Wed Sep 6

The Fall Is Here And So Is The Exciting 11th Edition Of The Asia Contemporary Art Show

Written by Reporters

HONG KONG, CHINA - Media OutReach - September 6, 2017 - The Fall in Hong Kong sees the return of the largest contemporary art fair in the second half of the year, the exciting 11^th edition the Asia Contemporary Art Show! Held at the luxurious Conrad Hong Kong, the Show opens on September 21^st and runs until the 24^th. Recognized as the longest running and most successful hotel art fair in Asia, the Show will host over 80 galleries from across Asia and the world, and welcome over 50 artists who will be present at the Show.

"Expectation" by Fumiko Toda, A Gallery, Hong Kong, Room 4303 (detail)

The Show also welcomes new Lead Partner UnionPay International (UPI) who will be launching their very exclusive Diamond Prestige Card, offering members a wealth of benefits including access to the UnionPay sponsored champagne Private View and the UnionPay VIP Collectors Preview held on Thursday, September 21^st. Privileged clients, select guests as well as local and international collectors, will sip champagne and chat with galleries and artists while browsing and buying art from around the world.

General admission opens on Friday, September 22^nd with fun HK Liquor Store Art Night, featuring a special Japanese-inspired sake cocktail as well as an exclusive sake tasting, and continues with regular show hours over the weekend.

The Asia Contemporary Art Show offers guests an exceptional art viewing experience including a new sector, Intersections: Japan, andthe largest congregation of artists at a Hong Kong art fair with Artist Dialogues. Over 2,500 works will be on exhibit including original paintings, fine art and contemporary photography, intriguing sculpture and limited edition prints.

"We've got a really great line-up for visitors this fall," remarked Show Director Mark Saunderson. "Among the outstanding selection of galleries and artists will be works from Hong Kong's own Fotan Artist Community, as well as unique paintings in the genre of "Outsider" Art with local gallery i-d Art. Latin America is also well represented with artists from Chile, Venezuela, Peru, and Cuba, including the acclaimed photographic works of Ernesto Fernandez Zalacain who will fly in from Havana for the Show."

"The aim of the Show has always been to encourage art discovery and interaction with a diverse range of galleries and artists from around the world, so it is no surprise that we welcome new and returning collectors and art enthusiasts to each edition, ready to add artworks to their growing collections - we look forward to seeing you all there!"

A Spotlight on Japanese Art with Intersections: Japan

Focusing on the crossing of artistic ideas between the past and present, the traditional and modern as well as East and West, Intersections will highlight examples of artistic practices that use concepts, techniques, and materials that are drawn from the past and re-envisioned to reflect the present. Viewers will see works by artists from across Japan including sculptures in a variety of mediums, works in woven bamboo or lacquer and a range of contemporary paintings, many with an extensive auction record.

The Show is also part of the "Japan Autumn Festival in Hong Kong -- Rediscovering Nippon 2017", organised by the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong. This celebration of Japanese arts, culture and products will run from early fall to the end of November and will include a range of exciting events.

Takahide Komatsu -- Miyazaki, Japan

Fabrik Gallery -- Room 4323

Takahide Komatsu (b. 1979) uses his own acute observations of nature, along with traditional Japanese Rinpa-inspired background patterns of shimmering gold and silver leaf, to depict native plant and animal species in bold, vibrant colours. Using nature as a motif, the artist seeks to articulate his views on environmental destruction and the migration of foreign species into the Japan's natural ecosystems.

"Stream and Suction of Water" by Takahide Komatsu, Fabrik Gallery, Hong Kong, Room 4323

Kenji Toki -- Kyoto, Japan

Wamono Art -- Room 4305

Master lacquer artist, Kenji Toki (b. 1969) explores modern expressions of an ancient art form. In addition to using traditional lacquer (urushi) techniques, the artist experiments with carbon fibre as well as computer-aided design and photography, linking old and new concepts beyond time and space and bringing together modern digital technology and time-honoured craftsmanship. Toki's work is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

"Red Pool - Shippomon Vessel in Urushi and Hemp" by Kenji Toki, Wamono Art, Japan, Room 4305

