By Preya Shah
Art and cultural spaces aren’t in abundance in Hong Kong, so the relaunch of ArtisTree in Cambridge House, Taikoo Place has been a welcome return to the community. Apart from this multi-purpose space , the Eastern District is also home to various art galleries, some of which are in walking distance from Taikoo Place. They offer exhibitions by budding local artists, as well as established, international names, for a much-needed escape from the daily grind.
Oi! Art Gallery
Budding artists
Oi! – named after its Oil Street location – is in a Grade II Heritage historic building. It is supported by the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre to promote, develop and nurture Hong Kong artists as well as create a space for an exchange of creative ideas. Beginning on 6 October until 22 October, the Oi! will host its first of a five-part visual arts exhibition titled Sparkle! Room for a Book. Each session will explore a book about family accompanied by artistic visualisations. 12 Oil Street, North Point, tel: 2512 3000; lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/APO
Para Site
Contemporary art
Para Site is one of Hong Kong’s leading contemporary art galleries that focuses on progressive, independent artists. In 2015, it moved from Sheung Wan to Quarry Bay for a larger space that allows for bigger installations and works by multiple artists. Starting from 23 September through to 3 December, Para Site will present two exhibitions by Chris Evans and Pak Sheung Chuen, whose presentations include newly commissioned works curated by Freya Chou. 22/F, Wing Wah Industrial Building, 677 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, tel: 2517 4620; para-site.art
Space 27
Modern Asian art
Opened in November 2015, Space 27 is an expansive 7,000-square-foot creative hub with two exhibition rooms, an open kitchen and a terrace designed by renowned visual artist Alan Chan. There is a minimalistic Zen quality to the space, as exemplified by the shoji sliding doors and white painted walls. It’s a platform for young, emerging Asian artists, as well as an escape from the city’s urban hustle for visitors. The venue doesn’t limit itself to Asian art; most recently it exhibited work by Spanish cartoonist Joan Cornellà, displaying pieces based on his experience in Hong Kong. 10/F, Block A/B, Tung Chong Factory Building, 653-659 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, tel: 2723 2722; facebook.com/space27hk
Blue Lotus Gallery
Picture perfect
This independent gallery has been in operation since 2007 and focuses on photographic works. Blue Lotus aims to feature emerging talent but has also shown some of Hong Kong’s more prominent photographers such as the late master of shadows Ho Fan and urban life specialist Michael Wolf. The main gallery is located in Chai Wan, but Blue Lotus organises pop-ups and exhibitions around town, so follow its website for updates. Also, gallery director Sarah Greene will be hosting a secret tour of Chai Wan on 23 September and 21 October, taking groups to artist studios and an array of crafty businesses like hipster bookshops and even oyster suppliers. Sign up on their website. Unit 1606, Chai Wan Industrial City, Phase 1, 60 Wing Tai Road, Chai Wan; tel: 6100 1295; bluelotus-gallery.com
After admiring all the works of art, you must be getting hungry. Check out our story on the best Japanese restaurants in the Eastern District here.