Go on unexpected journeys into Hong Kong’s past and further afield

August is a bit of a slow month for most, including the art world, with little if no openings and a generally quiet mood before things kick back up in September.

If you aren’t on a beach like everyone else, fret not: you can still catch some seriously good shows at some of the city’s best galleries.  

See also: Artist Spotlight: Heri Dono Mixes Politics With Mythology

 Swipe through for the Tatler-approved list of the best art exhibitions in Hong Kong to check out this August:


Land of Freedom—Heri Dono Solo Exhibition
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Heri Dono, 'Super Trump,' 2017 (Photo: Courtesy of Tang Gallery) 

Indonesian artist Heri Dono’s Hong Kong debut is one that’ll give you plenty of food for thought.

Featuring new paintings and installations from the multi-media artist, the show dives into contemporary politics and power structures through humorous juxtapositions of political caricatures, animals, machines, spaceships and mythical creatures. The result is a fantastical world where dichotomies reign supreme and extreme ideologies are re-examined and exposed for their shortcomings.

If the recent mayhem at the White House—and the political world at large—has had you feel slightly morose, this show will give you pause, and put a sarcastic smile on your face.

Until August 12, 19th Floor, 18 On Lan Street, Central, +852 2682 8289, www.tangcontemporary.com


On Sharks and Humanity 

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Zheng Lu, 'The Tomb Honor,' 2017 (Photo: Courtesy of Parkview Arts Action) 

Hosted by Hong Kong Maritime Museum in partnership with international non-profit organisation WildAid, the show brings together 36 international contemporary artists, and asks them to raise awareness on the negative impact of shark fin trade.

The multidisciplinary collection spans sculpture, painting, film, photography and poetry, making for a composite and extremely powerful exhibition that marries art and humanitarian action.

Our personal show highlight? Chinese artist Zheng Lu’s Tomb of Honour, a  stainless-steel sculpture of a colossal human heart made of more than 10,000 fishing hooks. Chilling, and very, very poignant.

Until September 29, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Central Pier No. 8, +852 3713 2500 , http://www.hkmaritimemuseum.org


Rachel Kneebone: Ovid in Exile 

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Photo: Courtesy of White Cube 

Kneebone’s first show in Hong Kong explore themes of transformation and metamorphosis, and features a series of compelling new sculptures and drawings from the British artist.

 What’s particularly amazing about Kneebone’s works is her use of porcelain to create intricately modelled organic, architectural and geometric forms that constantly shift between figuration and abstraction. They are, truly, a thing to behold.

The exhibition follows on from the presentation of Kneebone’s monumental work 399 Days at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London and her recently opened solo exhibition at White Cube at Glyndebourne, Sussex, UK. Don’t miss it.

 Until August 19, White Cube gallery, 50 Connaught Road Central, +852 2592 2000, whitecube.com


Tones of Festival: Modern Hong Kong Watercolour

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Mak Siu Fung , 'Water town,'  2017 (Photo: Courtesy of Sun Museum) 

 Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of HKSAR, this show at the Sun Museum presents 55 watercolours by 14 Hong Kong artists, each one offering a different take on the painting technique.

 The exhibition is great for its variety and the insights it offers on the local art scene and what could be described as “Hong Kong watercolour.” A vibrant, delightful homage to our city.

 Until August 18, 4/F SML Tower, 165 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong,  +852 2690 6790, en.sunmuseum.org.hk


Desiring—Post 97 HK Ink Art

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Feng Zhaoling, 'Return to the Motherland,' 1997 (Photo: Courtesy of Alisan Fine Arts) 

 Another celebration of the 20th anniversary of the handover—hey, that only comes round once—the exhibition explores the evolution of ink art in pre- and post- 1997 Hong Kong.

 Ten local artists display works across genres, styles and generations, revealing their influence and legacy on the development of contemporary ink art on the international art scene. 

Until August 31, Alisan Fine Arts, 21/F Lyndhurst Tower, Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, alisan.com.hk


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