Muses are everywhere in our worldly dwelling, but when one creates, one comes to a place where there is no one but yourself. The Realms of the Muses. The exhibition "The Realm of the Muses" takes "Muse" as its title and explores its multiple meanings in contemporary art.

Muses are the collective name for the nine goddesses in charge of art and science in Greek mythology, symbolizing the spirit and source of inspiration for artistic creation. Contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration and find personal spiritual refuge from different cultures, histories, situations and personal experiences. Muses are everywhere, where they are and how they are being represented turned them into unique works of art of this exhibition embracing endless possibilities.

16 students and alumni of the Department of Communication Design, HKDI advanced their artistic studies and creative paths after graduating from the HD in Visual Arts and Culture or the BA in Fine Art. This group of artists has been tirelessly and actively engaged in creation and pursuit of art while audience curiously look out for the 
artists' muses. This exhibition allows artworks and the space they inhabited to take the lead, for the audience to catch a glimpse of the intimate place where the artistic creation took place.

Venue address: 4/F Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre 

The artworks selected for this exhibition reflect the complexities and nuances of living in the present. They navigate themes of identity, technology, environment, and social change, offering both intimate and expansive views of contemporary life. Each piece serves as a testament to the artists' engagement with the world around them, capturing moments of beauty, tension, and transformation.

As you move through the exhibition, you will encounter a range of media, including painting, sculpture, digital art, and installations. These works not only represent the physical and conceptual landscapes of our time but also challenge us to reconsider our place within them. The immediacy of the present moment is juxtaposed with the enduring impact of our actions and choices, prompting reflection on the temporal and the timeless.

Gallery address: 4/F Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre

Organised by the Japan Foundation and co-presented by the Hong Kong Arts Centre and the Consulate General of Japan in Hong Kong, the latest touring exhibition, Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan, invites the public on an exploration of Japan's yokai and its mysterious culture. From traditional picture scrolls and nishiki-e to everyday toys and films, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of yokai and encounter the supernatural imagination of ancient Japan.

Curated by Mr. Yumoto Kōichi, Director Emeritus of the Yumoto Koichi Memorial Japan Yokai Museum, the exhibition unveils the journey of yokai culture from the Edo period to the present day. Witness the transformation of yokai from fearful entities to charming and friendly presences, celebrated in Japan's traditional summer ghost stories. 

Through exploring the dissemination and inheritance of yokai culture, from the mysterious Night Parade of One Hundred Demons to the vibrant world of yokai depicted in woodblock prints. Discover the unexpected connection between yokai and traditional Japanese games, emphasising their integration into daily life and the diversity and creativity of the yokai artwork.

Venue address: Pao Galleries, 4/F & 5/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre 

The CREATORS FOR TOMORROW initiative, launched by the Hong Kong Arts Centre (HKAC) in 2020, nurtures and supports emerging artists and curators in Hong Kong. It provides practical experiences in program planning, creation, and execution, helping participants launch their professional careers in the arts.

To ensure sustainable development, HKAC has initiated the group exhibition To Morrow and Beyond. It enhances exposure for the awardees of the 1st and 2nd editions, witnesses their growth in the art industry, and fosters knowledge exchange among participants.

Artist (In alphabetical order):

André Chan, Cheng Chi Chi, Dave Chow, Epical Chamber (Leung Ka Man，Ocean Leung), Avery Lau, Connie Lo, Tang Kwong San Winsome Wong, Yuen Nga Chi, Zoie Yung

Venue address: Pao Galleries, 5/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai

Closer Together reflects on the 25-year cross-cultural relationship between the Hong Kong Art School and RMIT’s School of Art. This is proudly one of their longest running transnational educational partnerships, an on-going relationship that has grown a community through the exchange of artistic, creative and material knowledge.

