Queen’s Road Central is hotting up with the recent opening of Hong Kong’s Central Market.
As you walk across the street, you are struck with a large banner and a pair of glass doors. And you wonder… What is happening inside?
Well, Unscheduled Art Fair returns with its second edition in the former Topshop flagship store. After a successful first edition held at Tai Kwun last year, the return of the event presents solo exhibitions from 15 Hong Kong Art Gallery Association (HKAGA) gallery members.
The Value talked to Vice President of HKAGA, Willem Molesworth, as well as Hong Kong-based curators, Jing Chin-yin Chong and Clara Wong.
Snipe1's aSELDPORTRAIT (慧, left, 2021) and aSPRAYIT (right, 2021), L+/Lucie Chang Fine Arts Gallery
New architectural features
Unscheduled is a very different experience to Art Basel and Art Central.
“What makes us stand out is our new approach to the art fair format. The layout of Unscheduled is decentralised and this year our build out consists of only minimalist architectural interventions, such as free-standing walls and transparent PVC curtains,” said Molesworth.
Another main difference is that Unscheduled features a lot of solo presentations. The floor plan spans across 20,000 square feet.
“We ask galleries to present work by a single artist and we then ask curators to decide the placement of these presentations. This creates an environment rich for exploration,” added Molesworth.
Free-standing walls and transparent PVC curtains are key architectural features
Hustle and bustle
This year’s theme is called Cityspace: A Labyringth of Serendipity.
“When we heard the ideas of using the old Topshop venue on the high street as well as the architectural design suggested by the architect, the image and impression of Hong Kong cityspace came up to our minds,” said curators, Chong and Wong.
The curators want the Art Fair to become more interactive, deeper than what meets the visitors' eyes.
“The solitude we are given in this time seems to allow us to observe our city with care and attention, weaving a collective urban experience. We are no longer bystanders but interacting and creating anew by these interactions,” added the two curators.
Artworks
Unscheduled Art Fair is divided into two floors of artworks – on the ground floor and first floor.
Cheung Tsz-hin
Local artist, Cheung Tsz-hin's paintings captures scenes from the New Territories. The artworks are very personal, as Cheung combines his past memories with present sceneries. It evokes a sense of peace and harmony.
Cheung's Things On Opposite Rooftop (2019), Contemporary by Angeli Li Gallery
Luis Chan
“Luis Chan is widely known as the pioneer of modern art in Hong Kong. His imaginative paintings of the landscape, cityscape, figures and animals depict the metropolitan life and urban experience in the city,” said Chong and Wong.
Luis Chan's Untitled (Life under a Tri-coloured Flag, 1986), Hanart TZ Gallery
Vhils (Alexandre Farto)
Portuguese urban artist, Vhils, has a unique visual language based on the removal of surface layers of walls and sculptures. The artworks symbolise reflections of identity and the relationship between people and their surrounding environment. His works have also been exhibited on the walls of Nan Fung Textile Group's The Mills in Hong Kong.
Vhils' Scratcing the Suface Project (2015) on the The Mills textile factory building
Gu Benchi
Shanghai-based artist Gu weaves polyester thread into splendid three-dimensional wall hangings, sculptures and site-specific installations. Having a Buddhist background, Gu's artworks resemble the ceilings of ancient Chinese architecture and altar structure in Buddhist paintings.
Gu Benchi's Endless Line No. 27 (2018), 10 Chancery Lane Gallery
Retaining Elements - Fashion Shop
Further to adding clothes to matching the fashion venue, Unscheduled Art Fair also incorporates signages, changing rooms areas and staircases.
Kesang Landark's Shirt Series, Rossi & Rossi Gallery
Eric Baudart
Chong and Wong explained that Baudart reuses different types of objects and materials, such as a cooler and radiator made from aluminium. The artworks are carefully reconstructed to mount shapes, colour and form. They give a new spiritual dimension beyond the material itself.
Baudart's artworks adorn the staircase leading up to the first floor
Baudart's OTS Series, Untitled (2021), Edouard Malingue Gallery
Unscheduled Art Fair retained the changing rooms' signages from the former Topshop store
Unscheduled Art Fair also kept the changing rooms' structures from the former Topshop store
Unscheduled Art Fair is recently one of the key attractions walking by Queen's Road Central
Event Details:
Unscheduled Art Fair
Venue: G/F & 1/F, Asia Standard Tower, 59-65 Queens Road Central
Dates and Times:
Opening Day & Preview Night
Thursday, 2 September; 12pm – 9pm
Public Days
Friday, 3 September – Monday, 6 September; 12pm – 8pm
Ticket Prices:
- HK$80 – Adult
- HK$40 – Concessions (full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 or above and people with disabilities and their minders)
- Free admission – Under 12s