Visual Arts

In many cultures, the age of 30 often signifies a milestone for personal growth. According to the Confucian philosophy, while education and self-development is a lifelong journey to attain personal virtue, 30 represents a gateway of maturation where a person crystallizes his or her intellectual stance for the next 30 years of their life. Nowadays, turning 30 also signifies a person’s maturity in adulthood – a personal turning point as we learn from our past, prepare ourselves in the present to move forward into a more promising future.

Coinciding with Asia Society Hong Kong Center’s 30th anniversary in 2020, we also resonate with this sentiment through reflecting our work in art and culture alongside Hong Kong’s social and historical development. As an educational organization that builds bridges between Asia and the rest of the world, we expand our focus to explore and present a sophisticated development in contemporary art that interweaves with theoretical knowledge.

Next Act: Contemporary Art from Hong Kong features research-based works by 10 local artists that respond to the shared history and collective memories of Hong Kong. Throughout the creative process, each artist focused on different research methodologies as a starting point for their inspiration and thinking process. This process culminates in a collection of exciting works that are visually impactful, interactive, and performative. We encourage visitors to open their senses and imagination when viewing the works by delving into the past to form new perspectives, savor the present, and contemplate what the future holds.

Next Act highlights a critical dimension of these creative practices by pivoting away from the conventional perception that art is a sensual form of truth. Instead, the final works make the creation of art a journey of critical thinking. The exhibition also opens up new areas of possible arts and culture programs that are immersive and educational. Whatever the future holds, we remain passionate about moving forward to provide an inclusive platform that encourages collaboration across different disciplines.