Swire Island East joins forces with Hong Kong Creates, an organisation promoting local creativity, to present “Memories of King Kowloon”, an exhibition on local icon Tsang Tsou-choi (1921-2007). On display are Tsang Tsou-choi’s calligraphy and cross-media creative works which manifest the man’s perseverance and trigger discussions on (public) art, urban space and local culture. Also showcased in Tsang’s calligraphic playground are tribute works by overseas and local artists and students.

Featuring biggest collection ever
The exhibition features some 300 original calligraphic inscriptions by Tsang, including works on paper, objects and cross-media creations, comprising the biggest collection to date and covers the longest period of his creative output (over 20 years).

In addition to Tsang’s authentic handwritings, the six-zone exhibition at ArtisTree also showcases his “royal” possessions and media records. A road map reminiscent of his creative adventure is presented, uncovering some of Hong Kong’s extinct cityscape that was once Tsang’s graffiti playground. The exhibition includes interviews with political and cultural influentials, just to name a few: Legco members Tanya Chan, Lee Cheuk-yan and Alan Leong Kah-kit, artists Chet Lam and MC Yan who share their views on Tsang and his works.

Tribute works by artists and students
Eleven artists including Man Tsang, Danc Cheung and Zoey Suen participate in this event with their own creations that pay tribute to King Kowloon and reflect the illuminations Tsang has effected on the local art community. Along with these are Tsang’s graffiti works depicted through the lens of renowned local photographers Wong Kan Tai, Ducky Tse, So Hing Keung, Stanley Wong and more. A streetscape erected at the venue invites visitors to express and leave their mark on giant walls. The exhibition also benefits from enthusiastic participation from local schools. At Lincoln House Linkbridge, some 40 students draw inspirations from Tsang’s works and create their own distinctive pieces which epitomise creativity of the new generation.

The exhibition also offers free guided tours with professional docent guides to introduce Tsang and his creations, bringing the public to explore Tsang’s world and the influence that he has transpired in local culture.

Date & Time
20 April – 31 May 2011
10 am – 8 pm daily (no admission after 7:30 pm)
Except 27 May 2011, main exhibition closes early at 6 pm
(no admission after 5:30 pm)

Venue
Main exhibition:
ArtisTree, 1F Cornwall House, TaiKoo Place, Island East
(MTR Quarry Bay Station Exit A or car drop-off point at G/F Oxford  House, TaiKoo Place)
Student exhibition:
Linkbridge, Lincoln House, TaiKoo Place, Island East

Main Exhibition
•    About 500 exhibits including some 300 original calligraphy works of Tsang Tsou-choi
•    11 units of tribute artworks from 11 overseas and local artists
Exhibition is divided into 6 zones
-    Footsteps of the King 
-    Treasures of the King 
-    The Royal Family
-    Original works of His Majesty
-    The King’s Death
-    Long Live the King

Student Exhibition
Artworks by some 40 students from 5 schools
-    HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity
-    Munsang College
-    Tai Po Government Secondary School
-    Yuen Long Secondary School
-    Hong Kong Shue Yan University

Free Guided Tours
-    Free guided tours will be arranged on selected Saturdays and Sundays
-    On-site enrolment on first-come-first-served basis
-    Details to be announced in April

Co-presented by Swire Island East and Hong Kong Creates