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The 2014 Hong Kong and Macao Visual Arts Biennial with the theme of "300 Families" opened today (September 11) at the World Art Museum at the China Millennium Monument in Beijing. Works by 14 Hong Kong artists are featured in the exhibition, which has the theme "300 Families" and runs until September 19.
The exhibition is presented by the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and co-ordinated by the Art Promotion Office.
Speaking at the opening ceremony today, the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li, said that the Hong Kong and Macao Visual Arts Biennial was launched in 2008. She noted that the exhibition, organised by the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Macau Special Administrative Region (Macau SAR) Government as co-organisers, presents distinctive art exhibitions from the two places to Mainland audiences.
Ms Li pointed out that the Biennial not only provides an opportunity to showcase the talent of local artists from Hong Kong and Macau, but also serves as a valuable platform for exchanges among artists from Beijing, Hong Kong and Macau.
In this year's fourth run of the event, Hong Kong is showcasing 12 sets of photographic works and installations by 14 Hong Kong photographers. It aims to explore the changing definition and significance of family through family portraits, and provides a platform for cultural exchanges with visitors and industry members.
The exhibition looks at Hong Kong's living styles and spirit. The works on display examine 300 families including the grass roots, the middle class, orphans and family-like groups such as kung-fu groups to convey their encouraging stories to the public. For instance, anothermountainman (Stanley Wong) interviewed elderly people who live alone but have a positive outlook; Leong Ka-tai pictured multi-generational family portraits on home fridges; and Vincent Yu captured photos of kung-fu groups, presenting their relationships as being like those of families.
The artists joining the exhibition from Hong Kong are anothermountainman, Amber Au, Chan Hau-chun, Lorraine Cultfish and Rambo Lai, Roy Lee, Leong Ka-tai, Thomas Lin, Vincent Mak, Bobby Sham, Wei Leng Tay, Ducky Tse, Tse Ming-chong and Vincent Yu.
In her concluding remarks, Ms Li expressed her appreciation to the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China for the sterling support it has given to the HKSAR. She wished the exhibition every success and said she is looking forward to more diversified exchanges among Beijing, Hong Kong and Macau in the future.
Other officiating guests at the opening ceremony included the Vice Minister of Culture, Mr Ding Wei; the Deputy Director General of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Culture, Mr Li Baozong; the Head of the Cultural Events Department of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macau SAR Government, Mr Kent Ieong; the Director of the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing, Ms Cathy Chu; the Director of the Office of the Government of the Macau SAR in Beijing, Ms Hong Wai; the Secretary of the Party Committee of the China Arts and Entertainment Group, Mr Song Guanlin; and the Vice General Manager of Beijing Gehua Cultural Development Group, Ms Chen Gong.
The exhibition is curated by the Hong Kong International Photo Festival, executed by the China Arts and Entertainment Group and the China International Exhibition Agency, and supported by the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing.
Ends/Thursday, September 11, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:37
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