(27 May 2016, Venice, Italy,) – “Stratagems in Architecture: Hong Kong in Venice” at the 15th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia (Venice Biennale) officially opened today in Venice. Inspired by the ancient Chinese military strategies “The 36 Stratagems”, the Hong Kong Exhibition is entitled “Stratagems in Architecture: Hong Kong in Venice” that features 13 exhibits.
Mr Yang Zhijin, Deputy Party Secretary of Ministry of Culture cum Vice Minister of Ministry of Culture of the PRC, visits the Hong Kong Exhibition
Returning once again to this historic location, the Hong Kong Exhibition at the Venice Biennale is co-organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation (HKIABF) and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC), partnered with Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) and sponsored by Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The exhibition aims to showcase Hong Kong’s architectural excellence on the international stage through the eyes of young local architects and artists. In view of Hong Kong’s distinctive social climate as well as unique urban challenges and public needs, 17 young architects and artists from Hong Kong, including Mr. Stanley SIU, Chief Curator of the Hong Kong Exhibition, respond to the Venice Biennale’s overall theme of “REPORTING FROM THE FRONT” by demonstrating how Hong Kong architects attempt to address the needs of the public and challenges faced by the professionals in the current social climate, for example, the community’s desire for conservation, environmental protection, as well as their crave for space and decent urban planning.
The opening was marked by a vibrant, traditional Chinese lion dance in Venice, rightly the Land of the Lion. Ms. Alice CHOI, Deputy Representative of Hong Kong Economic Trade Office, Brussels, officiated at the opening ceremony, accompanied by Mr. William TSENG, Chairman of HKIABF, Ms. Winsome CHOW, Chief Executive of HKADC, Mr. Vincent NG, President of HKIA and Mr. Stanley SIU, Chief Curator of the Hong Kong Exhibition at the 15th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia.
“The overall theme selected by Alejandro Aravena, curator of this year’s Venice Biennale is powerful, and resonates strongly with our young curatorial team. They will showcase how young Hong Kong architects and artists formulate strategies and tactics in the reflection of lifestyles in the metropolis and the transcending of social norms within our city.” said Mr. William TSENG, Chairman of HKIABF, at the opening ceremony today.
The Opening Ceremony featured an exciting and energetic Lion Dance to showcase the traditional Chinese art-form. (From left to right: Dr Rosman Wai, Mr William Tseng, Ms Alice Choi, Mr Vincent Ng, Ms Winsome Chow, Mr Stanley Siu, Prof Bernard Lim)
“We celebrated HKADC’s 20th anniversary since mid-2015 and have been strengthening our overseas promotion of Hong Kong’s arts and artists. We are proud to present this exhibition that demonstrates the contemporary voices of Hong Kong’s young generation on this world stage. Many of our artists are ready to go on different international platforms to connect to people in other regions, and the HKADC will strive to facilitate the process and build up strategic partnership with our different counterparts in the world.” said Ms. Winsome CHOW, Chief Executive of HKADC.
“Coming from a city that is constantly evolving, we are often bounded by difficult choices we have to make in our practice in order to move forward,” said Mr. Stanley SIU, Chief Curator of the Hong Kong Exhibition at the 15th Venice Biennale. “We defined ‘frontier’ in this year’s overarching theme as ‘battlegrounds’. Inspired by the 36 Stratagems, we aim to blend in ancient Chinese military wisdom and demonstrate how we overcome our own challenges and adversities in the battlegrounds at the frontier of architecture and art. Such is also an important characteristic defining Hong Kong, its spirit of perseverance and capability to turn adversities into opportunities.” Mr. Vincent NG, President of HKIA added, “The Venice Biennale this year marks the first Hong Kong participation since the inception of HKIABF, as well as HKIA’s 60th Anniversary. We are very proud to continue our vision of promoting creativity and appreciation of architectural excellence worldwide, through activities such as the major biennales. Especially for our young curatorial team, this coincides with the HKIA Council’s direction in providing opportunities for young pillars of our profession.”
“Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region will continue to converge and evolve as a dynamic metropolis which will drive the economic growth of the whole region,” said Ms Alice CHOI, Deputy Representative of Hong Kong Economic Trade Office, Brussels. “We rely on our architects, with their creativity and expertise, to find innovative solutions to achieve a fine balance between city development and sustainability.”
Two opening symposiums will be held on 28th May, 2016, where curators and young architects from the Mainland China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and Taiwan will share their experience and challenges. From today till 27th November 2016, “Stratagems in Architecture: Hong Kong in Venice” is open to the public for free admission at Campo della Tana, Castello 2126, 30122 Venice (opposite the main entrance of Arsenale). More details are available at http://2016.venicebiennale.hk/ and at the Hong Kong Exhibition Facebook page www.facebook.com/VABHK/ .
Since 2010, CreateHK has sponsored the Hong Kong Exhibition at Venice Biennale for four consecutive editions.