Tatler+ Artspace K
Artspace K founder Chen Kok-choo has created a contemporary art gallery in The Repulse Bay for everyone to enjoy
Between the joyful painted steel creations of Taiwanese sculptor Hung Yi—stacked multi-coloured pigs and pandas intricately painted in a folk art-inspired design—Chen Kok-choo wanders around her new gallery Artspace K while ebulliently introducing the artworks. Flanked by palm trees and the ocean, in the historic former hotel The Repulse Bay, it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.
Artspace K is a new home for established and emerging artists to exhibit their work and one that pays close attention to the visitor experience. “There’s no pressure to buy or understand it,” she says of the space. “We just want people to know that art is actually a very beautiful part of life, which cannot be replicated.” The hope is to promote art as more than just objects that can be admired in museums or bought, but as one-of-a-kind creations to be enjoyed by all.
Since 2003, Chen has sponsored and operated a number of heritage building museums in Taipei, including Taipei Story House, Futai Street Mansion and Museum207, sharing her belief in and passion for art through exhibitions that have attracted visitors from all over the world. Today, she continues this journey in Hong Kong with Artspace K. Exhibiting artists who share its philosophy, the gallery will encourage public appreciation through a variety of new exhibitions, lectures and a host of educational art activities.
The inaugural exhibition by Hung Yi, titled Winter Joy, features 15 surreal, never-before-seen animal-themed artworks that invite visitors to find happiness in the present moment. The work is warm and filled with hope and joy, which is much needed in 2020.
