Artist Sonya Fu is back at Above Second gallery for her sophomore solo exhibition titled “Obfuscating Stupidity.” Opening on Friday, January 20th, the artist’s paintings have a soft, dream-like quality to them that’s rare for digital art.

Sonya Fu’s work has been showcased previously at Above Second in a solo show titled “Skin Deep”

In addition to participating in group shows, Sonya’s work was highlighted in last year’s creative conference, Semi Permanent.

Special note: why not make Friday a night in Sai Ying Pun by heading first to Sonya Fu’s opening, and then on to nearby XXX gallery to hear music producer TEEBS!

Sonya Fu – Obfuscating Stupidity
Opening, Friday, January 20th, from 6pm to 10pm
Above Second Gallery
31 Eastern Street
Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

Runs until February 25th

Local gallery Above Second has teamed up with international art website Arrested Motion, to bring Hong Kong a major new show of contemporary artists. The exhibition, titled East West Connect, includes a mixture of talents, ranging from the widely known (such as Shepard Fairey,) to the more obscure. A quick preview of the artwork reveals an exciting group, many of whom are exhibiting in Hong Kong for the first time.

All of the artists have ties to Asia, either from family roots or by subject matter. The show looks to appeal especially to fans of contemporary illustration and urban art.

A past work by artist Stella Im Hultberg, who will be participating in the show:

Recommended!

East West Connect (Above Second X Arrested Motion exhibition)
Opening, Friday, November 25th, 2011, from 6pm to 10pm
Above Second Gallery
31 Eastern Street (between 2nd and 3rd Street)
Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

Most well known for his comic-style paintings made from patterned dots*, artist Roy Lichtenstein also used his distinct techniques to create a series of work based on traditional Chinese landscapes.

Due to the strong optical effect of the dots, the art is much more powerful in person than can be captured in photos.

Lichtenstein’s re-imagining of Chinese landscapes via a series of patterns is fascinating, as are his sculptures that translate details from classic paintings into metal.

Hong Kong’s Gagosian Gallery unveiled Roy Lichtenstein’s “Landscapes in the Chinese Style” on Saturday, November 12th. The exhibition runs until December 22nd, 2011.

As Lichtenstein’s Chinese landscapes aren’t his most well known works, this a special opportunity to get up close and examine rare works from one of the kings of Pop Art.

Worth a visit!

Roy Lichtenstein – Landscapes in the Chinese Style
Gagosian Gallery
7/F, Pedder Building
12 Pedder Street
Central, Hong Kong

* People sometimes describe Lichtenstein’s signature painting style as originating from comic books, when actually it seems like it’s derived more from ‘the funnies’, or the comics section that used to appear as an insert in American Sunday newspapers. The patterned dots are similar to newspaper printing, and the vibrant colors were once a novelty in the black and white only newspapers of the time.

In less than one year, the Gagosian Gallery has hosted several of the biggest names in contemporary art including Damien Hirst and Richard Prince. Their latest exhibition however, featuring Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi, is their best show to date.

Perhaps due to the difficulty in assembling pieces from private collections, previous exhibits have contained filler work that rendered the shows somewhat inconsistent and less powerful. This is not the case with the new Zeng Fanzhi exhibition.

In part due to the number of seminal works provided from the artist’s personal collection, the show comes across as more focused and superior.

The exhibition establishes a winning rhythm by featuring a number of works of equal scale and quality. Though concentrating mostly on portraits, the exhibit spans different periods of the artist’s work, providing insight into Zeng Fanzhi’s career.

One fascinating background detail is that Zeng Fanzhi suffered an injury that forced him to learn to paint with his left hand, influencing his technique.

The artist’s recent portraits (several of which are exhibited here,) are particularly absorbing due to the subtle way he abstracts the subjects. To deflect any nostalgia he plays with proportion and adds faint blurs and color anomalies.

Using disproportionate forms, and adding slightly smudged fragments of color to the portrait, he keeps them unconventional, yet still captures the subject honestly. The result is a portrait that packs a punch, but never strays into the conventional, sentimental territory of realism.

Highly recommended!

