Featured Events in Hong Kong in May 2024 (May Updated)

"Chen Fushan Studio" uses Chen Fushan's home studio as a reference, and selects his personal belongings from his former residence in Wan Chai, including various household furnishings, hand-painted paintings and collections of books for display, in order to reproduce Chen's living environment and the layout when he was painting. Visitors can take a look at the original appearance of his former creative space outside the glass room, explore Chen's creative world with another visual experience, and gain a deeper understanding of the multiple aspects of this local artist. "Chen Fushan Studio" also leads the audience to review Chen's artistic journey and style development by displaying historical photos and text records about Chen's life, and wander in the story that created the legendary life of the "Watercolor King". Based on the contemporary era, it traces the trajectory of Hong Kong art history from the side.

Since her debut in 2008, IU has established herself as a unique all-rounded artist in the Korean music industry based on her strong singing skills and creative activities. Since her debut, IU has continued to grow her music production skills and has sought various possibilities. As a result, she topped the music charts with favorable reviews. Her representative songs include <YOU&I>, <Blueming>, and <Good Day>, and she has always expressed her passion for music on stage and showed different charms for each song, capturing the hearts of her fans, collectively known as <UAENA>. IU released her sixth mini-album <The Winning> on February 20 after about two years and two months. She participated in the composing of lyrics for all the songs, adding to the completeness of this album, and immediately after its release, all the songs dominated the top ranks of various music charts, signaling the return of the <Music Queen.> Starting with this mini-album, IU held <2024 IU H.E.R. WORLD TOUR CONCERT> and reported that it will meet UAENA at home and abroad. The news of the first tour in about four years since <Love, Poem> in 2019 was even more welcoming to overseas UAENA.

Fanny Ruwet will be performing her second show, "On disait qu’on faisait la fête," in Hong Kong on May 16, 2024, at BaseHall located at 1 Connaught Place #LG/F. The Belgian humorist, known for her work in radio, podcasts, and stand-up comedy, brings her new spectacle to the stage after various successful projects. Fanny Ruwet's career started with studies in communication, leading to roles as a radio host and podcaster. She gained popularity with her humorous columns on France Inter and international stand-up performances. Tickets for the event are priced between 307,37 HKD to 360,37 HKD, offering a night of laughter and entertainment. Attendees can purchase tickets via PayPal or credit/debit card. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enjoy Fanny Ruwet's unique humor and wit in this eagerly anticipated show.

A Symphony of Lights is a laser light and music show in Hong Kong. It is completed by a total of 47 skyscrapers and landmark buildings located on both sides of Victoria Harbour on both sides of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula. It is a large-scale light and music show in the world. Every night at 8 o'clock, you can see the urban buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour turn into a stage with sound and light intertwined in the neon lights and music, showing the splendid night of Hong Kong. The magical lights emitted by each building illuminate the sky over the Victoria Harbour, supplemented by music and narration, dreamy, gorgeous and impactful, allowing you to have a deeper understanding of the beauty of Hong Kong. The sound and light show starts at 8 o'clock every night and lasts about 13 minutes. During these 13 minutes, you can watch the performance for free on both sides of Victoria Harbour. The best viewing spots are from the Avenue of Stars to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the waterfront promenade of the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai or the sightseeing ferry from Victoria Harbour. In Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Garden and the Golden Bauhinia Square waterfront promenade, you can hear the music and narration of The Symphony of Lights. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, it is played next to English, and on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, it is Mandarin narration. Play Cantonese. The regular performance on weekdays usually has five segments. You can watch the gradient effect of colored lights on the facade of the building, the dancing of lasers and searchlights in the dark night, and the kaleidoscope-like rotating light pattern, which is colorful. If you choose the "Symphony of Lights on the Hong Kong" Victoria Harbour tour, you can enjoy two birds with one stone while you are on a luxury sightseeing cruise, enjoying the night view on both sides of the Victoria Harbour and enjoying a sound and light show on the water. If you want to take the ferry, please visit: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/china/see-do/tours-walks/guided-tours/victoria-harbour/SOL-harbour-cruise.jsp#tour2 booking. Note that there is an additional fee for the sightseeing boat, which is HKD 180 for adults, HKD 162 for children aged 3-12 and seniors over 65 years old. It is recommended to choose to watch the performance from the seaside of Tsim Sha Tsui. You can see most of Hong Kong's landmark buildings on Hong Kong Island, such as Bank of China Building, HSBC Bank, International Finance Center and other landmarks. With these buildings as the background, you will feel the performance more spectacular. Located on this stretch of coastline, the waterfront observation deck next to the Clock Tower and Star Ferry Pier is a great place to watch the show. If you encounter special festivals, you can also see fireworks on the roof of the building and on the sea. Since the end of 2007, A Symphony of Lights has been expanded into a large-scale New Year's countdown event every year. Starting at 23:40 on December 31, a regular light show will be held first. In the 20 seconds before and after the New Year, the 420-meter-high Hong Kong The second phase of the International Finance Center will start the fireworks show. As the countdown counts down, fireworks on both sides of the building are set off layer by layer, accompanied by flickering and shining laser searchlights. At zero o'clock just to welcome the new year, the seven-colored fireworks of the building and the splendid fireworks of the 16 skyscrapers next to the harbour are set off at the same time. After the countdown, there will be a two-minute fireworks show, which is very beautiful and shocking.

