Hong Kong – Speech by CS at Opening Ceremony of “Art@Harbour 2024” (English only) (with photos/video)

Speech by CS at Opening Ceremony of “Art@Harbour 2024” (English only) (with photos/video)

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     Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Opening Ceremony of “Art@Harbour 2024” today (March 24):

Kenneth (Member of the Legislative Council, Mr Kenneth Fok), Nikki (Non-Executive Director of the Sino Group, Ms Nikki Ng), Richard (Executive Vice President of the K11 Group, Mr Richard Cheung), Amanda (Managing Director of the First Initiative Foundation, Ms Amanda Cheung), Douglas (Chairman of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Douglas So), Mr Inoko (Founder of teamLab, Mr Toshiyuki Inoko), artists, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. A warm welcome to you for joining this grand opening of “Art@Harbour 2024”. I am especially pleased to welcome you all here at Tamar Park, with Victoria Harbour as our signature backdrop.

     “Art@Harbour” was first launched in 2022 as an innovative integration of art, science and technology. That creative happening was so well received by many – not just here in Hong Kong, but also all over the world – that we have brought it back.

     This year’s collaborations include more partners as well as international artists.

     Like the first “Art@Harbour”, this year’s edition features many playful creations on both sides of Victoria Harbour. They include the “teamLab: Continuous” exhibition, which consists of two large-scale, art-and-sound installations – one featuring hundreds of brilliant egg lights, the other lighting up the park trees.

     Together, they transform Tamar Park into a colourful festival of lights. For that, we thank international art collective teamLab, as well as our own Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

     And, still on Hong Kong side, there is a lighting exhibition named “Science in Art”, featuring two interactive art installations by Hong Kong’s own LAAB Architects and artist Dylan Kwok.

     Across the harbour, on Kowloon side, we have an “out-of-this-world” totem sculpture by artist Alicja Kwade. Many thanks to K11 Group and Pace Gallery for bringing the universe to Hong Kong in a work of art that integrates space, time and science.

     The Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront also features “Chromaflux”, a digital art exhibition presented by artists from Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, France and Germany. That international collaboration was made possible by Sino Group and HKWALLS, a Hong Kong arts organisation.

     And then there is “Voyage with Van Gogh”, inspired by the legendary artist and Hong Kong’s own Victoria Harbour. The LED art installation, alongside the historic Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower, was realised by Spain’s VISURA Studio and artist Vritis. It is also paired with music composed by Leon Ko and performed by pianist Niu Niu and violinist Wang Liang.

     For that multi-sensory experience, we thank the First Initiative Foundation, in co-operation with the Van Gogh Heritage Foundation, as well as our own Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.

     Taking this opportunity, I would also like to thank our various bureaux and departments, as well as the Hong Kong Tourism Board, for making this year’s “Art@Harbour” such a creative celebration of art, tourism and life.

     “Art@Harbour”, let me add, is just one of the many high-profile events that make up Hong Kong’s Art March series.

     The “Wu Guanzhong Art Sponsorship: Exhibition Series” opened last week. The three-day Hong Kong International Cultural Summit continues through tomorrow. Art Basel Hong Kong and Art Central open in just a few days, and the 48th Hong Kong International Film Festival starts screening this coming Thursday.

     All these, and many other art and cultural events, make a compelling case for Hong Kong’s fast-rising role as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

     Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong believes in the power of art and culture to unite, to inspire, and to create a community – and an economy – that reward us all.

     I look forward to working with you in creating a mega-event economy – in making Hong Kong a more dynamic and livable city.

     I wish you all a memorable evening, and a year filled with art and innovation. Thank you very much.

Hong Kong – Opening remarks by CS at UNHRC Universal Periodic Review Working Group meeting

Opening remarks by CS at UNHRC Universal Periodic Review Working Group meeting (with photo)

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     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, attended the meeting of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, today (January 23, Geneva time). The Working Group examined China’s fourth report, which includes a part concerning the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), submitted under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the UNHRC.
      
