I can’t wait until we open the doors to this year’s Hong Kong fair (17 – 19 May, HKCEC), as 2019 marks the 20^th Anniversary of the Affordable Art Fair as a whole! Founded by Will Ramsay in October 1999, the first fair took place in Battersea Park, London. It’s no wonder that the concept has been so successful; with visitors enjoying a friendly and welcoming environment to browse and buy affordable contemporary art. In fact, in Hong Kong alone, we have welcomed over 151,000 art-lovers, since our inaugural fair in 2013.

So, while selecting this year’s Hong Kong galleries, we knew we had to mark this year’s fair with an extra-special collection of artworks in honour of the company’s landmark birthday. As such, I am super excited to give you a sneak peek at a few of the stand-out pieces we have in store for you. These artworks will give you just a glimpse into the wide range of themes, mediums and techniques that will be on display in May. Enjoy!

HONG KONG ARTWORK PICKS, BY FAIR MANAGER MAY WONG

Camille Levert, “Hong Kong Neon Sign Tea Shop”, Rouge Ephémère

This 3D photocollage work is so impressive when you see it in person. There are multiple layers of the same photo stacked to create a “physical” experience between the viewer and the artwork. In all of Camille’s work she likes to capture the uniqueness of Hong Kong’s iconic cityscape; and this is my favourite piece – with a neon sign in front of a colourful residential area. Maybe it’s because I walk past this spot every day on the way into the office.

Davy and Kristin McGuire, “Vintage Fairy”, Muriel Guépin

Pushing the boundaries of art and technology, I love this holographic sculpture, created digitally through film projections and sound to display fairies in a jam jar. This really is a unique, not-to-miss artwork, which would make an amazing show-stopping piece in your home!

Ortaire de Coupigny, “Sardines”, Ronen Art Gallery

What a fun, affordable, sardine can-sized sculpture! It reminds me of the excessive sardines I ate while visiting Portugal a few years ago. Made from a genuine sardine tin, Ortaire delicately hand paints the fish before suspending them in wax and a transparent resin. I couldn’t resist his work and have purchased on of these pieces which I’ve placed next to my dining table!

Christy Chow, “Baby II”, Red Chamber Gallery

I love this beautiful and emotional piece made by Hong Kong born and bred artist Christy Chow, who has used a combination of wool, silk, cotton thread and acrylic. Expressing her grief following a miscarriage, Christy took inspiration from a black and white ultrasound photo taken of the baby, giving colour and detail to her child’s life.

Jimmy Lawlor, “The Fruits of Labour”, Sol Art Gallery

I love the humour in this small, but simple acrylic painting. The landscape is really calming and enjoyable to look at – I think it would refresh your mind after a long day. It’s bizarre yet playful, and when you look closely, you’ll admire the artist’s highly skilled handling of paint.

Jirasak Anoujohn “Aged M”, Arts de Siam

This incredibly dramatic and skilful charcoal drawing of an elderly person’s hands covering their face, reminds me of my grandparents and their heavily laboured hands created by the hardships of WWII. They worked endlessly to provide for their children, yet still providing the comforting touch of a loving parent.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my top picks, and I’m really looking forward to seeing you all at the Hong Kong fair (17 – 19 May, HKCEC). Don’t forget to snap up a ticket in advance to take advantage of our advanced discounts.

Main Image:
Jimmy Lawlor, The Fruits of Labour, 2018, acrylic on board, 40 x 60cm, HK$49,250, Sol Art Gallery.

Featured art from first to last:

Camille Levert, Hong Kong Neon Sign Tea Shop, 2018, 3D photocollage and embroidery, digital print on archive paper, H30cm x L20cm x W8cm, HK$13,500, Rouge Ephémère.

Davy and Kristin Mc Guire, Vintage Fairy, 2016, video sculpture, 25 x 40 x 35 cm, HK$86,5000, Muriel Guepin Gallery.

Ortaire de Coupigny, Sardines III, 2019, mixed media, original sardine tin, 10 x 16 cm, HK$1,600, Ronen Art Gallery.

Christy Chow, Baby II, 2017, wool, silk, acrylic, 152.4 x 101.6 cm, HK$50,000, Red Chamber Gallery.

Jimmy Lawlor, The Fruits of Labour, 2018, acrylic on board, 40 x 60cm, HK$49,250, Sol Art Gallery.

Jirasak Anoujohn, Aged M, 2018, charcoal on canvas, 110 x 150 cm, HK$49,000, Arts de Siam.