Zeng Fanzhi
Gagosian Gallery
7/F, Pedder Building (above Shanghai Tang)
12 Pedder Street
Central, Hong Kong
Until November 5th, 2011

What do the bassist from LMF and a prominent street artist have in common? Both Start From Zero and Prodip have been influential figures in Hong Kong’s underground scene for over a decade, and both have art exhibits opening Friday, June 3rd!

As the number of cultural offerings continues to increase in Hong Kong, occasionally two events fall on the exact same night. Fortunately for us, the two art exhibits are located nearby!

Start From Zero

Start From Zero comes across more like a movement rather than an individual artist. Building a presence around town for years, by stenciling, wheat-pasting, and inserting street art into relevant events such as concerts, Start From Zero has helped build a street art community and expand the scene.

Dom, the man behind Start From Zero, is both a Hong Kong street art pioneer and evangelist. In addition to opening his own underground art space, the Rat’s Cave, Start From Zero has taken over the Above Second gallery and transformed the space for the Uprising show.

Expect an exciting, multi-textured installation.

Start From Zero – Uprising!
Friday, June 3rd, 2011
Opening: 6pm – 10pm
Above Second gallery
31 Eastern Street
Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

Prodip – A Tribe of Many Colours

Known to most as the bassist from Hong Kong indie Rock-Rap band L.M.F., Prodip is also an accomplished graphic designer. Getting his start designing fliers for underground music events, he went on to create work for popular local and international streetwear brands.

On Friday, June 3rd, Prodip debuts his first exhibition of paintings to the public. The subject matter includes alien abductions, UFOs, and other extraterrestrial phenomenon. The venue is the same location as Simon Birch’s Laughing With A Mouth Full of Blood, and the exhibitions will run concurrently until June 19th.

Prodip – A Tribe Of Many Colours
Friday, June 3rd, 2011
Opening: 7:30 to 10pm
Museum of Medical Sciences
2 Caine Lane
Sheung Wan / Mid Levels, Hong Kong

Just as we hypothesized, the Gagosian gallery is living up to its reputation, bringing interesting, relevant contemporary art to Hong Kong on a consistent basis. With ARTHK 11 taking place this week, there’s a flurry of openings around town. Of the many exhibitions to choose from, the Richard Prince show, titled Nurse’s Tricks, should be on your itinerary.

Those of you fortunate enough to have attended the Louis Vuitton art exhibition in 2009, were able to see a few pieces of Richard Prince’s work. Now he’s back with a full show at the Gagosian Gallery that includes a broader range of pieces.

Recommended!

Richard Prince – Nurse’s Tricks
open to the public from Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
Gagosian Gallery
7/F, Pedder Building
12 Pedder Street
Central, Hong Kong

Hong Kong has few artists who can make a dent on the international art scene, and Simon Birch is one of them! With a busy 2010 that had him producing the ambitious Hope & Glory exhibition, followed by a group show in Japan, Simon’s back, opening a new exhibit on May 20th, titled “Laughing With A Mouth Full Of Blood.”

Simon has a strong knack for showmanship, and his exhibitions frequently include inventive surprises. From skateboard ramps and Siamese fighting fish, to live costumed monsters, there’s always something new at play.

The show is being held inside the (slightly creepy,) Museum of Medical Sciences, a rare old brick building tucked away in the Mid Levels / Sheung Wan area, just below the western end of Caine Road.

For a sneak preview of several works from the show, check out the Facebook gallery here.

Highly recommended!

Simon Birch – Laughing With A Mouth Full Of Blood
Opens May 20th, 2011
Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences
2 Caine Lane
Mid Levels, Hong Kong

(Take a taxi to the western end of Caine Road, and walk down the staircase to the museum.)

One of the standouts of the recent 20/20 exhibition at the Above Second Gallery was a work by Hong Kong artist Sonya Fu. Titled, ‘Unfathomable 2020 Dreams’, it had a kind of sfumato quality to it that stood out from the other works in the show.

Using a digital painting technique, Sonya’s piece was able to simultaneously possess the warmth and earthiness of traditional painting, with the precision of digital art.

