Top art exhibitions and displays to check out in Hong Kong right now

Breathing with Trees is a meaningful exhibition located at the Duplex Studio in Tai Kwun that explores the vital role of trees in our daily lives. Through the works of contemporary artists such as Zheng Bo, Lau Chi Chung, Marshmallow Laser Feast, Ng Ka Chun, and Anson Ting Fung Wong, the exhibition exposes how humankind is responsible for the destruction of trees, while highlighting what we can do as individuals and collectives to save, protect, and preserve the living heritage of trees.

K11 Musea’s annual Art Karnival returns for another colourful wave of all things art. Running from July 29 to September 11, this year's Karnival features over 20 works from some of the biggest names in the art and design scene around the world. Highlights not to miss include Alexvi: Three Distances, an exhibition by Beijing fashion photographer Alexvi; Cake Illusions, where visitors will be challenged to discover more than 20 replicas of everyday objects made with confectionary by cake artist and founder of Dear Harley Bakery, Alison Chan; as well as Osaka-born artist Chiharu Shiota’s I hope…, a 12-metre long marquee installation containing thousands of handwritten letters with words of hope. For a truly immersive experience, join in on a docent-led Art Karnival Tour (book here) or explore the stories behind selected artworks through audio guides and virtual tours.

Six local artists have joined forces to take over K11 Art Mall this summer! Presented by Carnaby Fair Art Gallery, the Sub(X)true Cultural Festival sees a mishmash of playful artworks that celebrate local culture. From an outer space-themed mobile hawker van – created by contemporary artist Ernest Chang, in collaboration with McCafé – to local illustrator Siukins' artistic rendition of the century-old restaurant Ser Wong Fun, the exhibition will take its audience into the ever-exciting world of Hong Kong's creative culture. 

New media art studio Xcept is back with a brand new immersive galaxy installation this summer at Pacific Place. From August 12 to October 9, astronomy enthusiasts are invited to embark on an astral voyage which combines art and technology to bring you unique, immersive experiences that are out of this world.

Prepare for lift off and take a seat at the Space Station, where you can go virtual mining and design your own orbs by scanning a QR code. Then, continue your space adventure to the mysterious Black Hole, before entering the shimmering immersive Metaspace Galaxy. Finally, end your galactic journey and return to Earth by ascending into the luminous White Hole. Complete your journey by acquiring a special NFT token souvenir featuring your custom planetary creation or get your hands on other amazing exclusive merch.

Get your tickets between now and August 11 to enjoy an early bird offer with 20 percent off. Click here to buy your tickets now at Klook.

Marvel over world-class art right here in the city as roughly 40 masterpieces by Italian Baroque artists goes on display for the first time in Hong Kong at HKMoA. Featuring works from the Farnese Collection and the Bourbon Collection of the Capodimonte Museum, the exhibition invites viewers to experience the charm of Baroque art in the 16th and 17th centuries, including religious, mythological, still life, and landscape paintings by masters such as Titian, Annibale Carracci, and Artemisia Gentileschi. Artistic responses by local artists Kingsley Ng, Chow Chun-fai, and Missquai can also be found at the museum, allowing visitors to connect with the artworks from a Hong Kong perspective.

Looks like Hong Kong has gone dino-mad this summer! Following the Robotic Dinos pop-up at Harbour City and Times Square, the Hong Kong Science Museum has just opened a new exhibition that's all about these historic creatures. Featuring fossil specimens and reconstructed skeleton models from museums all over the world, including Germany, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, and Morocco, 'The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Big Eight - Dinosaur Revelation' showcases eight of the most iconic dinosaurs under one roof for the first time, boasting original fossil material, near-complete fossil skeletons, 3D renderings, and scientifically accurate reconstructions of the world's most giant predatory dinosaur and flying creature.

During the exhibition period, there will also be a series of educational activities for all ages, including the 'A Night with Dinosaurs' sleepover programme, Dino Yoga classes, films, workshops, guided tours and more. All visitors to The Big Eight exhibition and other permanent exhibitions, including Museum Pass holders, must make a booking in advance here.

Prepare to dive into the fantastical world of internationally renowned media artist Pipilotti Rist! Featuring 45 iconic works by Rist from the past 30 years, Behind Your Eyelid—Pipilotti Rist is the renowned Swiss artist's first solo exhibition in Hong Kong. Running from now to November 27, the highly immersive exhibition will take visitors on a whimsical journey filled with sounds, colours, and moving images that have already charmed audiences from around the world. Tai Kwun will also be hosting a wide range of programmes and events, including Tai Kwun Conversations with Pipilotti Rist; a Pipilotti Rist’s Choice evening featuring the artist’s favourite films and videos; pixel mapping and lighting workshops; curator's tours and much more. 

Held from now until December 18, Art@Harbour features multiple outdoor art installations and digital art facades that integrate art, science, and technology along the promenades of Victoria Harbour. Over at Tamar Park and the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section), The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Science in Art sees nine sets of interactive art installations and three pieces of 3D floor graphics created by local artists and art tech partners.

Meanwhile, at the Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom promenades, the Symphony of the Future features sculptures and digital displays that have been set up at the K11 Musea promenade, the Avenue of Stars and Salisbury Garden, including HΞXAVΞRSΞ by renowned Dutch artist Don Diablo, Looking Up, an augmented reality piece by American conceptual artist Tom Friedman, and a prelude for the future (2022), a performance by Hong Kong artist Olivier Cong.

Other Art@Harbour programmes include the Blossoming Hong Kong digital art facades at the Kowloon Shangri-La and the Kerry Hotel, as well as Sino Group's Heart to Heart digital art facades displayed at the Tsim Sha Tsui Centre, Empire Centre, and China Hong Kong City from now until October 9.