Artists: Kay Mei Ling Beadman | Movana Chen | Ryan Christopher Cheng | Kris Coad | Carolyn Eskdale | Daphne Alexis Ho | Jaffa Lam Laam | Ivy Ma King Chu | Sally Mannall | Drew Pettifer | Kate Siu Man Kit | Scotty So | Tang Kwong San  | Fiona Wong Lai Ching | June Wong Siu Ling

Curators: Shirky Chan | Rachel Cheung | Tammy Wong Hulbert

Please check the website for whole programme

Opening: 5 Jan 2024 (FRI) 6:30pm

Venue address: Hong Kong Arts Centre, 4-5/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai

In the timeless verses of the 'Three Character Classic' where ancient wisdom resides, echoes the profound truth: 'Diligence has its reward; play has no advantages.' In the context of contemporary ink painting, both diligence and playfulness seem to be embraced as virtuous attitudes.

Through the repetitive strokes that outline and the vibrant hues that infuse, the practice transcends mere brushwork, refining not only physical prowess but also the spirit. The learning concept of traditional calligraphy and painting, rooted in the practice of character writing, guides the development of a solid foundation in brush and ink. Meanwhile, the characteristics of the materials, through repeated contemplation and exploration, give rise to a distinctive aesthetic of ink painting. Playfulness, emphasising the joy and fulfilment brought forth by artistic creation, indeed serves as a driving force that propels the practice. On one hand, playfulness can loosen the grip of established artistic concepts with a light-hearted touch. By setting aside conventional practices and freely exploring, highly experimental endeavours can emerge.

This exhibition invites a group of emerging young artists from Hong Kong to showcase their unique perspectives on ink art, encompassing various mediums and forms. Amidst their diligent efforts and playful brushwork, they explore the distinctive realm of ink painting shaped by the convergence of local cultures.

Artists: CHAN Long-fung, FUNG Yee-lick, HO Wai-lam, LAU Ching-wa, LEUNG Lai-Man, Rainbow LEUNG, LING Chung-wan, and WONG Shun-yu. Curated by CHAN Sai-lok.

Venue address: 5/F Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai

Co-presented by the Hong Kong Arts Centre (HKAC) and the Hong Kong Art School (HKAS), and organised by the Hong Kong Art School Alumni Network Committee (ANC), “The Collectible Art Fair” will be held from October 22 to November 16, 2023, at the Pao Galleries and the Jockey Club Atrium of HKAC. The conception of The Collectible Art Fair started with the vision of training a new generation of art talent and enhancing public awareness of the art of local artists. After deducting the necessary expenses, all proceeds from the event will be donated to the HKAS to support its development and ongoing commitment to nurturing aspiring students who are passionate about art. Over 200 HKAS alumni and artists will participate in the art fair, showcasing over 300 artworks in diverse media, including painting, ceramics, installation, photography and video, allowing the public to appreciate a variety of unique art creations.

Artists: Over 200 Hong Kong Art School alumni and artists

Venue address: Jockey Club Atrium & Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai

The 23rd Rise and Design brings together the works of this year's Applied and Media Arts graduates and students of Media and Communication Design. Students approach different topics from different perspectives, and use different art media to express their own independent opinions.

Presented by: School of Professional Education and Executive Development, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Gallery address: 5/F Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre , Wan Chai

"Confluence of Voices" exhibition brings together over 20 young Hong Kong artists from diverse backgrounds and genres of art. Through their works, these artists express a wide range of themes, from reflections on life, personal experiences and emotions, to explorations of the city's history and heritage, and responses to social issues. Their art offers audience fresh perspectives on the past, present and future of the city, inspiring curiosity and wonder.

The exhibition showcases a rich variety of artistic expressions, including traditional and experimental painting techniques, multimedia works, installations, and innovative approaches such as the use of unconventional materials to create visual impact and thought- provoking conceptual pieces. The emerging artists featured in the exhibition hope to share their unique perspectives and invite audience to participate in their ideas, exploring different voices in the art world and in life with an open mind.