【SPACE MUSIC FESTIVAL 3rd hit】Korean diva HyunA comes to AXA x WONDERLAND😍! Whether you want to meet Korean queen Hyuna, Hong Kong goddess kayan9896🎀, Gigi Cheung, Sabrina Cheung, you must enjoy the performances of Lolly Talk🍭, the representative of the youth girl group, NAMXSIS, the famous DJ sister group in Macau, and the performances of local independent female singer KALAI Jiali🫦🎤 , Come to "AXA Presents: The Third Strike of SPACE MUSIC FESTIVAL" just released! This time, the all-female class of popular Asian singers and groups will perform in turn💃, vowing to make music fans sweet and excited for a while🔥! Check out the details of the music festival below🙌! Date: 30 April 2023 Time: 18:30 Venue：AXAX WONDERLAND, West Kowloon Ticket Price：VIP ($1380)/$1080/$780/ $580 [SPACE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2nd hit] AXA x WONDERLAND met Crowd Lu's team leader for the first time😍! SPACE MUSIC FESTIVAL's 2nd strike artist list announced! Following the earlier announcement that new hip-hop stars such as Tyson Yoshi and Gao Erxuan will gather at AXA x WONDERLAND✨, the second hit will invite a number of talented singer-songwriters, including Crowd Lu, J.Sheon, Julia Wu, Jocelyn 9.4.0,🎤, Bring a rare joint music party for music fans! Whether you want to feel the slow soul at the beach with the captain 🕶, listen to the works of Taiwan's new generation R&B queen Julia Wu🎶, or appreciate J.Sheon's unique blues and R&B style, come to SPACE MUSIC FESTIVAL for the second time It's almost sun! Check out the details of the music festival below🙌! Date: 1 May 2023 Time: 18:30 Venue：AXAX WONDERLAND, West Kowloon Ticket Price：VIP ($1080)/$880/ $580 【SPACE MUSIC FESTIVAL🚀】AXA x WONDERLAND, the new generation of singers from Asia 😍! This May, come to the SPACE MUSIC FESTIVAL sponsored by AXA, and you can meet the new generation of male god singers from Taiwan and Hong Kong✨, including Taiwan representatives OSN高爾宣, Marz23, and Hong Kong representatives TYSON YOSHI and TIAB ! The four singers have different stage styles, and they vow to do their best to bring you a wonderful and fun Party Night! This year's music festival will join forces with 王Aden, Pizzali, Red芮德 to participate in the performance. There will also be a dining area on the scene for everyone to chill and listen to songs together, and enjoy Happy Friday🙌! Check out the details below🎶! Date: 5 May 2023 Time: 18:30 Venue：AXAX WONDERLAND, West Kowloon Ticket Price：VIP ($1280)/$880/ $580

