Skip to main content

Position Papers

04

May
2017
Stratagems in Architecture Hong Kong in Venice - "The 15th Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition" Hong Kong Response Exhibition Opens Today
[Press Release | Immediate Release]
4th May 2017

Stratagems in Architecture Hong Kong in Venice - "The 15th Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition" Hong Kong Response Exhibition Opens Today

Showcasing the Architectural Wisdom of Hong Kong Young Architects and Artists


[Hong Kong, 4th May 2017] After the success of the Hong Kong Exhibition "Stratagems in Architecture: Hong Kong in Venice" at the 15th Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition, a Hong Kong Response Exhibition is officially opened today in Oi!.

The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation co-organises the Hong Kong Response Exhibition with the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and Oi!, with the Hong Kong Institute of Architects as partner. The exhibition is sponsored by Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the Hong Kong Response Exhibition has been accredited as an event celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The exhibition led by the Chief Curator, Mr. SIU Kwok Kin Stanley, presents the battlefield in which the 16 exhibiting young architects and artists have fought and is still fighting to break new ground. In response to the 15th Venice Biennale Architecture Exhibition's theme "REPORTING FROM THE FRONT", the curatorial team merged the wisdom of ancient Chinese military strategies with contemporary solutions to create their own Stratagems in Architecture and apply the 36 Stratagems to the varied challenges they face as compassionate professionals in the current social climate. The 13 exhibits that were originally displayed in Venice are now presented in a new perspective in the Hong Kong Response Exhibition. "As the Chief Curator of the 15th Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition - Hong Kong Exhibition, I want to showcase the artistic and architectural talents we have here in Hong Kong, to shine and bedazzle on a local and international platform in our unique way," said Mr. SIU at the grand opening of the Hong Kong Response Exhibition.

These passionate strategists in art and architecture demonstrated their resilience to the constant change faced in the modern city through their exhibits, and Mr. SIU in particular has transformed his exhibit into a completely new form. His original exhibit displayed in Venice, "First Confession", has been transformed from the towering stacks of metal bunk beds into a pristine new form named "Confessional". A pure white exterior is constructed with wax bricks to represent the candles that were lit for prayers at a cathedral. The exhibit is designed to create a tranquil space for visitors' own reflection in the mist of the densely packed concrete jungle Hong Kong people are used to.

Returning home to its roots, the Hong Kong Response Exhibition was officially opened today in Oi! which is located at the heart of the city. The organisers are honoured to have Mr. SO Kam Leung, Gregory, GBS, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, as the Guest of Honour, and Ms. LI Mei Sheung, Michelle, JP, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms. Fiona LAM, Acting Head of CreateHK, Mr. TSENG Yen Wei, William, Chairman of The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation, Ms. Winsome CHOW, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and Mr. Marvin CHEN, President of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects as officiating guests at the opening ceremony.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. So said that the "Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition" is a major event in the architecture industry, showcasing outstanding works of architects from all over the world and facilitating architectural, cultural interaction. It is also regarded as the "hall of fame" for contemporary architectural art. Also participated in this exhibition last year in Venice, Hong Kong has shown its unique architectural features to the world, said Mr. So. He added that as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Administrative Region, and the Hong Kong Response Exhibition is currently being held to further promote Hong Kong's creativity and achievements in the architectural sector.

The Hong Kong Response Exhibition is open to public for free admission from 2nd – 30th May 2017. In parallel with the exhibition, a "Space, life, exploration" workshops series will also be held on the weekends starting from 6th till 27th May. The workshop will be hosted by architects and artists for participants to reflect on and learn more about the community they share. More information on the workshops can be found on www.facebook.com/VABHK/.



Photo 1: President of The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Mr. Marvin Chen, presents a wax brick, which is designed by the Chief Curator, Mr. Stanley Siu, for the Hong Kong Response Exhibition, to the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr. So Kam Leung, Gregory, GBS, JP.



Photo 2: Group photo of Guest of Honour, Officiating Guests and the Chief Curator (from left to right) - Mr. Tseng Yen Wei, William, Mr. Marvin Chen, Ms. Li Mei Sheung, Michelle, JP, Mr. So Kam Leung, Gregory, GBS, JP, Ms. Fiona Lam, Ms. Winsome Chow and Mr. Stanley Siu



Photo 3: Group photo of Guest of Honour, Mr. So Kam Leung, Gregory, GBS, JP, and Officiating Guests, Other Honourable Guests and the Chief Curator



Photo 4: Group photo of Guest of Honour, Mr. So Kam Leung, Gregory, GBS, JP, and Officiating Guests, Other Honourable Guests, the Chief Curator, Sponsors, Curators and Exhibitors



Please click HERE to download the press release.