Today, the momentous ninth edition of Art Central Hong Kong is unveiled once again at the picturesque Central Harbourfront, on view through March 31. In partnership with UOB, this year’s international fair is deftly curated by Enoch Cheng, ushering in a vibrant new era of robust and comprehensive programming. A singularly experiential event, 95 galleries join together with rapturous performance art, installations, video works, conversations, and educational projects, offering an unforgettable cultural encounter set within the lush landscape of Hong Kong Art Week.
Enoch Cheng’s “Art-is-Here Picnic,” photo by Eric Hong, courtesy of Art Central.
Art Central Hong Kong Engages Local and International Visitors Alike
“I vividly recall the experience of taking part in the performance art program at Art Central 2017, which gave me abundant space to explore and experiment; it was a defining moment that helped shape my early artistic career,” explained Cheng.
“Art Central is well-known for showcasing young and fresh ideas in art, providing a diverse experience for artists, galleries, arts professionals, and its vibrant audiences. I am honored to continue this legacy as I join the dedicated and passionate Fair team as Curatorial Director. In the upcoming edition, we explore how, in 2024, we can create an even more engaging and relevant occasion for local, regional, and international visitors to appreciate, think and exchange with, take part in and create art together.”
Photo by Eric Hong, courtesy of Art Central.
New Gallery Sector Neo Introduces Emerging and Undiscovered Artists to the World
Art Central 2024 rejoices in the debut of a lively, new gallery sector, Neo, which introduces emerging and undiscovered artists to the world alongside galleries newly inaugurated into the fair. 15 visionaries and 11 galleries offer visitors access to visually-arresting and cerebral group and solo presentations.
The Columns Gallery (Seoul, Singapore) shines light on Korean and International luminaries of mesmeric abstract art, including Kim Tae-Ho and Hyun-Joung Lee. Pioneering gallery VETA by Fer Francés (Madrid) presents a spirited group exhibition bringing new perspectives on the nuances of art history, and illuminating the skilled artistry of Seville-based Cristina Lama, Beijing-based Kang Haoxian, and U.S. based creatives Devan Shimoyama and Theresa Chromati.
Participating galleries such as BFM Art Center (Suzhou), EYECANDIES (Shanghai), ThisWeekendRoom (Seoul), and wamono art (Hong Kong, Tokyo) uplift the fair’s mission to further develop the careers of forward-thinking contemporary artists in Asia and beyond.
Installation view of Ho Sin Tung’s Shadow Boxing (2024), photo by Eric Hong, courtesy of Art Central.
Ho Sin Tung Debuts Major Work Alongside Yi Tai Sculpture & Installation Projects
An immersive, major installation by Hong Kong-based artist Ho Sin Tung makes its debut at Art Central. Titled Shadow Boxing (2024), the extensive project is a lyrical embrace of martial arts and its devotion to mental, physical, and emotional self-discipline. Alongside the new work, this year’s much-anticipated iteration of Yi Tai Sculpture & Installation Projects gathers visitors from around the world to revel in compelling and soulful artworks.
Kyoto-based Korean artist Sangsun Bae unveils a provocative installation where knots of rope and ceramic explore the twists and turns of human connection, while Prague-based creative Rony Plesl offers hypnotic cast glass sculptures that make room for universal meditation.
Installation view of Sunayama Norico’s “A Sultry World” (1995–), photo by Eric Hong, courtesy of Art Central.
A Diverse Performance Art Program Permeates the Global Fair
Grand works of Performance Art permeate the global fair. Norico Sunayama’s A Sultry World (1995–), with support by CHAT (Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile), newly brings five days of engaging creativity with a luminous and larger-than-life crimson dress that envelopes passersby in an intriguing dialogue on the blurred lines of our public and private lives.
Enoch Cheng’s Art-is-Here-Picnic (2024) invites all ages to connect with local art and cultural leaders in a jubilant picnic setting, while Scarlet Yu’s Planting Tastes (2024) is a symphony of culinary delights as performers engage with their audience in building narratives around foods that nourish diverse communities.
The fair’s latest Video Art presentation is centered on a lit-from-within LED wall, spotlighting the works of international audio-visual masters including South African creatives Russel Hlongwane, Francois Knoetze, and Amy Louise Wilson. Dzata: The Institute of Technological Consciousness (2023) by Wilson deeply inspires the development of indigenous technical knowledge.
Installation view of JPS Gallery at Art Central 2024, photo by Eric Hongmage, courtesy of Art Central.
A Parade of Conversations with Cultural Figureheads Meets Captivating Art Education
Talks presents a highly-relevant parade of conversations with cultural figureheads: Asia Society brings Stéphane Lam to illuminate the rich Cantonese history of his late father Wilfredo Lam (1902-82), and Asia Cultural Council unites diverse innovators like Eunice Tsang of Current Plans and Vera Lam of Hart Haus in an enthralling conversation with Kenneth HC Fung.
Art education is positioned at the heart of the beloved fair, with enchanting children’s tours, unique talks presented by university students on the next generation of art appreciation, as well as free tours offered to all visitors with knowledgeable docents.
“Under the direction of Enoch Cheng, Art Central 2024 will feature an unprecedented range of creative programmes which place primacy on the visitor experience through connection to the most engaging art and artists of our time and place,” said Corey Andrew Barr, Art Central Fair Director.
“We welcome audiences of all backgrounds to join us in this unique celebration of art and creativity with a foundation in Hong Kong and an eye to cultural influence the world around.”
Photo by Eric Hong, courtesy of Art Central.