Experience the revival of Cantopop's golden era at Cantomania Vol. 5 with DJ Fabsabs. Delve into the nostalgic sounds of Cantonese music from the 80s, 90s, and 00s as DJ Fabsabs showcases a curated selection of timeless tracks. Immerse yourself in the iconic melodies of Anita Mui, Prudence Liew, Paradox, Leslie Cheung, Sam Hui, Priscilla Chan, Leon Lai, Nicholas Tse, Cookies, Hotcha, Kelly Chen, Joey Yung, and more. DJ Fabsabs will blend these classics with extended edits and rare remixes, promising a night filled with musical treasures. The event will take place at 宀 Club in Sheung Wan, located at 279 Des Voeux Road Central #4F, Sheung Wan, HKI, on April 30th to May 1st, 2024. Tickets are priced at HK$105.99. Don't miss this opportunity to relive the magic of Cantopop with DJ Fabsabs at Cantomania Vol. 5.

Experience the unique sound of Minna-no-kimochi, a Tokyo-based rave crew known for their innovative approach to trance music. Influenced by experimental and ambient genres, Minna-no-kimochi has redefined traditional trance and EDM, creating a cutting-edge post-club sound. Since 2021, they have captivated audiences with their electrifying performances at outdoor venues, abandoned buildings, and warehouses in and around Tokyo, including a viral set at Boiler Room. Now, they are set to take the stage at Terrible Baby Music Room in Hong Kong on May 4, 2024. Joining them for this unforgettable event will be local talent DJ Dong and others, promising a night of high-energy music and pulsating beats. Tickets are priced at HK$211.98, inclusive of one complimentary drink. Don't miss the chance to witness Minna-no-kimochi (Japan) live at Terrible Baby, as they transport you to a realm of environmental trance like never before.

Karaoke/Arbitration! ICCA edition - Hong Kong is heading to Causeway Bay, Hong Kong for an exclusive event on May 6, 2024, at Red MR. Sponsored by Schellenberg Wittmer, this gathering promises a night of entertainment, networking, and refreshments. Starting at 8:30 pm, attendees can enjoy singing sessions, nibbles, and two complimentary drinks in a relaxed setting. This event offers a unique opportunity for professionals to unwind and connect in a casual environment. Guests are reminded to adhere to the K/A! Chatham House rules, which prohibit the sharing of photos or videos on social media platforms. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a bathroom singer, all are welcome to join Alex, Catherine, and Janice of the K/A! Board for a memorable evening. With limited spots available, secure your free ticket now for a chance to participate in this one-of-a-kind experience in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.

The Asia Funeral Expo 2024 is a highly anticipated event covering a wide range of areas related to funeral and cemetery products and services. From caskets and urns made of various materials such as metal, wood, crystal, paper, and advanced materials, to exquisite jewelry and paintings/photos, this expo will showcase the latest trends in the industry. Handicrafts, pet funeral and memorial products, candles, embalming technology, repatriation services, cemetery services, and computer, website, and internet-related services will also be featured. Visitors can also explore cremation services, pre-planning, and other consulting services. The event will showcase a variety of materials including paper, fabric, plastics, chemical, timber, and metal. Coffin handles and ornaments, as well as decorations and fittings for funeral products, will be on display. The Asia Funeral Expo 2024 will take place at the prestigious Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Mark your calendars from May 7 to May 9, 2024, for this remarkable event. It is an opportunity not to be missed for professionals in the funeral and cemetery industry to stay updated with the latest developments and network with industry leaders.

Retail Asia Conference & Expo (RACE) stands as the premier retail exhibition in Asia, attracting the industry's most influential retailers and buyers. This must-join event presents an exceptional opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of retail. With a strong focus on Retail Technology, Retail Design & In-Store Marketing, and Internet Retailing, RACE showcases the latest trends and innovations shaping the retail landscape. Taking place in the vibrant city of Hong Kong, RACE 2024 is set to be an unparalleled gathering of industry leaders and experts. Hosted at the esteemed Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), this event offers an immersive experience for attendees to explore cutting-edge solutions and gain valuable insights into the future of retail. Attendees can expect a dynamic program featuring educational seminars and networking events. These sessions provide a platform for knowledge sharing, fostering meaningful connections, and staying abreast of the latest industry developments. Make sure to mark your calendars for RACE 2024, which will be held from May 8th to May 10th. Join us at the HKCEC, located at 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, for an extraordinary event that promises to shape the future of retail in Asia and beyond.

