First Look: 7 Artists To Look Out For At Art Central 2018

Known for showcasing a youthful and dynamic mix of artists from around the world, Art Central is returning with 103 international galleries—30 of which are making their Art Central debut this year. With its strong regional identity, viewers can expect to see a variety of contemporary Asian art and emerging talents at the fair, which is set to open next Tuesday. Here are some artists you should not miss at this year’s Art Central:

1. Tony Oursler

Above Tony Oursler, Goldy (2004), fibreglass form, HD media player, projector, 90 x 105 x 50 cm. (Image: Courtesy of Galerie Forsblom)

Digital art and multimedia works have become more prevalent in the contemporary art scene over the years. Having been recognised for shifting the audience experience of art in the 21st century, internationally renowned multimedia and installation artist Tony Oursler will be presented at Art Central Hong Kong alongside another multi-disciplinary artist, Not Vital.

Booth: Galerie Forsblom, A2

2. Mike Dargas

Above Mike Dargas, I Disappear (2017), oil on canvas, 182.8 x 152.4 cm. (Image: Courtesy of Opera Gallery)

German hyperrealist painter Mike Dargas made his Asia solo debut in Hong Kong just a couple months ago. With a solid celebrity clientele despite being relatively new to the contemporary art scene, Dargas’ ultra-realistic paintings are set to be some of the most eye-catching attractions at this year’s Art Central.

Booth: Opera Gallery, E07

3. Kim Tschang-Yeul

Above Kim Tschang-Yeul, SH83003 (1983), oil on hemp cloth, 120.9 x 194.8 cm. (Image: Courtesy of Gallery Hyundai)

This year’s Art Central will see modern and contemporary art from South Korea taking centre stage. The showcase will offer historical material from Dansaekhwa figures such as Kim Tschang-Yeul. As part of the first generation of modern artists in South Korea, Kim is known for his paintings of water drops. In 2016, the Kim Tschang-Yeul Museum of Art opened in Jeju, South Korea, to honour the artist.

Booth: Gallery Hyundai, B1

4. Hiroshi Senju

Above Hiroshi Senju, Waterfall (2009), natural pigments on Japanese mulberry paper, 121.9 x 213.4 cm. (Image: Courtesy of the artist)

Globally recognised for his monumental landscapes, Hiroshi Senju creates his paintings in the traditional nihonga style, using pigments made from minerals, ground stone, shell and corals suspended in animal glue. His works are in the permanent collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, LACMA and widely across Japanese institutions.

Booth: Sundaram Tagore Gallery, B4

5. Yayoi Kusama

Above Photo: Courtesy of Whitestone Gallery

One of Japan's most celebrated artists, some of Yayoi Kusama's most iconic pieces will be on display at Art Central Hong Kong this year. The artist, who beautifully turns her hallucinations into one-of-a-kind art pieces, learned traditional Japanese art in Kyoto, before moving to the United States in 1957 where she lived in New York for over 16 years.

Her artworks have been displayed all over the world and one of her iconic pumpkin sculptures is currently on display at Harbour Arts Sculpture Park in Hong Kong.

Booth: Whitestone Gallery, E2

6. Wing Shya

Above Wing Shya, Superheroines (2013), photograph. (Courtesy of Blue Lotus Gallery)

Acclaimed filmmaker and photographer Wing Shya’s “Sweet Sorrow” series will be on show at the fair this year. A photographic ode to the desolate human condition, the works serve as a technicolour lover letter to the city that raised him—Hong Kong. A collection of collaged work from the artist’s first collaboration, “Happiness”, with Wong Kar Wai, will also be exhibited.

Booth: Blue Lotus Gallery, B9

7. Laurent Martin “Lo”

Above Laurent Martin "Lo" , Floating Tea House (2017), weathered bamboo, titan braid thread, lead, 150 x 250 x 250 cm, 250 cm rotation diameter. (Image: Courtesy of the artist and Puerta Roja)

French artist Laurent Martin “Lo” and his gravity-defying bamboo installations will return to Art Central Hong Kong for the third time. A highlight piece by “Lo” is Floating Tea House (2017), a massive dome-like bamboo installation originally produced for the Wu Yuan Arts and Culture Centre in Taiwan that reflects the artist’s months-long journey along the country’s bamboo routes.

Booth: Puerta Roja, B02

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Art Central Hong Kong Art Week Arts Hong Kong Artists

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