ART | ART HK: New Openings in September 2015

1. Nam June Paik The Late Style

17 Sep – 7 Nov 2015

Gagosian Gallery
7/F, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder St, Central

 Notable as one of the pioneers of video art, Paik’s statement “I am a communication artist” has never been more poignant given today's obsession with social media. With a prolific body of work that engages in electronic media, his multisensory video art testifies to his lifelong exploration of modern technology in culture – an artistic dissemination of moving images that is as relevant to the avant-garde movements of the 1960s as it is to our current generation. An uncompromising passion for new technology created a definitive language for his sculptures, which later included satellite transmissions, robots and lasers.

For those who visited the recent edition of Art Basel, you may have noticed TV Buddha (1974) which, as its name suggests, is based on the idea of an antique Buddha watching TV. Oblivious to its significance at first, I was struck by the poetic quality which presented a camera videotaping the Buddha watching himself – a statement based upon the dichotomies between past and present, old and modern, Oriental and Western. In addition to this career-defining sculpture, the Gagosian Gallery will be featuring his video sculptures, paintings and drawings produced during the last decade of Paik’s life, together with other key pieces from the 1960s through to the 1980s. Another notable highlight includes Bakelite Robot (2002), a nod to an earlier iteration called Robot K-456 (1964) which presents a personified mechanical creation based on the love-hate relationship we share with modern technology.

2. Martin Wehmer In the Box There’s a Goat Eating Coloured Pants

8 Sep – 6 Oct 2015

Contemporary by Angela Li
248 Hollywood Rd, Central

Thick figurative oil paintings are center to the oeuvre of Beijing-based German artist Martin Wehmer who is holding his second solo exhibition in Hong Kong. Abstract to a degree that seems impersonal yet vaguely familiar, his bold statement brushstrokes offer a multitude of historical and cultural representations that are open to the viewers’ imagination. Wehmer believes that, “[In the course of artistic creation,] there is always something you can’t control, if you can accept this, you bring a message”. Captured in a parallel universe that is taken out of context, these expressionistic figures captivate our imagination with a surreal montage of everyday life.

3. Daniel Arsham Fictional Archeology

11 Sep 2015 - 10 Oct 2015

Galerie Perrotin Hong Kong
17/F, 50 Connaught Rd Central

Based on his travels to Easter Island in 2011, American artist Daniel Arsham presents five eroded sculptures of contemporary human figures and casts of modern artifacts similar to those of an archeological find. His interest in infusing an artist’s perspective with the fictional dimension of archeology challenges the notion of reconstructing truth, and what is seemingly plausible but ultimately uncertain. Appropriately named Fictional Archeology, Arsham was inspired by the actions of archeologists who needed to reconstruct a narrative relevant to their discoveries. Whether these artifacts present an accurate account is beside the point however, given the intention behind the mysterious aura to be an open dialogue about modern society from a detached perspective. For this tromp l'oeil effect to be achieved, Arsham replicated the evidence of history with geological materials such as selenite, vocanic ask, chalk and sand – balancing the fine line between reality and fantasy, by no means an easy feat.

4. South Island Art Day
19 Sep 2015, 12-8pm

Following the highly successful Art Nights and Art Days over the past two years, the South Island Cultural District promises an exciting array of art exhibitions in 23 art spaces that will offer the best in local and international work. From exhibition openings to the experience of interacting with artists, this whole-day event is an excuse for art lovers to discover prominent emerging galleries such as Blindspot Gallery, Gallery Exit and Spring Workshop, just to name a few. Expect contemporary art, dance and music performances, as well as free food and drink from SICD sponsors. With a convenient free shuttle bus from Central every 30 minutes, who can really say no to a day of art hopping and burgers? Just be sure to register at the Information desk at Ovolo Southside on 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road.

For a complete list of exhibitions and participating galleries/artist studios, head over to their website for more information.