New photo exhibition for Shanghai Expo puts Hong Kong photographers in the frame (with photos)
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     A unique collection of photographs was unveiled today (August 13) at the launch of the ¡§Hong Kong ¡D City¡¨ photo exhibition for Expo 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo).

     The exhibition, organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Professional Photographers (HKIPP), runs until August 29 at Shanghai Times Square¡¦s Open Piazza. It is an HKSAR programme for Shanghai Expo.

     Comprising works of 63 HKIPP members, the ¡§Hong Kong ¡D City¡¨ collection echoes the theme of Hong Kong¡¦s activities for Shanghai Expo for the month of August: ¡§Cultural City¡¨.

     Commissioner of HKSAR Expo Affairs Office, Mr Patrick Chan, who officiated at today¡¦s opening ceremony, said: ¡§Cultural and creative industries were among the six industry sectors that Hong Kong will further develop to leverage on their clear competitive advantage.

     ¡§Today¡¦s photo exhibition provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the creativity and professionalism of Hong Kong photographers.¡¨

     ¡§Different events and activities of various themes and formats are being staged by Hong Kong in Shanghai to deepen people¡¦s understanding of Hong Kong as well as to encourage more exchanges between the two cities.¡¨

     Mr Chan said Hong Kong¡¦s participation in Shanghai Expo was the most extensive and comprehensive ever.

     ¡§Apart from constructing and operating a stand-alone Hong Kong Pavilion, we also have an exhibition at the Urban Best Practices Area and a virtual presence in the Expo Shanghai Online project,¡¨ he said.

     Images on display at the ¡§Hong Kong ¡D City¡¨ exhibition range from classic cityscapes to avant-garde portraiture, and reveal the technique and style of each photographer.

     Visitors to the exhibition will also gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong¡¦s culture and lifestyle as seen through the lenses of professional photographers.
 
     Chairman of HKIPP, Mr Carsten Schael said: ¡§We are proud to be able to present, during the Shanghai Expo, 63 fascinating works that represent the highest standard of photography in the region.¡¨

     ¡§It is the first time that we have staged an exhibition of this kind in Shanghai.¡¨

     Other guests at the opening ceremony included Deputy General Manager of Shanghai Times Square, Ms Cathy Hau, renowned artist, Mr Maleonn, and Mr Tomaz Mok who is Managing Director of McCann Erickson Guangming Limited.

     The HKIPP represents a prestigious pool of professional photographers in Asia. Its membership comprises creative talents from different fields with emphasis on artistic specialisation.

     For more details on Hong Kong¡¦s participation in Shanghai Expo, please visit www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk. Full details of the ¡§Hong Kong ¡D City¡¨ exhibition are also available at www.hkipp.org/shanghai_expo_2010.

Ends/Friday, August 13, 2010
Issued at HKT 21:23

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