Participating artists:

Agnes Leung; Angela Yuen; Ann, Ng Yin Lam; Cami, Hui Wan Yu; Cheung Tsz Hin; Cynthia Mak; Dave Chow; Dony, Cheng Hung; Doris Chui; Doris, Wong Wai Yin; Elaine Chiu; Fatina Kong; Hazel Wong; Jeremy Fung; Kazy Chan; Ken,Chan King Long; Kuby, Cheung Tsz Man; Kwong Man Chun; Ling Pui Sze; Lonely Lau; Phoebe Hui; Sharon, Cheung Po Wah; Tang Kwong San; Tsang Chui Mei; Wong Sze Wai; Yuen Nga Chi

Venue address: 4/F, Pao Galeries, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai

Co-presented by Hong Kong Arts Centre, and Hong Kong Art School, and curated by Hong Kong Art School Alumni Network, “The Collectors' Choice Art Exhibition” is open to visitors from 23 March 2023 to 10 April 2023, at 5/F Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre. This exhibition is curated by Miss Shirky Chan, showcasing more than 30 art pieces created by our alumni artists over the years and collected by 9 renowned collectors in Hong Kong. The exhibition will feature displays of paintings, ceramics, photography, video, and installation.

The art pieces from Hong Kong Art School alumni have achieved recognition in art fairs, museums, and galleries around the world. Veteran collectors and art enthusiasts have held these artists in high regard and their art pieces are much sought after. The collections exhibited are by 23 Hong Kong Art School alumni and are collected by renowned local art collectors, (in alphabetical order ) Dr. KK Chan, Mr. Evan Chow, Mr. TC Chow, Mr. Steven Co, Mr. Peter Lau, Ms. Carol Lee, Mr. Nelson Leong, Living Collection, Dr. Joseph Pang.

In addition to providing a platform for visitors to appreciate the art pieces of our outstanding artists, the exhibition is also a form of affirmation and encouragement for our alumni. Through these works, we are able to jointly develop and promote our alumni in the local and international art world, furthering their achievements globally.

Gallery address: (5/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre) 

The relationship between the screen and film is always paradoxical. It is a thing that enables us to see a film, but is also something that we normally do not see during the viewing experience. It is an “invisible” medium. The screen functions as a border between the two worlds, the physical / the real and the symbolic / the virtual, constantly reminding the audience what is being displayed on screen is merely a movie and a fantasy.

In the contemporary world, the electronic screens have become a universal interface for everyday life. Social media, being highly image-driven and short clips oriented, has reinforced the screens to serve as the indispensable vehicle of self-construction and self-expression. In this era of the pandemic, the functionality of screens has extended and amplified to an extent that has overflown to conceal its physicality.
In this edition of CINEMA 2.0: Illuminating Vacuum Media Arts Exhibition, with four different artworks, the complex relation of how the screen serves as a medium in the real world is re-examined.

Curator: Ip Yuk-yiu

Featured Artists: Joon Moon (South Korea), Exonemo (Japan), Akinori Goto (Japan)

Gallery address: 5/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai

Luis Chan (1905-1995) is widely regarded as Hong Kong’s pioneer of modern art. Chan was known for his exquisitely-drawn realistic landscape paintings in watercolour at the beginning of Chan’s artistic career, earning a reputation as the ‘King of Watercolour’. Later, Chan’s works were mostly imaginative and colourful, depicting dreamlike scenes with whimsy. Developing his distinct artistic style, Chan transcended any genres of the art and culture. Chan’s works are matched by an equally vibrant personality.
Coinciding with the Hong Kong Arts Centre’s 45th anniversary, this flagship exhibition explores Chan’s art and legacy in a thematic survey that highlights the artist’s perceptive portrayal of daily urban drama and identity, his love of narrative and storytelling, and his uplifting spirit throughout the tumultuous 20th century.
This exhibition is divided into four chapters—'The Artist and the Critic’, ‘Hong Kong Through the Looking Glass’, ‘Luis in Artland’, and ‘Vision is a Many-Splendored Thing’—featuring Chan’s paintings from 1950s to 1980s where different visual expressions can be discovered in different state of creation. The exhibition presents Chan’s kaleidoscopic creative trajectory, inviting the audience to the fantastical stage of Luis Chan.
This exhibition provides an opportunity to enrich extant research on the artist with new archival materials and a long overdue institutional monograph since the artist’s passing.