Build4Asia 2024 is the premier trade show for the Building, Electrical Engineering, and Security Industries in Hong Kong. It is widely recognized as the number one event in the region, encompassing all aspects of the construction industry. From building materials and automation to cutting-edge smart city technologies and innovative total surveillance systems, Build4Asia 2024 covers every facet of this dynamic sector. This highly anticipated event serves as the ultimate B2B sourcing platform, offering companies a unique opportunity to expand their business horizons and discover new avenues for growth. With a focus on connecting industry professionals, Build4Asia 2024 provides an ideal platform for networking and forging valuable partnerships. The event will take place at the prestigious Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in the vibrant Wan Chai district. Situated at 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, this state-of-the-art venue provides the perfect backdrop for showcasing the latest advancements in the industry. Mark your calendars from May 8th to May 10th, 2024, and join industry leaders, experts, and visionaries at Build4Asia 2024. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to stay ahead of the competition, gain valuable insights, and explore the latest trends shaping the future of the construction industry.

The Asian Securitex 2024 conference, to be held in Hong Kong at the prestigious Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), will focus on the critical issue of dismantling the latest security threats in Asia. A panel of esteemed experts will conduct a thorough analysis of both present and future security risks, exploring coping mechanisms, strategies, and preventive measures to combat and curtail the escalation of these crises. This event, spanning from May 8th to May 10th, presents a unique platform for professionals to delve deep into the pressing concerns surrounding security in Asia, fostering a collaborative environment where insights can be shared, and solutions can be formulated. By attending the Asian Securitex 2024 conference, participants will gain invaluable knowledge and expertise from leaders in the field, enabling them to stay ahead of the evolving threats in their respective industries. Join this prominent gathering of security professionals and be part of the conversation that shapes the future of security in Asia.

This Mother's Day, celebrate the incredible bond between mothers and their children with the Flower Art Jam workshop by MOHLIA at the Hive Studios in Hong Kong. Immerse yourself in a creative session where skilled florists will guide you in crafting personalized canvases using exquisite Ecuadorian preserved flowers. This special workshop is a perfect opportunity to honor motherhood through art and creativity, whether you are a mother, daughter, son, or simply someone who appreciates the essence of motherhood. The event will take place on Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. General admission tickets are priced at HK$370.97 per person, with a discounted rate of HK$763.13 for a pair. Hive Members can enjoy a special rate of HK$350 per person or HK$630 for a pair. Participants will also be treated to two glasses of complimentary wine during the workshop. Secure your spot now for a meaningful and artistic experience to cherish the spirit of motherhood.

Celebrate Mother's Day by embracing the beauty of art at the upcoming Flower Art Jamming workshop with MOHLIA at the Hive Studios in Hong Kong. This special event, dedicated to honoring motherhood and creativity, offers participants the opportunity to work alongside skilled florists to create personalized canvases using exquisite Ecuadorian preserved flowers. The workshop is open to all individuals looking to celebrate the essence of motherhood, whether you are a mother, daughter, son, or simply appreciate the spirit of this occasion. Take part in this unique experience on Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Hive Studios. General admission is priced at HK$370.97 per person or HK$763.13 for two (10% off for pairs), while Hive Members can enjoy special rates of HK$350 per person or HK$630 for two (10% off for pairs). Participants will also receive two complimentary glasses of wine to enhance their creative experience. Secure your spot now for a memorable evening celebrating art and motherhood.

