Art is a mirror of history and culture. The demolishing of Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate is the recent hot topic in town which is recognized as part of the collective memory shared by many. Being a well-known Hong Kong artist, Mr. Kong Kai Ming has spent numerous years in capturing almost every roads and every streets in Hong Kong from 1970’s to 1990’s. His sketches not only mirror the historical transformation and rapid development of Hong Kong, but also record the tremendous change of livelihood, fashion and even facial characteristics and hair style of Hong Kong people. These valuable sketches are not only artistic presentation, but also remarkable historical and cultural heritage of Hong Kong. In order to extend the spirit of the World Heritage Collection that has been exhibited last year, ArtLinks Asia and Harbour City is going to jointly present the ‘Past and Present of Hong Kong– Sketches Exhibition by Kong Kai Ming’ at Gallery by the Harbour from 11 June to 2 July 2009. Sixty sketches of Hong Kong by Mr. Kong will be exhibited to show his patriotic feeling for Hong Kong and invite spectators to compare the past scenes in the sketches with the recent living environment in Hong Kong.

The sixty selected sketches with brownish spots are not only a personal record of the time, but also a gift filled with emotions for those people who have lived through the decades. They are simple but sophisticated records of the streets, architectures, fashion and livelihoods of Hong Kong in the 70's and 90's.