Umarell” – Emerging Artists Showcase New Gen Art Thinking

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Hong Kong Art School (a division of Hong Kong Arts Centre) and RMIT University are partnering to present the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) Graduate Exhibition 2023 at the Pao Galleries (Hong Kong Arts Centre), from 8 to 24 July 2023.  The exhibition brings together a collection of works from thirty-one graduates, debuting after three years of art exploration. Through diverse mediums including painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, installation and performance art, the artists present their unique perspectives of seeing and different ways of art making.

Titled “遊園終日 Umarell”, the exhibition sets the scene for the artists’ reflection on the objectivity of seeing and art making. The Italian slang “umarell” refers to retirees who spend days watching construction works, offering unwanted advice to the workers. Words do not impede changes to their community, but they persist in expressing themselves with great gusto. On the other hand, the Chinese title “遊園終日” traces back to the ancient literati who roamed around gardens, drinking, mingling, writing poems, expressing their sentiment and ambition despite being overlooked by majority. The context of the English and Chinese titles appears unrelated, but they synchronise and reflect similar situations of the keen observers, and how they respond to changes with genuineness and optimism.  In art practice, the act of observing different facets of the social environment activates the collision of transformational ideas. Wandering and seeing engender contemplation and lead to meaningful art pursuits.

The graduation exhibition will showcase the emerging artists’ profound insights and reflections on contemporary society and culture. Visitors can not only appreciate the graduates’ creative achievements but also feel their passion and creativity for art. It is an excellent opportunity to understand the new generation of artists and their works.

This year’s Graduate Exhibition of the Hong Kong Art School / RMIT University is deeply honored by the support from our major sponsors (listed in no particular order): 1a space, Art6 Creation, Corporate Press (HK) Limited, Mr. Lee Boon Ying, Hearty Ceramic Supply Co, Hidden Space, Mooroom, Sinag Art Space, WMA and WURE AREA, and the Jerry Kwan Memorial Award sponsored by Anonymous.