On Friday, February 18th, there will be a chance to discover more of Sonya’s work at the opening of her solo show “Skin Deep,” at the Above Second Gallery.

The opening takes place from 6pm to 10pm.

Sonya Fu – Skin Deep
Friday, February 18th, 2010
Above Second Gallery
G/F, 31 Eastern St,
Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

When it comes to stimulating an interest in art, there’s no doubt that Hong Kong has made strides over the past decade. As evidence, one can simply point to the success of the art walk, the annual art fair, local malls’ obsession with art installations, or the notable art auctions taking place in the city.

Whether the new-found interest in art is derived more from a financial motive (say, art as an investment vehicle,) rather than an actual rise in connoiseurship, is irrelevant. The end result is that Hong Kong has been left with greater exposure to art and multiple venues to view work both in the public and private sector.

Yet perhaps nothing that has happened previously is as significant as next week’s opening of the Gagosian gallery in Hong Kong.

Though the city already has its own gallery ecosystem, it has lacked first-hand, timely access to shows that define contemporary art. While there have been exhibitions that have brought the city a taste, there hasn’t been a permanent venue that is plugged into the international high-art circuit – until now.

The Gagosian gallery is on an entirely different level than other galleries in the city. Founded in New York in 1985, the gallery now has branches in London, Rome, Paris, Geneva, Athens, Los Angeles, and as of next week, Hong Kong.

Larry Gagosian, the gallery’s namesake, is renowned for his exceptional exhibitions, his prowess as a dealmaker, and for assembling the most significant stable of living artists in the art world.

The fact that Hong Kong will now have access to shows from this caliber of artist (perhaps revolving between the Gagosian chain of galleries,) is a major milestone, and may be a catalyst for greater things to come.

(Remember, Hong Kong was once a backwater for top international d.j.s, but within eight years, and due in part to the opening of nightlife venues such as Dragon-i and Volar, the city has transformed into a popular spot on the international circuit. A few places with good taste can make a big difference.)

Damien Hirst: Forgotten Promises

The Gagosian gallery is opening with Forgotten Promises, a solo show by noted contemporary artist Damien Hirst. Hirst is known for works with major spectacle value including sharks preserved in formaldehyde and diamond encrusted skulls. One of the headlining pieces is a baby’s skull formed by platinum and over 8,000 diamonds. (photo at top.)

The Gagosian gallery is located on the seventh floor of the Pedder Building in Central. The entrance is on Pedder Street, directly across from The Landmark shopping center. (Shanghai Tang occupies the ground floor and basement of the Pedder building.)

Damien Hirst – Forgotten Promises opens on January 18th, 2011.

Check back for Hong Kong Hustle’s review of the show!

Highly recommended!

Damien Hirst – Forgotten Promises
Gagosian Gallery Hong Kong
7th floor, Pedder Building
12 Pedder Street
Central, Hong Kong

Runs from January 18th, 2011 to March 19th, 2011

While the masses flock to Times Square, IFC and Elements searching for gifts, why not beat the crowds and help keep Hong Kong’s indie spirit alive?

Kapok, a small shop that started in Tin Hau (and now has two stores in the Star Street neighborhood,) has been helping to promote Hong Kong’s indie scene for years.

In addition to their wide assortment of little luxuries, Kapok also holds frequent exhibitions showcasing interesting work from around the region. This month, local artist Fion Ko is highlighted in a show called “A Beautiful Mess.”

Kapok has gifts for a variety of budgets, and it’s a good spot to find special things for picky people. Their shelves are lined with collaboration projects, including interesting clothing and accessories that you can’t find any where else in town.

Have a look at their blog, or swing by their two shops to browse. (The two stores are right around the corner from each other, in a slightly hidden area of Star Street.)

Help support Hong Kong’s independent shops and artists!

“A Beautiful Mess” The adventures of La Petite Mu Mu and Fion Ko
Kapok
G/F, 3 Sun Street
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
The exhibition is on until January 8th, 2011

Also check out the Kapok store at: G/F, 5 St. Francis Yard (near Star Street)
Open extended hours from 10am to 9pm, (and until 6pm on Christmas Eve.)