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How to revel in art in Hong Kong this March

A plethora of events will be held for Hong Kong Arts Month 2019 this March. 

Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Sat, March 9, 2019

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How to revel in art in Hong Kong this March A woman poses for a photo at a popular Instagram spot in Hong Kong on Jan. 20. (AFP/Isaac Lawrence)

Ni Nyoman Wira

The Jakarta Post

March is the month of art in Hong Kong. The city is scheduled to hold various art events and has launched new destinations that bring art closer to people as part of its campaign for Hong Kong Arts Month 2019. Here are some ways to enjoy art during your visit:

Attend Art Basel

Held for three days from March 29 to 31, Art Basel is among the must-visit art fairs in Hong Kong. Taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, it will feature artworks from 242 modern and contemporary galleries from 36 countries around the Asia Pacific region.

The Jakarta-based Nadi Gallery and ROH Projects are two Indonesian galleries set to take part at this year's Hong Kong Art Basel. The fair will also be attended by Indonesian artists Jumaldi Alfi, Agus Suwage, Bagus Pandega and Syagini Ratna Wulan.

Visit Art Central

From March 27 to 31, the fifth edition of Art Central will feature 107 galleries from 22 countries. The fair will present art performances, large scale art installations and discussions with renowned figures in the contemporary art scene. Located at Central Harbourfront, visitors will also be able to feast their eyes on the bustling Victoria Harbour with its picturesque waterfront scenery and popular nighttime lights.

Watch a performance and enjoy dim sum

Opened in January, the Xiqu Center is a unique building that merges modern and traditional elements.
Opened in January, the Xiqu Center is a unique building that merges modern and traditional elements. (Hong Kong Tourism Board/File)

The Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District is dedicated to preserving Cantonese theater. Opened in January, the Xiqu Center is  a unique building that merges modern and traditional elements. Aside from visiting the photography exhibition Constructing the Xiqu Centre, which will end on March 31, people can also watch the Tea House Theatre program that presents traditional Chinese theater. Dim sum and traditional tea will be served during the 90-minute performance.

Read also: Six things you must see and do when visiting Hong Kong

Learn about Hong Kong’s textile industry

The interior of The Mills in Hong Kong.
The interior of The Mills in Hong Kong. (Hong Kong Tourism Board/File)

The Mills in Tsuen Wan, formerly the Nan Fung cotton-spinning factory, has undergone a process of revitalization (http://www.themills.com.hk/en/about-the-mills/history-heritage/) since 2014. The non-profit Center for Heritage, Arts and Textile (CHAT) is also part of The Mills’ conservation project.

Set to be opened on March 16, CHAT will feature different types of weaving and art from the heritage to the contemporary. Unfolding: Fabric of Our Life is one of the exhibitions that will be held here, featuring 17 contemporary artists from 12 countries, including Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Australia and India. Indonesian artists Reza Afisina from the West Java city of Depok and Ade Darmawan from Jakarta are set to participate in the exhibition. 

See how art merges with daily life at the Harbour Art Fair

Among Hong Kong’s plethora of art events in March is the Harbour Art Fair 2019. Held from March 30 to April 1, its uniqueness lies in how it transforms rooms at the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel into art spaces.

Muhammad “Emte” Taufiq, an Indonesian artists who has explored the country’s art hubs, said the Harbour Art Fair was among his favorite art shows. “It’s just unimaginable,” said Emte during a Hong Kong Tourism Board event on Thursday, Feb. 21, in South Jakarta. “It shows that there’s no distance between art and daily life. Art isn’t something complicated that is hard to understand. We can enjoy art as casually as possible.”

Marvel at Hong Kong’s street art

ArtLane in Sai Ying Pun mesmerizes visitors with urban art.
ArtLane in Sai Ying Pun mesmerizes visitors with urban art. (Hong Kong Tourism Board/File)

In addition to attending art events, it is also recommended to take a look at the city’s urban arts, including ArtLane, an urban project where visitors can discover attractive murals, and the HK Urban Canvas 2019 that focuses on community art projects including commissioned shutter artworks inspired by local stories and traditions.

There is also Draw HK, which comprises workshops and exhibitions, and the HKwalls Street Art Festival from March 23 to 31 that will feature street art from international and local artists. (mut)

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