Must-See Art Exhibitions in Hong Kong 2024

Beat the summer heat and rain with Hong Kong’s captivating indoor art scene. From the inaugural ART021 Hong Kong to exhibitions exploring nostalgia and “main character energy,” these must-see shows offer a cool respite while showcasing works from local and international artists across diverse themes.

01. MAIN CHARACTER

WOAW Gallery presents a thought-provoking group exhibition curated by Lisa Boudet, exploring the concept of “main character energy” through the works of 12 contemporary artists. The red-curtained space, reminiscent of a theater stage, showcases art exuding confidence and charisma. This immersive experience prompts visitors to contemplate their roles in life — as protagonists or supporting characters — both within the gallery and beyond.

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02. The Archivist Augurs, the Larper Dreams

Artists Dony Cheng, Dave Chow, Jennifer Yeung (These Faces), and Brandon Tay explore society’s complex relationship with technology. Inspired by Hong Kong philosopher Yuk Hui’s essay “For a Planetary Thinking,” they challenge conventional tech applications, allowing machines to transcend their intended purposes and create art, offering a skeptical yet innovative perspective on the intersection of technology and creativity.

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03. Cloud Chamber: Central Highlands Journey

Hong Kong hosts “Cloud Chamber,” a distinctive exhibition by Ho Chi Minh-based Art Labor collective. Presented with Para Site, it showcases a decade of collaboration with the Jrai community, whose history is marked by war, industrialization, and missionary influence. The exhibition empowers Jrai artists to reclaim their narrative, exploring the intersection of science, mythology, and the relationship between human and non-human elements.

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04. Mass Transit Railway

Current Plans presents “Mass Transit Railway,” an immersive exhibition by Sing Jantze Tse. This nostalgic installation combines everyday objects from Hong Kong’s public spaces with multi-screen displays and soundscapes. Featuring pandemic footage and childhood memories on VHS, the exhibition explores the artist’s hometown, questioning the impact of mass tourism and the role of tour guides through a metaphorical train journey.

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05. Find Me At The End Of The Cave

Seefood Room presents “the end of the cave,” showcasing the collaborative art of Argentine painters Marcelo Canevari and Ornella Pocetti. Curated by City of Talents, this exhibition continues Canevari’s tradition of alternating canvas work, akin to Exquisite Corpse, once shared with his late father. Visitors are invited to decode or simply appreciate the artists’ shared universe, filled with serene nature, uncanny scenes, and strange creatures.

Find out more here.