Takashi Murakami, Cherries, 2005

Here at Hong Kong Hustle we’ve previously discussed the fact that luxury brands are the new patrons of the arts. In the recently opened exhibition, “Louis Vuitton: a Passion for Creation,” the well known brand has created an exhibition worthy of its prominent name.

The large, multi-gallery show provides a rare glimpse at works from revered contemporary artists including Jean-Michel Basquait, Jeff Koons, Richard Prince, and Takashi Murakami, to name just a few. This is an opportunity that doesn’t frequently present itself in Hong Kong.

The exhibition is larger than I expected and is broken up into several sections. Marc Jacobs, who was once artistic director of Louis Vuitton, is credited with spearheading the brand’s collaborations with contemporary artists. This was a wise move – Takashi Murakami’s designs for Louis Vuitton alone sold over $300 million U.S. dollars worth of merchandise! (more…)

Check out that classic Rock ‘n’ Roll strut!

O.k., so the band’s real name is Housse De Racket, but you could have easily been mistaken after catching their live show on Sunday night. Brought in to perform at the after party for the new A.P.C. store in Central, Housse De Racket put on a memorable, rocking performance.

How many members are there in the band? (more…)

Arriving this summer is Turbo Feel, a 350-meter indoor racetrack inspired by actual Formula One racing. The scaled model outside the nearly finished course is very impressive.

This is no abandoned parking lot with a few dented cones. We’re talking about a premium track complete with pit-stops, a spectator stand, and even an awards podium! (more…)

DJ A-Trak headlines the new Hype Nasty party at Volar this Thursday, May 21st. Hype Nasty is organized by the same people behind Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy.

In the sea of d.j.s playing multiple genres of dance music, there are a few clear standouts and A-Trak is one of them. A former world champion turntablist, A-Trak has always been a step ahead of other d.j.s.. While some turntablists are technically creative, A-Trak has that rare combination of being both musically and technically gifted.

A-Trak’s approached music in a very open way and integrated multiple genres into his repertoire before it became trendy. His foresight has paid off, landing him the title of Kanye West’s d.j., as well as personal collaborations with many of today’s top dance music acts including Digitalism, MSTRKRFT and Boys Noize.

When it comes to catching a d.j. in a club, top turntablist skills mixed with good music sense are a deadly combination! This is one performance not to be missed!

For the night, A-Trak will be supported by D.J. Enso and Miss Yellow.

The following night A-Trak will also be performing at Cubic in Macau.

Recommended!

DJ A-Trak
Volar
Basement 38-44 D’Aguilar Street
Lan Kwai Fong
Central, Hong Kong

Free for Volar members, non-members $250HKD cover charge includes one drink.

Top tier d.j.s have a new stop on the regional party circuit. Over the last six months Cubic has established itself as the prime dance music venue in Asia’s casino town. The club has done what most people thought was impossible – bring a cosmopolitan clubbing experience to Macau.

Which two big name d.j.s do they have coming next? (more…)

Cut and Paste, the digital design competition held in major cities around the world is back in Hong Kong for its second year. This time it will be held in the Exhibition Center in Wanchai. Last year the turnout was very strong. (Check out photos from Cut and Paste 2008 here!)

The 2009 edition of the design battle includes 2D, 3D, and motion graphics categories. With a more centralized location, the turnout should be even bigger this year.

Tickets for the event go for $100 HKD and are available at HKTicketing.com, or $120 HKD at the door. Various discounts are available for students and groups.

H.K. Ticketing outlets include the Fringe Club, Tom Lee Music stores, the Convention Centre and the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts.

Cut & Paste Hong Kong
Digital Design Tournament
Friday, May 15th, 2009
Doors open at 7pm
Hong Kong Exhibition Centre (not the Convention Centre!)
China Resources Building
26 Harbour Road, Wanchai

I was walking through the Admiralty MTR station last Sunday when I noticed a large vending machine against one of the posts. Positioned in a rainbow formation beneath the glass was a colorful array of umbrellas.

Vending machines are normally associated with items such as drinks and snacks, but other, more novel uses do exist. Hong Kong Hustle previously covered the use of vending machines to sell cosmetics. We concluded that that combination of product and sales method perhaps wasn’t a great match. How about umbrellas? (more…)

There are few places in Hong Kong as remote or as beautiful as Tai Long Wan beach in Sai Kung. How remote are we talking? Depending on which phone company you have, your mobile phone might start roaming to China! (more…)

What? Alive Not Dead is just two years old? No single entity has had as great an impact on Hong Kong’s art and entertainment landscape over the last two years. It’s almost hard to imagine the scene now without them. (more…)

It’s hard not to be impressed with Beijing. Every time I visit I’m struck by something new. Usually it has to do with the grand scale of the city.

Imagine nearly any place in Hong Kong and there’s an equivalent in Beijing but super-sized! Markets, shopping malls, computer centers, everything we know and love, they have them too, but built on an almost mind-boggling scale. (more…)