Since Hong Kong’s first case of COVID-19 in January 2020, the city has implemented stringent social distancing regulations and notoriously long quarantine periods for inbound travelers to contain the virus, following a “Zero-COVID” policy. Now, two years later, the Hong Kong government has announced the strictest measures yet, to combat the concerning resurgence of the virus. Restrictions include a ban on dining out after 6 PM, a limit of two people for public gatherings, closure of various leisure venues, in conjunction with the prolonging of work from home (WFH), and online school. The sentiment towards such restrictions is not entirely positive, many describing it as suffocating.
For readers in need of a less costly change of scenery (no entrance fee nor quarantine required), here are five exhibitions that are still open to the public during this trying time.
1. Now Showing 2.0, Karin Weber Gallery
Tucked away on Aberdeen Street, the first thing that one will notice upon entering Karin Weber Gallery is the Mahjong Table, which in fact is a piece that is part of the Now Showing 2.0 exhibition. The group exhibition features artworks of three Hong Kong local artists who take inspiration from movies. Visitors, especially those who are fans of Studio Ghibli, will be happy to see works with hints of Studio Ghibli characters.
20 Aberdeen Street, Central
* It is important to note that due to COVID-19, Karin Weber Gallery will only allow two people in the gallery at a time.
2. Ode to the Moon, Korean Cultural Center in Hong Kong
Ode to the Moon is taking place in the Korean Cultural Center located in PMQ, centering around three aspects of nature, Earth (地), Sky (天), and Human (人), dividing the exhibition into three zones accordingly. It exhibits not only paintings by Korean artists but also ceramic and furniture pieces reflective of the themes. The entirety of the exhibition is unique and rich in Korean culture, and for those who miss traveling, it will take you on a little retreat from work to Korea.
6-7F, Block B PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
3. Pervade 滲, Soluna Fine Art
Located in the Tai Ping Shan neighborhood of Sheung Wan, Soluna Fine Art is a gallery with roots in South Korea and specializes in curating exhibits of Asian art. The curators of Soluna Fine Art are also those behind the curation of Ode to the Moon. The gallery is holding an exhibition titled, Pervade 滲, displaying 11 pieces by two first-generation Korean contemporary artists, Ha In-doo and Lee Ung-no, who have paved the way for Korean contemporary art.
G/F, 52 Sai Street, Sheung Wan
4. Grayscale, Simon Lee Gallery
As the name of the exhibition suggests, Grayscale is a collection of works that are in shades of gray. The color palette establishes a mellow mood while instilling a sense of sophistication. The exhibition presents works of 10 contemporary artists, and the different ways in which the color gray has been incorporated and expressed by the artists will be an interesting sight for visitors.
3/F, 304 The Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central
5. …)( of, a clearing, White Cube
Of all the galleries mentioned, White Cube is the biggest in size and scale of its exhibitions. It is currently holding an exhibition by Cerith Wyn Evans titled …)( of, a clearing. Characterized by experimentalism and abstraction, Evan’s works are not limited to a certain style nor material – ranging from films, installations, sculptures, paintings, and sounds. With the bright neon lights radiating and the subtle vibrating sounds playing, visitors will find themselves mesmerized and fully immersed in the exhibition, and if lucky, they will be able to hear the two gongs being played, and such an audial experience will undoubtedly add to the visit.
50 Connaught Road Central, Central