Fabrica Cultura: HK in Venice

PRLog (Press Release) - Aug 29, 2008 -
Following the success of the 10th Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition in 2006, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (ADC) and the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) will join hands again this September to take part in this world-renowned event under the name of “Hong Kong, China”, presenting the multi-facet of Hong Kong architecture.

The Hong Kong exhibition, entitled “Fabrica Cultura (Culture Fabricate)”, is the manifestation of architecture in a spectrum of cultural aspects and practices. Under the joint curatorial direction of Prof Desmond Hui (architect cum cultural scholar) and Prof Lee Ou-fan, Leo (scholar cum writer/critics), the exhibition will explore the idea of “Fabrica Cultura” within six categories: object, building, landscape, city, media and text.

Curators Prof Desmond Hui and Prof Leo Lee explained the creative concept of the exhibition at today’s press conference. Through the combined efforts of the eight participating groups, they would like to present a moving mosaic or tapestry woven. “We believe that architecture and design, even as a form of ‘creative industry’, can be a truly creative act and serve a more positive purpose. We want to rescue Hong Kong architecture from the doldrums of shapeless high-rises and ‘non-buildings’.”

Eight groups of exhibitor, comprising architects, designers, photographers, performers and writer/critics, will take part in the Biennale. Detailed listing is per attached.

Presiding at the press conference, Mr Ma Fung-kwok, Chairman of the ADC, emphasised the importance of Hong Kong’s participation in the Venice Biennale (Architecture). “Hong Kong’s debut at the Venice Biennale (Architecture) in 2006 was a success. Over 24,000 audiences visited the exhibition. As the co-organiser, we will continue to provide strategic exhibition venue and the benefit of our past experience to assist HKIA in its coordination to help ensure a fruitful exhibition.”

Also joining today’s occasion, Dr Ronald Lu, President of the HKIA,  said, “From the Venice Biennale Hong Kong Pavilion, visitors are able to appreciate the idea of Hong Kong architecture as cultural imagination and creative manifestation.  The exhibitors in

the Hong Kong Pavilion include not only architects and designers but also photographers, performers, writers and critics, who come together to present different salient aspects and practices in Hong Kong and share a common passion to promote Hong Kong architecture.”

“Fabrica Cultura (Culture Fabricate): HK in Venice” will take place from 14 September to 23 November 2008 at the 11th Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition. Details are as follows: -

Preview: 11 -13 September
Open to public: 14 September – 23 November
Venue: Arsensale – Campo della Tana, Castello 2126 – 30122, Venice
Website: www.venicebiennale.hk

For exhibition details including curators’ statement, artwork concepts, exhibitors’ biography and images, please download at:

http://www.venicebiennale.hk/download/20080717_photos.zip

- End  -

Press inquiries:

Ms Wendy Tso
Corporate Communications Manager
Hong Kong Arts Development Council
Tel: 2820 1031
Email: wendy_tso@hkadc.org.hk

Ms Yuko Cheung
Arts Promotion Officer
Hong Kong Arts Development Council
Tel: 2820 1008
Email: yuko_cheung@hkadc.org.hk


List of Exhibitors

1.   Curatorial Team
•   eskyiu: Eric Schuldenfrei and Marisa Yiu
•   HK Cultural Imaging Workshop
•   Charmaine Hui
•   Desmond Hui
•   Leo Ou-fan Lee
•   Kacey Wong
2.   Joshua Bolchover, Peter Hasdell, Esther Lorenz, Pokit Poon
3.   Jason Carlow, Jonathan D Solomon, John Lin
4.   Juan Du, Nicola Borg-Pisani
5.   Gravity Partnership Ltd: Frank Yu
6.   Edward Ng
7.   RAD Ltd
•   Aaron Tan
•   Paolo Dalla Tor
•   Alberto Cipriani
•   Ewelina Tereszczenko
•   Catty Chan
8.   Wang Weijen Architecture
•   Wang Wei-jen
9.   Mathias Woo (Guest Exhibitor)