"The inevitable" by Simon Birch @Ben Brown Fine Arts Hong Kong

If you have read my previous post (By Inspired by Central ), you should have know that I am quite a fan of Simon Birch who is a profound artist relocated from England and has been living in Hong Kong for years. His works are always an inspiration and aspiration to me so how could I miss his new paintings exhibition titled: " The Inevitable " presented at Ben Brown Fine Arts Gallery.

Once again, it was a mind-blowing experience looking at his paintings. The dynamic of the strokes and the energy of the object almost create movement on the canvas. The title of the paintings are so poetic that they are picturing motion in your mind. You would be immersed in his dreamy yet alive canvas... this is why I love SB's works so much.

Tumbling and freezing while a thin shell of air molecules expanded around the body, like an image of departing life., 2015
Oil on canvas
200 x 300 cm; (78 3/4 x 118 1/8 in.)

He willed himself into passivity, became the passenger behind her eyes, 2015
Oil on canvas183 x 183 cm; (72 1/8 x 72 1/8 in.)

The sky was aquamarine, stroked with clouds. She could smell the grass and taste the scent of small, crushed flowers, 2015
Oil on canvas
216 x 247 cm; (85 1/8 x 105 1/8 in.)

Fears Wrongs Doubts Spinward, 2014
Oil on canvas
216 x 175 cm; (85 1/8 x 68 7/8 in.)

 What also intrigued me is the combination of the colours, most of the painting are mainly composed by few colours but the variation of composition and intensity generate such different effects.

(Close-up) 

(Close-up)

Don't miss out at the other side of the gallery showcasing the pieces from a Brazilian artist Vik Muniz who is best known for recreating famous imagery from old photographs such as historic and cultural people and objects.  You could spend hours in front of the artworks and study every little pieces of the collage, together they tell you some stories which are connected with each others.

Simon Birch: The Inevitable exhibition is until 29 April 2015. Try not to miss it! 

Another note: there are some other galleries hidden in the Pedder Building which are worth visiting as well if you have time. 

Always stay curious and explore the arty side of Hong Kong :) Happy Weekend!

Galleries Visit in Insadong, Seoul

Most people go to Seoul for shopping and the great Korean cuisine. I am not gonna lie that I wasn't one of them ( who could resist the Korean foodporn ) but I also took sometime to look at the local galleries in Insadong-gil, a neighbourhood contains traditional and modern atmosphere (also a great spot for souvenir shopping). It was once the largest markets for antiques and artworks and has been the center of culture and art from the Joseon Dynasty period.

For those who want to take a glimpse at the Korean artworks during a short trip, this is a perfect place to visit. A lot of the galleries are hidden on the upper floor of buildings so keep your eyes open!

Insadong Street view

Not many of you might know that Korean artists and artworks have become prominent and in the international market and art fairs. You could also spot some impressive large-scale sculpture across the cities. No doubts this is a vibrant city full of talents and artistic vibes. Below are some of the artworks I admire and would like to share with you all:

Forgot the name of this small Gallery I visited. The exhibition title: Raumarbeiten ( means "Work space" in German) featured 3 German artists. I found the works from Michel Lamoller are quite intriguing. It's interesting to look closer at his works and exam how a person is immersed into the backdrop.  

Tautochronos #14. 2014 by Michel Lamoller (Archival pigment print 50x75 cm)

Tautochronos #11. 2014 by Michel Lamoller (Archival pigment print 50x75 cm)

" Raumarbeiten " exhibition

The second gallery I visited is called Gallery MISULSEGYE which is the open cultural space for artist as well as those who visit Insadong. It's named after the first Korean art magazine < MISULSEGYE >

Bronze Sculpture at the entrance of Gallery MISULSEGYE - Park, Chan girl

The gallery currently showcases " The 39th Korean Association of Figure painting artists " It's very much to my liking as my favourite subject of painting is people. Study the facial expression of a person when you are drawing them is a very special experience. It's like they are telling you the story about them. I spent quite sometime to look at these paintings and pretty amazed by how meticulous they are. And some of them depict very well the impression I have for Korean people. They are friendly, hard-working, disciplined and conscious about the way they look. 

The 39th Korean Association of Figure painting artists exhibition poster

Spacious gallery floor 

(tempera on Linen 100x122cm)

"She" 116.8 x 72.7 cm 2014 

I would like to get to know more Korean artists and artworks, unfortunately most of the painting's titles and artist are shown in Korean which I don't interpret... but I am sure I would find their trace in the galleries and art shows in Hong Kong.

How much do you know about German painting?

Just a quick post about this German painting exhibition " Statement 2: New Painting from Germany " at Goethe Institut Hong Kong. 

I found the style is very different from the mainstream contemporary art. A bit dark humor in some way which I am always curious about what German Art world is really like. 