Top Picks at the 11^th Asia Contemporary Art Show

Ernesto Javier Fernandez Zalacain, Cuba

Artium Miami Art Gallery -- Room 4025

Ernesto JavierFernandez Zalacain (b.1963) seeks to examine life experiences in today's Cuba. His work revolves around the idea that all reality is entirely subjective, that an experience changes as soon as it is interpreted or told to another. In his series, In Dior We Trust, Zalacain critiques the entertainment industry for its recent interest in Cuba as an exotic and glamorous locale for its films and fashion shows while the social and economic situation for ordinary Cubans remains so dire.

""Chance II" from the series" In Dior We Trust" by Ernesto Javier Fernandez Zalacain, Artium Miami Art Gallery, USA, Room 4025

Miju, South Korea

SIA -- Room 4204

Artist Miju (b. 1983) visualises the smallest inhabitants of the largest worlds, where an entire ecosystem can exist within a square inch. Her work reflects the moment between dream and reality, ancient and contemporary, and the ephemeral and eternal. Miniature elements in the paintings, done in acrylic on panel, are completed in layers, with some sections painted on top of shaped paper cut-outs that create a stepped relief on the surface of the canvas.

"Mother" by Miju, SIA, U.S.A., Room 4204

Alan Lai, Hong Kong

ARTHOME.HK (Fotan Arts Community)

Artist Dialogues -- Room 4119

Former art lecturer Alan Lai has studied studio pottery with famous potters in Hong Kong, Japan, and England. As the founder of ARTHOME.HK, a studio in the Fotan Arts Community, Lai aims to carry on the pottery tradition, helping young artists and art lovers develop their skills and interest in art. The artist explores new ways to present the inner space of pottery using rich colour designs, demonstrating the forceful and dynamic relationship between potter and clay.

"Shark Family" by Alan Lai, ARTHOME.HK, Hong Kong, Room 4119

Shazia Imran, Pakistan/Australia

Macey & Sons -- Rooms 4026 & 4226

Shazia Imran is an artist and sculptor known for her expressive mixed media pieces. She draws inspiration from her travels, exploring the infinite expressiveness of her subjects through various mediums. Her multi-layered paintings explore the connections between landscape, memory and the subconscious through texture and the interplay of light and dark. Imran was an award winner at the London Art Biennale in 2017 and the mixed media winner of the Lorenzo Il Magnifico Award at the Florence Biennale in 2015.

"Divine Bliss" by Shazia Imran, Macey & Sons, Hong Kong, Rooms 4026 & 4226

David Elliott, Canada

Kubrick Artpick -- Room 4306

Former model and actor David Elliott (b. 1972) had traversed the globe on photo shoots before deciding to settle in Asia and shift his focus to being behind the lens rather than in front of it. His attentive contemplation of each subject gives rise to images that are both imaginative and provocative. Through extensive urban exploration Elliott strives to discover the unique characteristics of his destinations and their inhabitants, preserving their imagery within a modern edged framework.

"Queen's Road West, Sheung Wan" by David Elliott, Kubrick Artpick, Hong Kong, Room 4306

An opportunity to browse works online

Even before the Show opens, visitors can preview the more than 2,500 artworks to be presented at the Show on popular arts website Asia Contemporary Art Buyer (www.asiacontemporaryart.com). This is a perfect opportunity to plan a visit and be first in line to buy favourite pieces. Experiencing and enjoying art has never been easier!

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

Langton's East Asia

Langton's East Asia - Charles de Fère

Hospitality partner Langton's East Asia will be pouring their exclusive Charles de Fère, Réserve Blanc de Blancs Brut, NV at the exclusive UnionPay Private View and UnionPay VIP Collector's Preview on Thursday, September 21^st. With its brilliant gold hue and white fruit aromas, the Réserve Blanc de Blancs Brut is bottle-aged for 12 months using the méthode traditionnelle, resulting in an elegant wine with a long-lasting palate that exquisitely balances freshness and fruit.