     Mr Chan, as Deputy Head of China’s delegation, attended the meeting together with officials of the HKSAR Government as members of China’s delegation. Following are the opening remarks made by Mr Chan on the human rights situation of the HKSAR at the meeting:
 
Mr President,
 
     Since the establishment of the HKSAR in 1997, the principle of “one country, two systems” has been the cornerstone of our long-term prosperity and stability. This successful national policy ensures that our unique strengths are maintained, while serving the fundamental interests of our country.
      
     With the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and an improved electoral system, the days of social disturbance and fear are now over. Stability as well as law and order has been restored, and our city is back on track. Our people can continue to enjoy the legitimate rights and freedoms guaranteed by our country’s Constitution, the Basic Law, as well as the relevant provisions of international covenants that apply to Hong Kong.
      
     The rule of law is a cornerstone and core value of Hong Kong’s success. Our common law system and independent exercise of judicial power are protected by the Basic Law. Our judiciary is well regarded internationally. Being a market-oriented, open and international economy underpinned by the rule of law, Hong Kong has exactly what it takes to be a successful global city.
      
     At the same time, we are dedicated to making our city a better place for everyone. Through targeted policies in various areas such as housing, child and youth development, healthcare, and economic development, we strive to foster a cohesive and caring community underpinned by a vibrant economy.
      
     Mr President, with the unwavering support from our country and the unique “one country, two systems” formula, Hong Kong will continue to prosper as the city where the global advantage and the China advantage converge. Thank you. 

Hong Kong – Change of opening hours of HKMoA, HKScM and HKSpM at weekends and on public holidays

Change of opening hours of HKMoA, HKScM and HKSpM at weekends and on public holidays

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     From January 2, 2024, onwards, the opening hours of the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA), the Hong Kong Science Museum (HKScM) and the Hong Kong Space Museum (HKSpM) at weekends and on public holidays will be changed to 10am to 9pm, except for special designated days (see Note).
          
     The museums are offering fabulous special exhibitions including “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Titian and the Venetian Renaissance from the Uffizi” of the HKMoA, “China Manned Space Exhibition” of the HKScM and “Black Hole: the Information Barrier” of the HKSpM. Members of the public are welcome to visit the exhibitions.
          
     “China Manned Space Exhibition” will be staged at the HKScM and the Hong Kong Museum of History (HKMH) from December 1 to February 18, 2024. The opening hours of the HKMH will be specially adjusted during the exhibition period to align with those of the HKScM.
           
Note: open until 5pm on February 9, 2024 (Lunar New Year’s Eve); closed on February 10 and 11, 2024 (the first two days of the Lunar New Year); open until 9pm on February 12 and 13, 2024 (the third and fourth day of the Lunar New Year).

Exhibition Opening: Quiet Luxury

 January 20 – February 16, 2024
Opening: Saturday, January 20, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

A celebration of art that pushes the boundaries of traditional mediums, Quiet Luxury invites art enthusiasts, collectors, and the public to experience these exceptional artworks that embody the spirit of quiet, yet profound, luxury. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in a world where figurative surrealism and sculpture collide to create a truly unique artistic experience.

Eddy Lee’s figurative surrealist portrait paintings on exposed wood depict emotive sirens who evoke a sense of mystery and seductiveness. The artist’s work is inspired by the works of Audrey Kawasaki, lifestyle illustrators of the 60s such as Robert McGinnis and Bob Peak, and anime. Lee’s colorful, intriguing women are painted with acrylic and gouache on hand-built cradled wood panels.

Originally from Seattle, Washington, Eddy Lee relocated to Los Angeles in late 2012 to pursue a full-time career as a fine artist. He started his career on the Venice Beach Boardwalk and quickly gained a large following across the United States with exhibitions in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.

Nando Kallweit is a renowned German sculptor who specializes in creating unique sculptures using bronze and oak. His passion for sculpting began at a young age when he was inspired by a bust of Nefertiti that he saw in the Egyptian Museum of Berlin. With the fall of the Berlin Wall, Kallweit was able to travel to Egypt and see his inspiration in person, which fueled his passion for sculpting even more.

Kallweit works with bronze and oak using the “lost wax process,” allowing the artist to create intricate and finely detailed sculptures. The strength of ancient Egyptian sculptures, the dynamic forms of the modern Cubist movement, and an observation of contemporary life are all inspirations for aspects of his aquiline figures. Combined with a considerate approach, Kallweit renders archaic materials, such as blackened oak and bronze, with a palpable sensitivity. Kallweit’s work has been exhibited and collected across Europe and the United States.