I would like to share more about this exhibition, however I am in a hurry en route to China for Ching Ming Festival, and this exhibition only last till 11th Apr, so I recommend you to drop by and have a look at the paintings in Wan Chai during this long weekend. If not, hope the pictures below could inspire you in some way.

Christoph Ruckhäberle

Uwe Henneken

                  

Wish everyone a Happy Easter and a lovely holiday! 

Ramon Otting - Love at the first sight

The first time I came across Ramon Otting's work was at the Asia Contemporary Art Show just a month ago ( which I mentioned in the previous post ) It was a Love-at-the-first-sight moment. I was completely dazzled by the glowing poppy flower ( plus it's one of my favourite thing in the world). So when I knew that there was a gallery opening "Dutch Light - Vineyards & Wildflowers painting by Ramon Otting" at Fabrik Gallery in Sheung Wan, I decide to attend and grab another chance to see his beautiful paintings. 

At the gallery opening evening this Tuesday, I was a bit disappointed that Ramon Otting himself was not at the event as I was quite looking forward to meet him in person. Still I enjoyed so much looking at his works. Through the friendly gallerist at Fabrik, I was told that Mr. Otting himself creates his work under the influence of Impressionism, adding on his unique way to depict the subject. And what made his work more special is many of his works include soil from the place where he found inspiration from. If you see the painting closely, you could really see the tiny bits. 

           

As I said to my friend, one day...I would buy his poppy flower paintings... one day!

Provence - Les Coquelicots I, II, III

"Champagne- Vosne Romanee"

This Cherry Blossom painting was created when Mr. Otting visited Cheung Chau island in Hong Kong.

Lastly, I would like to thank the host from Fabrik Gallery for their hospitality! Such a nice event and great dutch cheeses!! ;) x

See the masterpieces real up close @ Landmark Artrium

It was overwhelming the moment I saw this installation in Landmark Atrium, Central.

This event: Be Inspired in Central showcases works from renowned artist: Claude Monet, Marc Chagall, Zao Wou-ki and Zeng Fanzhi under the celestial dome designed by award-winning architect William Lim who is known for intertwining modern aesthetics with traditional Chinese Craftsmanship and materials.  

Amazed to see Simon Birch's work again. The first time I came across this name was his "Hope & Glory" exhibition at TaiKook Place back in 2010. His works is so unique and always stand out from the crowded that you just can't take your eyes away.

You could see the strokes and details of the paintings clearly thru the binoculars or see back around the fountain and glance up the works from a distance.

Don't miss out the chance to be part of this overpowering art experience before it finishes on 29th March (this Sun!)

The Everchanging Art World

Two weeks ago, Hong Kong was filled with art events & exhibition and the whole city was immersed in an artistic and vibrant vibes. And after this exciting week, something has hit me and I felt an urge to start my own blog and talk about art, gallery visit and everything cool about the art world!

So... Without further ado! Let's start! 

Although I was busy working as a helper at the Fotanian Open Studio event, I still managed to visit the Asia Contemporary Art Show and the infamous Art Basel in between my limited schedule.

Asia Contemporary Art Show:

Undoubtedly, it was a very commercial art show. Beautiful art pieces displayed in a five stars hotel waiting to be purchased by some "tasteful" visitors so they could exhibit them in their stylish apartment/house/office, etc. Despite the fact that I had no intension (/no money) to buy anything, I tried to pretend to be a potential buyer so the gallerists were more willing to talk to me. Most of the conversation were very interesting, some were even more like selling a commodity, " This art piece is at a very good value for HKD20,000, it even comes with this fabulous Italian frame." But there was one artist's works did left a remarkable impression on me. Ramon Otting has his works showcased in one of the room, the gallerist from Fabrik Gallery told me that Mr. Otting likes sketching while travelling. He collects the soil at where he did the sketches and later on mixes the grinded soil into his painting.  What I found very fascinating is the way he embedded the surrounding into his work. And the use of colour and paint patches technique reminded me of my favourite art period- Impressionism. His artworks are no doubts very appealing to viewers and could compliment any space gracefully.

((photo credit: Ramon Otting's facebook Photo Album. check out more on: http://www.ramonotting.nl/ )

Art Basel

I did not anticipate much about Art Basel, as again, it is publicly known that "Good for business, Bad for Art." Still I visited it light-heartedly and discovered a fun way to appreciate artwork. Most visitors were photo hunting for cool and outspoken art pieces in order to share on social media. In fact we were one of them, but on top of that, we did something special: we stood closely to the art piece and took a photo from behind. The result was quite amazing. In some pictures, we became part of the artwork and in some, we even made the artwork more interesting.

My conclusion from this extensive art week was: The way we appreciate art and create art has changed. Artists are struggling to find a fine balance between artistic and commercial values. Art Selfie becomes a new phenomenon in appreciating art. Art pieces induce people engage and interact with them innovatively.

Stay Tune for more!

Pretty exciting about starting a new blog!

Here will be a space for art/gallery/design sharing!

Stay Tune!