The Saturday Comedy Showcase in Hong Kong presents a series of Backstage Comedy featuring top local talents and captivating touring acts. Hosted by Ryan Hynek, the lineup includes Annie Louey, Chris Musni, Pete Grella, Kári Gunnarsson, and Baiwan, promising an evening filled with laughter and entertainment. The show is conducted entirely in English and guarantees an enjoyable experience for comedy enthusiasts. Make your way to BaseHall 2 at 1 Connaught Place #15 LG/F, Hong Kong, HKI on May 11, 2024, to witness this hilarious event. Tickets are priced at HK$211.98, offering great value for an evening of quality comedy performances in the vibrant city of Hong Kong.

Experience the ultimate handstand workshop with Victor Chau at The Handstand Club. Taking place on May 11, 2024, from 2:30 to 5:30 pm at The Yoga Room, located at 104 Jervois Street 4th Floor, Hong Kong, this event offers a comprehensive 3-hour session for HK$780. Students who have previously participated in any of Victor's workshops at The Yoga Room are eligible for a 10% discount. This workshop caters to individuals at all skill levels, from beginners to intermediates, providing a structured learning environment that covers basic to advanced handstand techniques. Participants will engage in a series of warm-up exercises followed by personalized drills tailored to their proficiency level. The Handstand Club welcomes non-yogis seeking to develop or enhance their handstand practice. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to refine your skills under the guidance of Victor Chau in a supportive and encouraging setting.

Experience the ultimate Sunday Social Dance Party at the Concord Commercial Building in North Point. Immerse yourself in a night of rhythmic bliss with a fusion of Zouk, Bachata, and Pop music selections curated by the talented DJ Laura. The event promises a lively ambiance, drawing in passionate international dancers for an evening of movement and connection. Don't miss this chance to groove to the beats and expand your social circle in a welcoming environment. Mark your calendars for May 11, 2024, from 6pm to 9pm, and head to 20F, Concord Commercial Building, 157 King's Road, North Point, HKI. Tickets are priced at HK$158.99, with a special discount available for students who have purchased a class package. Treat yourself to a night filled with music, dance, and joy at the Sunday Social Dance Party.

Experience the Art Painting Workshop hosted by Artist Anisa Nazz in Sai Ying Pun. This event offers an afternoon of creativity and relaxation where participants can indulge in painting on canvas, enjoying delicious cakes, and sipping on warm chai. Whether attendees are seasoned artists or simply looking for a fun activity, this event caters to all. Let imaginations soar while enjoying the serene atmosphere, surrounded by sweet treats and aromatic tea. An opportunity not to be missed, payments can be conveniently made via Alipay, PayMe, FPS, or Cash. Join British Artist Anisa Nazz at Second Street, Sai Ying Pun on May 11, 2024, for a unique and delightful artistic experience. Admission is free for all interested in exploring their artistic side in a cozy and welcoming setting.

PO8, a prominent figure in the Chinese rap scene since emerging in early 2017, stands out from his contemporaries with a unique blend of storytelling, social reflection, and introspection in his music. As a skilled lyrical rapper, PO8's exceptional wordplay and independent thinking resonate deeply with fans. From his debut with "Poetry Sleep" to his acclaimed 2021 album "The Guilt of Butterflies," PO8 has been praised as a poet with a pen. His latest release, the 2023 Hip Hop album "Hot Island," has garnered critical acclaim and awards nominations for its authentic portrayal of the era. Following the success of "Hot Island," PO8 embarked on a nationwide tour, captivating audiences with his musical charm and exploration of urban life and emotions. As he brings his music to Hong Kong for the first time at the "Hot Island" event on May 12, 2024, fans can expect exclusive live renditions and a chance to rediscover their own existential meaning through his performance at MoM Livehouse in North Point.

The Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong 2024 is set to take place from May 16 to May 19 at the Hong Kong Convention And Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. This event offers a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in arts and culture, featuring a diverse selection of artworks from over 18 different countries, all priced under HK$100,000. Attendees can look forward to live paintings, large-scale installations, family-friendly activities, and a delightful ambiance with sparkling bubbles for everyone to enjoy. Discounted tickets are available for online bookings, with ticket prices ranging from HK$114.68 to HK$354.45. Various admission options are offered, including VIP Preview, Opening Night, Public Opening, and Family Morning sessions. To ensure a seamless experience, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance. Children under 16 can enter for free when accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket or invitation. Don't miss this opportunity to explore and appreciate affordable art in a vibrant and cultural setting at the Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong 2024.