Langton's East Asia will also be on hand to let you experience Australian terroir and discover the diversity of six key Australian wine regions with exclusive guided tastings throughout the evening. Some of Australia's finest producers will feature, with a few of the next generation also showcased.

HK Liquor Store

HK Liquor Store - Four Fox Ultra Premium Sake

HK Liquor Store Art Night on Friday evening September 22nd will be celebrating the spirit Japanese art and culture along with Intersections: Japan, a special sector series that focuses on the artistic intersections between past and present and East and West in contemporary Japanese art. HK Liquor Store will be serving the delectable "Shoga Daddy" -- a specially created Japanese sake cocktail for the Asia Contemporary Art Show, made with Four Fox Ultra Premium Sake. Guests at the Show will also be able to take part in an exclusive sake tasting on the 42nd floor featuring a range of exquisite Four Fox Premium sakes.

With over 1,800 products featured on its website and over 500 products in its showroom, HK Liquor Store aims to bring the widest variety and best value spirits to consumer's hands.

UnionPay International

UnionPay International (UPI) is a subsidiary of China UnionPay focused on the growth and support of UnionPay's global business. In partnership with more than 1,500 institutions worldwide, UnionPay International has enabled card acceptance in 162 countries and regions with issuance in 42 countries and regions. UnionPay International provides high quality, cost-effective and secure cross-border payment services to the world's largest cardholder base and ensures convenient local services to a growing number of global UnionPay cardholders and merchants.

Macey & Sons -- Art, Antiques and Luxury Collectibles

As a long-standing pioneer in art brokerage and auctioneering, Macey & Sons advise clients on starting and expanding their art collection, enabling them to make steady returns on investments through art. With a rich and varied portfolio sourced from around the globe, from blue chip Chinese contemporary artists to traditional ink, iconic legends to rare collectibles, Macey & Sons specialise in sourcing and trading art in both the primary as well as the secondary market. Macey & Sons help clients invest in alternative assets with high appreciation potential and advise in resale options and various exit strategies.

To expand their global reach and give more investment opportunities to clients in Asia, a strategic alliance with Lyon & Turnbull, one of the oldest auction houses in the UK, was formed. This East-to-West arm enables access to a larger network and consignment items for their clients Internationally. (www.maceyandsons.com)

The Asia Contemporary Art Show would like to acknowledge and thank arts patrons UnionPay International, Macey & Sons, Langton's East Asia, HK Liquor Store, FIJI Water, Venture Studios and Van Cleef & Arpels; as well as hospitality partners Four Fox Sake, Samuel Adams, Leaf Tea Boutique and Tranquini for their support.

THE FOUNDERS OF THE ASIA CONTEMPORARY ART SHOW

The Founders and Directors of the Asia Contemporary Art Show are three art enthusiasts with more than 25 years' experience in the region, Mark Saunderson, Douwe Cramer and Sarah Benecke. Viewed as pioneers in the art space, they consider the interest of artists, galleries and buyers are best served by providing vibrant fairs and online content which stimulate discovery, exploration, and conversations about art. The Asia Contemporary Art Show is Hong Kong's only art fair that takes place twice a year.

Asia Contemporary Art Buyer

The Founders of the Asia Contemporary Art Show also produce Asia's leading art website, Asia Contemporary Art Buyer (www.asiacontemporaryart.com). The site features over 14,000 artworks from 2,000 artists. Asia Contemporary Art Buyer extends the value of the Asia Contemporary Art Show for both buyers and sellers of art, from an exciting four-day Show with face-to-face engagement with artists and galleries, to 365 days a year and 24/7 online for personal browsing and buying.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Asia Contemporary Art Show, 11th Edition

Conrad Hong Kong, 40 -- 43 floors

September 21 -- 24, 2017

Opening Hours:

Thursday, September 21

UnionPay Private View (Invitation only) | 3pm -- 5pm

UnionPay VIP Collectors Preview (Invitation only) | 5pm -- 9:30pm

General Admission:

Friday, September 22 | 1:30pm -- 5:30pm

HK LIQUOR STORE ART NIGHT | 5:30pm -- 9:30pm

Saturday, September 23 | 1:30pm -- 9:30pm