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An exhibition which transforms the city into an enchanting garden with sculptural art is now on view at Hong Kong City Hall from today (June 14) to June 22.
The "CityˇELandscape Karma ˇV Sculptures by Lee Chin-fai" enables audiences to see white clouds made of stainless steel, windscreens produced from fibreglass, solidified dewdrops and vehicle exhaust gases in stainless steel, fruit trees sculpted from iron and rear-view mirrors, as well as stones of various sizes scattered throughout the garden. Some of these stones look like motorbikes parked along the road, while others could be women strutting down the street. In the innovative, playful and witty hands of Lee Chin-fai, the city becomes a magnificent garden landscape, allowing visitors to share the artist's extraordinary perspective on everyday life.
Having dedicated himself to sculptural art for more than 20 years, Lee explored new possibilities in sculpture by combining two or more kinds of material, such as granite, black stone, marble and metal, using a skill similar to the traditional Chinese mortise-and-tenon joint.
Lee grinds a piece of stainless steel until it has a mirror-like surface. It not only reflects the surrounding environment but also the faces of those who come close, allowing visitors to the exhibition to immediately become a part of the image.
Urban development is an unavoidable reality of modern society. Lee hopes his works will give all urban dwellers a chance to think about the consequences of their actions. He believes that human construction can have a positive impact on a city, but can also do irreparable damage. The seeds we sow today will become the fruit of tomorrow -- the consequences that our descendants must live with.
A selection of Lee's works will be on display at the Foyer of Yat Tung Shopping Centre on Lantau Island from June 24 to July 12.
The exhibition, seventh of the Artists in the Neighbourhood Scheme III, is organised by the Art Promotion Office (APO) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The scheme is also a partnership project with the Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Link Management Limited.
Free guided tours will be offered to the public and school groups. For bookings, contact the Community Art Team of the APO on 3101 2712 or 3101 2713.
To learn more about the artist and his work, visit the APO's website: www.artistneighbourhood.info.
The Hong Kong City Hall is located at 5 Edinburgh Place, Central, Hong Kong. The Exhibition Hall is open daily from 10am to 8pm. The Yat Tung Shopping Centre is located at the Yat Tung Estate, Tung Chung, Lantau Island and is open daily from 7am to 11pm. Admission is free.
Ends/Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:01
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