Hong Kong Arts Development Council Presents Fill in the Blanks Debut Exhibition of ARTS • TECH Exhibition 2.0

Discover new meanings in the empty space across the shores of Victoria Harbour

From 21 October – 12 November 2023
Free Admission

Please click here to download press release and high-res images

(Hong Kong, 20 October 2023) The Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) proudly presents the second edition of the ARTS • TECH Exhibition to promote the development of arts tech in Hong Kong. This remarkable exhibition series takes place across three venues including the Sino LuminArt Façade in Tsim Sha Tsui East, Tai Kwun in Central and Showcase at the HKADC’s new premises in Wong Chuk Hang from October 2023 to April 2024, introducing novel arts experiences to the people and visitors of Hong Kong. 

To mark this important occasion, an opening ceremony was held at 6:30pm today at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum with Mr Raistlin Lau Chun, Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and Dr Frankie Yeung Wai-shing, Vice Chairman of HKADC as officiating guests. The first thematic exhibition, Fill in the Blanks, will grace the screens of the Sino LuminArt Façade in Tsimshatsui East from 21 October to 12 November, illuminating both sides of Victoria Harbour with mesmerising digital artworks, creating a novel visual spectacle.

“Fill in the Blanks awakens the dormant memories and ignite the imagination of audiences. Through the imaginative spaces crafted by talented artists, audiences embark on a journey to explore the hidden intricacies often overlooked in our bustling lives. By gently ‘filling’ the forgotten gaps, audiences can delve deeper into the tapestry of existence and discover new layers of meaning,” said Ng Tsz-kwan, the Artist-curator of Fill in the Blanks.

Dr Frankie Yeung Wai-shing, Vice Chairman of the HKADC, said, “Hong Kong is a city brimming with creativity and vitality. The integration of arts and technology has become a new trend in the arts development of Hong Kong. The application of technology develops a new platform for artistic pursuits, allowing artists to transcend boundaries and share their insights with audiences further and farther.”

Fill in the Blanks features four large-scale video works by artists Tap Chan, Ivy Ma, Ng Tsz-kwan and Zheng Bo on the Sino LuminArt Façade in Tsim Sha Tsui Centre and Empire Centre at the harbourfront of Tsimshatsui East. Leveraging the space between the screens and the two shores of Victoria Harbour, artists create imaginative spaces within their works, prompting audiences to reflect on the often-overlooked details of everyday life. Visitors can also explore the artists’ intentions and meanings behind the artwork on the dedicated website, where they can listen to specially crafted stories of Victoria Harbour. These digital spaces offer unique perspectives on the ever-changing past and present of the maritime realm.

The associated events of ARTS • TECH Exhibition 2.0 are free of charge for public participation on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating world where arts and technology converge. Please register online: https://www.art-mate.net/doc/69700. 

To deepen the connection with the artworks, the exhibition offers public programmes and educational activities. One such experience is the“Resonant Harbour: A Speculative Water Tour” where participants embark on a sonic journey through Hong Kong’s history and culture aboard a ferry. This immersive experience combines visual and auditory elements, curated by artist Lai Sim-fong and interdisciplinary artist Shane Aspegren, providing a multisensory exploration of Victoria Harbour.

The“Drawing of Hong Kong Marine Fish”workshop will lead the participants to delve into the diverse aquatic life of Hong Kong and engage in a creative pursuit. The artworks created at the workshop will be displayed at City Gallery throughout the exhibition period.    

List of artworks:

Lost and Found by Ng Tsz-kwan

Over a decade ago, the notion of “decluttering” began to prevail. People gave away their unnecessary belongings to let go of material possessions and obsessions. Nonetheless, of the things that we casually discarded, where did they go? Perhaps they were still lingering around and were never lost, all along, they continued to exist in different forms. The ambiguous demarcation between them and us remains undeniable. Blurring these lines is not as easy as it may seem.

 

Lost in Pearls by Tap Chan

Lost in Pearls plays with the concept of a chain reaction machine and transforms it into a captivating artwork. Instead of using steel balls, pearls are employed to embark on a strange and unusual journey fuelled by imagination. Vivid lighting reminiscent of 1980s film aesthetics renders pearls and their hosts, the oysters or scallops, as enigmatic and alien creatures in the city. Towards the end of the video, pearls descend into the sewage system, signifying the artist’s lamentation of humanity’s indifference towards nature’s cherished treasures. 

 

The Speech of Animals and Plants by Ivy Ma

The title of this work, The Speech of Animals and Plants, originates from the poem I’m Working on the World by Polish poet Wisława Szymborska. Animals and plants from the faraway lands would come to life in these moving images, emblematising their transient and quotidian moments on the screen, altogether weaving a perhaps not as eloquent, but introspective, contemplative and musing speech of life.