Mark Acetelli traces his interest in creative practice to his mother’s passion for painting and has explored many forms of creative expression including music, painting, photography, and poetry. The artist’s work is inspired by the intensely personal, introspective journey of life, and he seeks to evoke a feeling rather than a defined image. He describes the context of his work as “simple expressions of complex thoughts, created by capturing the physical mixed with the spiritual.” Acetelli additionally refers to his work as “Absence and Presence” believing that something or someone can be gone, while a presence remains.

Reminiscent of Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti’s figures, Acetelli’s figures take on a translucent architecture within the minimal dimensionality of the surface of the canvas allowing the viewer to imagine each subject’s movement, motion, and intention. As such, this renders the artist’s works distinctly perfect embodiments of the principles of Existentialism and its lived encounters — encompassing our existential angst, anxiety, and all things absurd.

Since the opening of Artplex Gallery in 2018, the gallery continues to be one of the world’s leading art galleries specializing in high-quality, original contemporary art representing a broad spectrum of major international artists. Right at home in West Hollywood and within immediate proximity to its sister gallery Artspace Warehouse, Artplex Gallery is an expansive modern space that specializes in international urban, pop, graffiti, figurative, and abstract art catering to the visual impact.

Artplex Gallery
Claudia Deutsch
323-452-9628
www.artplexgallery.com/en/

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Hong Kong – Opening ceremony of Ethics College held today (with photos)

Opening ceremony of Ethics College held today (with photos)

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     ​The Correctional Services Department (CSD) held the opening ceremony of the Ethics College at Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution today (November 30), implementing the policy measure concerned announced by the Chief Executive in the 2023 Policy Address to further assist persons in custody (PICs) in their rehabilitation and being well equipped for their reintegration into society.
      
     The Ethics College, set up at Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution and Lo Wu Correctional Institution, provides a one-year full-time Diploma of Applied Education programme for voluntary enrolment by adult PICs, which is taught by tutors from the Hong Kong Metropolitan University Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education. The CSD will also arrange life-wide learning activities related to career development, sports and arts, and national education for the PIC students, helping them cultivate positive values and obtain accredited qualifications for preparation for their reintegration into society.
      
     Addressing the opening ceremony, the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, said that the establishment of the Ethics College is a very meaningful policy measure. It provides adult PICs with more diversified learning opportunities to help them obtain local accredited qualifications, develop good characters and equip themselves for reintegrating into society, changing their lives through education.
      
     He expressed the hope that the PIC students will cherish the learning opportunity and successfully complete the programme which will offer them more opportunities for personal development, whether for further education or employment after release, making contribution to the development of the country and Hong Kong.
      
     Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) Mr Bernard Chan said in the ceremony that through donation to the Ethics College, the HKJC hopes to assist those PICs who aspire to further their education in equipping themselves, so that they can better reintegrate into society and contribute to Hong Kong in future. This is in line with the HKJC’s commitment to building a better society.
      
     The Council Chairman of the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), Dr Conrad Wong, said that the HKMU fully recognised the CSD’s objectives in the work of rehabilitation, and has been providing different types and levels of education programmes for PICs. The HKMU offers the Diploma of Applied Education programme in the Ethics College not only to equip students with different skills and help them develop a good character and attitude, but also help them achieve whole-person development and acquire the necessary skills to contribute to society in future through participating in all-round learning activities outside classroom.
      
     The Ethics College has started the new school year at the end of October with a total of 75 students in the first batch. Among them, 60 male PICs are receiving education at Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution while the remaining 15 female PICs are attending classes remotely via video conferencing at Lo Wu Correctional Institution. They are expected to complete their studies and take examinations in June 2024.
      
     The motto of the College is “Seek Knowledge, Cultivate Virtue”. The CSD hopes that the PICs, through the acquisition of knowledge, will have their moral and cultural literacy enhanced. The College has also set up a flag-raising team composed of PIC students to conduct flag-raising ceremonies on designated days to enhance the national identity of the PICs.