Experience the 23rd edition of the popular live panel comedy game show, "Hong Kong As F*ck," hosted by Garron Chiu at the esteemed BaseHall 2 venue in Hong Kong. The event is set to take place on Saturday, May 18th, offering an evening filled with laughter and entertainment. Join Garron Chiu and a talented group of panelists for a brand new edition of this beloved comedy show, conducted entirely in English. Get ready to witness a night of laughter and fun as the show promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Secure your tickets for HK$211.98 to ensure your spot at this highly anticipated event, located at 1 Connaught Place #15 LG/F, Hong Kong, HKI. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of the excitement at "Hong Kong As F*ck: A Comedy Panel Game Show #23"!

Trip.com Mobile App only Priority Booking Note Sale Date: From 10:00 on April 10, 2024 to 23:59 on April 11, 2024 or while supplies last (Hong Kong Local Time) Ticket price: HK$1,680, HK$1,480, HK$980, HK$680 (all seats) Sales platform: Trip.com Mobile App only (if you browse this page on the mobile computer website, you will not be able to see the countdown card, and will not be able to book at that time~) *This round is a priority booking. There are no wheelchair seats for sale, and there is no seat/area selection. Seats are allocated by the system in order of reservation. The final seat number is subject to the seat information on the physical ticket received. *The price of each ticket shown on this ticket purchase page is the ticket price plus a HK$50 ticket purchase administrative fee About IU Concert Since her debut in 2008, IU has established herself as a unique all-rounded artist in the Korean music industry based on her strong singing skills and creative activities. Since her debut, IU has continued to grow her music production skills and has sought various possibilities. As a result, she topped the music charts with favorable reviews. Her representative songs include "YOU&I", "Blueming", and "Good Day", and she has always expressed her passion for music on stage and showed different charms for each song, capturing the hearts of her fans, collectively known as “UAENA”. IU released her sixth mini-album "The Winning" on February 20 after about two years and two months. She participated in the composing of lyrics for all the songs, adding to the completeness of this album, and immediately after its release, all the songs dominated the top ranks of various music charts, signaling the return of the "Music Queen." Starting with this mini-album, IU held "2024 IU H.E.R. WORLD TOUR CONCERT" and reported that it will meet UAENA at home and abroad. The news of the first tour in about four years since "Love, Poem" in 2019 was even more welcoming to overseas UAENA.

Don't miss the chance to unwind and indulge in a well-deserved relaxation session on May 28th at 12:30pm at the Neurographic Art: An Art Expression for Relaxation event in Hong Kong. This unique art form was created by Dr. Pavel Piscarev, a Russian psychologist, artist, and architect, in 2014. Neurographica involves drawing freeform lines known as neurolines on paper, guiding you to de-stress and meditate as the pen glides across the page, forming intricate shapes and patterns. By focusing on the drawing, participants can momentarily detach from their worries and anxieties, aiming to reset and release negative emotions onto the paper. This art therapy technique is grounded in the scientific exploration of visual thinking and pattern recognition, making it a valuable tool in managing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Join this transformative experience at the ESG Innovation Lab, located at 28/F, 28 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, HKI. Tickets for the event are priced between HK$0 to HK$158.99.

City As Studio - Hong Kong’s first major exhibition of graffiti and street art, tracing the evolution of a global movement. Curated by Jeffrey Deitch and presented by K11 Art Foundation and K11 MUSEA, City As Studio will feature over 100 works by more than 30 artists, showcasing the breadth and depth of the graffiti and street art scene across generations, styles and geographies. The exhibition includes works by genre pioneers including Jean-Michel Basquiat, CRASH, Fab 5 Freddy, OSGEMEOS, Keith Haring, Lady Pink, Lee Quiñones and more. Get ready to embark on a journey of imagination, celebrating the spirit of street art. Exhibition Date: 20 Mar 2023 - 14 May 2023