 

Bloom by the Sea by Zheng Bo

Zheng Bo’s practice roots in the serene observation of nature, allowing the audience to rediscover the close ties between humans and plants on our planet. In Bloom by the Sea, Zheng Bo focuses on the flora in his village on the south side of Lantau Island, bringing these hidden botanical community by the sea and receive their long-overdue recognition.

Event Details:

Fill in the Blanks (Curated by Ng Tsz-kwan)
 

Date	21 October to 12 November 2023
Venue	Sino LuminArt Façade at Tsim Sha Tsui Centre and Empire Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui East
Time	5:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Resonant Harbour: A Speculative Water Tour 

Participants will embark on a 30-minute audio cruise tour, immersing themselves in the sounds that have been forgotten while navigating between the past and present of theVictoria Harbour. As participants admire the digital facade artwork showcased on the Harbour, the vibrant cityscape and the undulating harbour serve as a contextual backdrop, allowing them to fill in the invisible and imagine what truly exists.  
 

Date	2 & 3 November 2023
Time	6:30 – 7:15 PM
Venue	World Star, Star Ferry (Gathering Point: Central Pier No.7)
Artists	Ng Tsz-kwan, Shane Aspegren, Lai Sim-fong, Li Man-hin
Registration	https://www.art-mate.net/doc/69704

“Drawing of Hong Kong Marine Fish” Workshop

Local artist Tsang Hing-ling will host a fish-drawing experience workshop and the artwork would be then transformed into a vivid 3D model by AR technology. Through the drawing workshop, participants will be surprised by the biodiversity in the sea around Hong Kong, and ultimately, be inspired to work towards preserving nature. Participants’ artwork will be displayed at the City Gallery during the exhibition period.
 

Date	28 October, 5 & 11 November 2023
Time	3:00 – 4:30 PM
Venue	Meeting Room, 3/F, City Gallery, Central
Artists	Tsang Hing-ling
Registration	https://www.art-mate.net/doc/69702

Free admission. Limited availability on a first-come, first-served basis. 

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About ARTS • TECH 2.0 Exhibition
In line with the government initiatives in promoting the arts tech development in Hong Kong, HKADC launched the first ARTS ‧ TECH Exhibition series in historical sites at Central Market, M7 (7 Mallory Street) and 618 Shanghai Street in 2022 to bring arts tech into the community, allowing the general public to immerse in real and virtual spaces for novel interactive arts experience. The first edition received overwhelming response with more than 40,000 participants and over 200 media coverage. 

In light of the success, HKADC organises the ARTS • TECH Exhibition 2.0 this year with a larger scale in prominent locations. The opening exhibition Fill in the Blanks will be held at the LuminArt Façade of Tsim Sha Tsui Centre and Empire Centre at the harbourfront of Tsimshatsui East, aiming to bring a unique audio-visual arts experience to the people and visitors of Hong Kong. 

Fill in the Blanks
LuminArt Patron -- Sino Group
Supporting Organisations -- City Gallery, The “Star” Ferry Company, Limited

About Hong Kong Arts Development Council
Established in 1995, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) is a statutory body set up by the Government to support the broad development of the arts in Hong Kong. Its major roles include grant allocation, policy and planning, advocacy, promotion and development, and special projects. The mission of HKADC is to support and promote the development of 10 major art forms in literary arts, performing arts, visual arts as well as film and media arts in Hong Kong. Aiming to foster a thriving arts environment and enhance the quality of life of the public, HKADC is also committed to facilitating community-wide participation in arts and arts education, encouraging arts criticism, raising the standard of arts administration and contributing to policy research.

About Sino Group
Established in 1971, Sino Group comprises three listed companies – Sino Land Company Limited (HKSE: 083), Tsim Sha Tsui Properties Limited (HKSE: 0247), Sino Hotels (Holdings) Limited (HKSE: 1221) – and private companies held by the Ng Family.

As one of Hong Kong’s leading property developers with core businesses in property development and investment, Sino Group has grown with the communities it serves. The Group’s business interests comprise a diversified portfolio of residential, office, industrial, retail and hospitality properties across Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore and Australia, and has developed over 250 projects, spanning more than 130 million square feet. Core business assets are further complemented by property management services, hotel investment and management, including The Fullerton Hotels & Resorts and other affiliate brands.

With over 11,000 committed staff members, the Group strives to fulfill its vision of Creating Better Lifescapes with a focus on three interconnected pillars – Green Living, Community Spirit and Innovative Design – shaping the cities we call home where people live, work and play. Sustainability is central to what we do as we seek to create value for stakeholders and make business a driver of sustainability for a better future.

ARTS‧TECH Exhibition 2.0 information is available on the official website: https://arts-tech.hk/

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