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To coincide with the Hong Kong Contemporary Art Biennial Awards 2009, the "Hong Kong Diary – Response Exhibition of the 53rd Venice Biennale Hong Kong Exhibition II" will be opened tomorrow (June 12) at the Hong Kong Museum of Art until August 1. The exhibition displays the artist Pak Sheung-chuen's unique observations and thoughts on Hong Kong's daily life.
Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and co-organised by the Museum of Art and Para/Site Art Space, the exhibition reassembled Pak's works previously shown in the Hong Kong Exhibition at the 53rd Venice Biennale, and turned them into a new exhibition. The concept of "Hong Kong Diary" is an extension of Pak's "Making (Perfect) World: Harbour, Hong Kong, Alienated Cities and Dreams" in the 53rd Venice Biennale held in Italy from June to November 2009. Under the curatorship of Tobias Berger in association with Para/Site Art Space, "Making (Perfect) World" featured a series of philosophic and provocative masterpieces in the international arts arena. The response was so overwhelming that the total number of visitors reached over 130,000.
In the current exhibition, Pak's works are presented in a range of media. The foyer of the Museum of Art will provide the perfect lounge setting for people to read the papers, watch television, do puzzles, play or simply relax. The exhibition uses documentaries as a way to showcase Pak's art, including all his contributions to the "Sunday Life" supplement of the local paper Ming Pao published between 2003 and 2010. This collection bears the mark of the artist who works with poetic adroitness and a sophisticated grasp of city life. In addition to textual presentations, commentaries narrated by Pak himself and clips of his appearances on television bring viewers up close and personal with the stories behind the works and the artist himself. Periodic workshops hosted by the artist will be held to encourage visitors to explore and experience fun in life and in art.
As an important local art event, the Hong Kong Contemporary Art Biennial Awards 2009 is presented by the LCSD and organised by the Museum of Art. To review the most recent developments in the local art scene and explore Hong Kong's artistic creativity and cultural identity, 83 works created by 78 local artists are currently on display at the Museum of Art until August 1. The Museum of Art also has established partnerships with various art organisations and institutions to organise 19 exciting fringe programmes and activities. For details of the exhibition and the fringe programmes, please visit the Museum of Art's website at http://hk.art.museum or refer to the Hong Kong Contemporary Art Biennial Awards 2009 Programme Guide, which is available at the Museum of Art and all participating organisations.
The Museum of Art is located at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. It opens from 10am to 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday and Fridays, and from 10am to 8pm on Saturdays. It is closed on Thursdays (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.
For enquiries, visit the Museum of Art's website or call 2721 0116.
Ends/Friday, June 11, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:13
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