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The Young British Artists (YBAs), are noted for their shock tactics and diversity of styles. They can gain audiences' admiration for their sheer honesty, and for the revelation of reality in a raw and literal form through their works.
From now until October 9, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum is offering the public an opportunity to appreciate the fabulous works of the YBAs through an exhibition entitled "Made in Britain: Contemporary Art from the British Council Collection 1980–2010", which has been jointly organised with the British Council. The exhibition comprises around 150 artworks produced by 35 groups of artists between 1980 and 2010. The artworks include works by YBAs as well as others by Turner Prize winners and nominees, allowing viewers to see powerful statements of art and gain insight into contemporary British art.
An opening ceremony for the exhibition was held today (July 16). Officiating guests were the Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Ms Florence Hui; the Director of the British Council, South China, Mr Peter Upton; participating British artists Mr Adam Chodzko and Mr Matt Franks; the Chairman of the Art Museum Advisory Panel, Mr Lo Wing-sang; and the Chief Curator of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Ms Belinda Wong.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms Hui said that contemporary British artists, who are highly regarded in the international art scene, have fascinated the world with their bold creations.
"The artworks of different styles and genres created by British artists featured in this exhibition showcase the unique charm of contemporary British art. The highlights of the exhibition include the works of the YBAs who emerged in the late 1980s. Their audacious innovativeness has breathed new life into art, and has had a far-reaching impact on cultural and social developments in the United Kingdom and the world. The exhibition offers a truly rare and delightful opportunity to have the works of so many outstanding artists displayed on one single occasion," Ms Hui said.
She added that the exhibition is also in line with the Hong Kong Heritage Museum's mission to foster understanding of different cultures through art appreciation.
The YBAs mainly graduated from Goldsmiths College in London during the late 1980s and early 1990s. These young artists experimented with different media and materials, and their works were fresh with powerful individualistic styles. Rich in social, cultural and political elements, their works were often controversial. Some scholars remarked that the YBAs' emergence signified the birth of a new British culture and social landscape. Their influence grew over time and today the YBAs are famous names. Iconic artists include Mr Damien Hirst, Ms Sarah Lucas, Ms Gillian Wearing and Mr Mark Wallinger, whose works are featured in the exhibition.
The exhibition also showcases a number of artworks by Turner Prize winners such as Mr Richard Wright and Mr Wolfgang Tillmans as well as several nominees, making it a platform to encompass an enormous diversity of styles and conceptions. The Turner Prize, Britain's first award directed at outstanding young artists, was set up to recognise the excellence of British artists. The announcement of the Turner Prize winner has become an important annual event for Britain and even the international art community.
The "Made in Britain: Contemporary Art from the British Council Collection 1980–2010" exhibition, the third leg of a touring exhibition featuring a collection of contemporary British art from the British Council, is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the British Council, and organised by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and the British Council.
For details of the exhibition, please visit the Heritage Museum's website at www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk/eng/exhibitions/exhibition_details.aspx?exid=165 or call 2180 8188.
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is located at 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin. It opens from 10am to 6pm on Mondays and Wednesdays to Saturdays, and from 10am to 7pm on Sundays and public holidays. The museum is closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays). Admission is $10 and a half-price concession is available to full-time students, senior citizens and people with disabilities. Admission is free on Wednesdays.
Ends/Saturday, July 16, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:48
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