masterful polishing techniques, he infused his sculptures with intricate textures and fluid lines, transforming each piece into a celebration of nature and the human spirit. The exhibition features his inaugural wooden work, “Ball”, formed with a carving knife and a small block of wood, embodying how Tong shaped his dreams by his hands.
Hong Kong contemporary artist Li’s ceramic works, renowned for their rustic charm and sense of everyday life, fully showcase her keen observations of society. She often uses humorous methods to satirise the anomalies of life, allowing her audiences to reflect on the people and events of daily living while appreciating her well-loved works. Li’s work “The Ceremony”, combines reverence for heaven with ceramics, creating a series of lifelike figures.
The “Dreamchasers: Stories of Hong Kong Art” exhibition will be open from March 21 at the Attic, on the fifth floor of the HKMoA (10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon). For details of the exhibition, please visit the website at hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/dreamchasers.html.