Venue Adress: 5/F, Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai

This fall, Art of Nature International seeks to continue the French art spirit of the summer. Respectfully presenting the "The Path of Light"─French Art Exhibition. With our great admiration of countless French artists and the profound influence of French Art on the world, Art of Nature is honored to bring the oil painting works of four esteemed French artists Pierre Carron, Rémy Aron, Marc Tanguy, Natalie Miel, as well as the 3rd and 4th generation of France-based artists, after Lin Fengmian and Zao WuJi─Lam Man Kong and Cang Yuan.

VIP Preview: 10-11 August 2021
Opening Reception: 12 Aug 2021, 5 - 8PM

Venue address: 5/F, Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai

The HKAS & RMIT Bachelor of Arts Graduation Exhibition 2021 is named "Culturing", showing works of 35 fresh graduates who sprouted and grew during hard times.

"Culturing" means 'to maintain' or 'to breed (cells)' within biological context. This is a metaphor of the student's situation during the pandemic, coexisting with the virus but cultivating art at the same time. They show their determination in art through a series of paintings, ceramics, sculptures, photography, videos and installations.

Exhibition period: 10/7/2021 - 26/7/2021

Venue address: 4-5/F Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai

LIN Xue had a close connection with Hong Kong Arts Centre (HKAC). He was inspired to start his creative journey when he visited the art exhibition in HKAC in 1990. In 1995, he was invited to participate in his debut exhibition “Manulife Young Artists Series” hosted by HKAC. He participated in the 1998 Hong Kong Art Biennial and the 55th Venice Biennale Arte, as well as a number of exhibitions. This retrospective is a tribute to Lin Xue, showcasing a selection of his previous works, unpublished works and related archives which reflect the artist's intuitive creations and philosophy that integrate the nature and human consciousness throughout his practices for decades; and through the pine tree series, Lin’s most recent concerns and inspirations.

Venue address: Pao Galleries, 5/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre

We often say we go to“see" a movie, and ignore other non-visual elements of the cinema. But even in the so-called “silent era" of cinema, live music and lecturers' narration were indispensable to the cinematic experience. The English word “cinema" has a Greek root meaning “to move" or "movement" , and has nothing to do with light or images. Indeed, the interrelationships between cinema, optics and visuality should not be taken for granted; likewise, optical principles should not be taken as the only means of visual perception. CINEMA 2.0: Counter Visions departs from the visual-driven way of experiencing media artworks, imagining differently the relationships between the eye and the media. When our faces are covered and our mouths and noses masked in the pandemic, it may be time to re-think the meaning of our sensory perceptions.

To Stay/To Flee has been a dilemma for many generations in Hong Kong. The question of destiny in our own place is an inescapable curse to us all. In recent years, regrettably, the debate of whether to stay or to flee has become a talking point again.

Where are we going? Where are we returning to? What are we carrying with us when we travel? Do the time and date matter? Traveling to a place is temporary while drifting around may be an eternal one. Physically and metaphorically, the body is our luggage. We are forever caught between a rock and a hard place, unable to decide whether to flee or stay behind for good. 

The exhibition space, designed as a virtual airport, displays the collaborative artwork of 12 pairs of artists and writers that all revolve around the difficult sentiments of To Stay/ To Flee.  

Although the world is different now, the desolation and loneliness of leaving or staying at a home that has changed forever are the same for all generations.

Gallery address: 4/F, 5/F, Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai