The seventh edition of Art Central Hong Kong opens this week from May 26—29, presented with the support of UOB. Hosted at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, the fair’s 2022 iteration encompasses more than 50 presenting galleries and a curated program of talks, videos, performances, installations, and other happenings, featuring an overarching focus on artists and galleries from Hong Kong.
Birdy Chu, “Resurrection,” 2022, 1 of 1, NFT, 23 MB; courtesy of the artist and The Spectacle Group.
“Art Central’s return in 2022—with an ambitious program of gallery booths, installations, moving image and performance projects—is entirely the result of the dedication of our galleries and partners and a testament to their commitment,” said the fair’s director, Corey Andrew Barr. “Increased engagement with Hong Kong galleries and artists has been a silver lining to the pandemic situation, and we are proud to support their work as part of our mission to bring greater attention to the creative talent of our home city.”
Bringing work by both emerging and established artists across three sectors—Chung Dim Central Galleries, Gwo Wai Curated Booths, and Duk Dak Solo Presentations—this year’s roster welcomes more than 20 first-timers, including names local to the city, like Touch Gallery, Square Street Gallery, and Double Q Gallery. A few highlights to look out for across these platforms include JPS Art Gallery’s group presentation including work by the Hong Kong-based Afa Annfa and U.S. artist Adam Linn, among others; Mwibi Fine Art’s showcase of Lee du Ploy and David Makala looking at themes like race, power, and identity; and a solo show of new paintings by Gregory Forstner, presented by Galerie Zink.
Maya Fuji, “There’ s A Ghost Under The Willow Tree,” 2021, acrylic airbrush on wood panel, 36 x 30 inches; courtesy of the artist and Streams Gallery.
Fairgoers won’t want to miss the works debuted under the Sculpture & Installations Projects sector, curated by Qu Chang, which puts a focus on large-scale and non-traditional works surrounding the theme “Thinking magic.” Concerned with the memories, beliefs, conventions, and crises of the present moment, Chang’s program includes specially selected work from the likes of Batten and Kamp, whose Terra Incognita is presented by Jeeum Gallery, Double Q Gallery with the work Police Party 22 by Márton Nemes, Louis To Wun’s bamboo sculptures with CWC Art Gallery, and more.
Other things to add to your itinerary include performances like “Love Elasticity of Demand” and “Trajectory of Jumps;” discussions around topics like Practices of Cultural Identity, Curator and Artist Relationships, and Hong Kong Cultural Heritage and Artistic Creation; and other video screenings, award ceremonies, and presentations.
Gregory Forstner, “Flowers for the Bold 29,” 2020, 46 x 38 cm, oil on linen; courtesy of the artist and Galerie Zink.
YVARAL, “Instability,” 1963, wood metal acrylic, 90 x 90 x 35 cm; courtesy of the artist and Novalis Art Design.