It is no accident that during the modern Atomic Age of the 1950s and ’60s—when the elemental nature of the relationship between light, energy, and matter had been made evident to all mankind— many painters began to focus uniquely on form and color in their work: elevating these two central components as the sole protagonists of their art. In America, this marked the period of color-field painting, with artists like Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman creating large-scale canvases filled with blocks of emotive, abstract color. In Europe, another type of color-form painting also became a mainstay of various avant-garde artists from Pierre Soulages and Alberto Burri, to Lucio Fontana and Zao Wou-Ki. From the 1950s onward, each of these artists used their own modes of color-form abstraction to explore the intrinsic relationship between light, energy, space, and matter. For Soulages, as his (“beyond-black”) paintings reveal, the concentration on black pigment allowed for the discovery of illumination and light. “My instrument is not black,” Soulages insisted “but the light reflected from the black.” His works including and , exemplify his ethos: “I found that the light reflected by the black surface elicits certain emotions in me. These aren’t monochromes. The fact that light can come from the color which is supposedly the absence of light is already quite moving, and it is interesting to see how this happens.” By applying paint in dense, material layers and using varied tools as well as brushes to generate smooth and rough surfaces, Soulages created surface textures that absorbed or emitted light. “Rather than movement, I prefer to talk of tension,” Soulages said, “and rhythm, yes. We can also say form: a shaping of matter and light.” While Soulages made use of monochromatic fields of black to portray light, Italian artists such as Alberto Burri and Lucio Fontana took monochrome painting in other directions. For Burri, planes of single hues, as seen in (1986–87) became a means of exploring the innate nature and self- expressive potentials of painted matter—while for Fontana, monochromatic tone was a vehicle for the articulation of deeper understandings of cosmic space. In his investigations of space, including his works, and (1968) in particular, Fontana destroyed the material surface of the canvas with a slash of a knife, opening up the saturated red picture plane to the embracing voids of space. In so doing, he created a painting that unites form, color, material, and space through his decisive gestures. A similar use of spontaneous energy to form painterly matter underpins the pictorial abstraction of Chinese artists like Zao Wou-Ki and Chu Teh-Chun, who, working in Paris from the 1950s onwards, sought to meld traditional Chinese painting with the color-form explorations of Western abstraction. By contrast, Pat Steir’s series reflects the attempts of an American-born artist to draw inspiration from Eastern approaches to color and form. Deeply influenced by Chinese paintings, Zen Buddhism, and the example of John Cage, Steir’s work, exemplified by (2017), investigates the aesthetic potentials of chance, gravity, and the weight of pigment to generate a painting’s ultimate form. Steir has said, “The way colors mix and the way they touch each other explains the world to me like mathematics explains the world to a physicist.”

A new publication ‘Glenn Ligon: Distinguishing Piss from Rain; Writings and Interviews’, edited by James Hoff, will be released by Hauser & Wirth Publishers on 25 June 2024. Ligon’s solo exhibition ‘Glenn Ligon: All Over The Place’ will be held at Fitzwilliam Museum (the University of Cambridge’s principal museum) from 20 September 2024 – 2 March 2025. Alongside his paintings, sculptures and prints, the artist will curate a series of site-specific interventions throughout the museum aimed at peeling back layers of its exhibition history. About the exhibition ‘Stranger #98’ (2023) is from Ligon’s Stranger paintings, his longest running series, which first began in 1997 and renders excerpts from James Baldwin’s 1953 essay, ‘Stranger in the Village.’ In the text, Baldwin recounts his experience of visiting the small mountain village of Leukerbad, Switzerland, where he encountered villagers who had never met a Black man before him. He connects the experiences to global structures of racism, colonialism and white supremacy and analyses how they manifest in both the United States and Europe. In the Stranger series, Ligon stencils text onto the canvas with oil stick, creating a relief made of sentences. As the stencil is moved across the canvas, oil stick residue and smudges from previous words mark the canvas, obscuring some of the text. The text is further abstracted by the addition of coal dust—a black, gravel like waste product of coal mining—to the surface of the painting. Through the work’s varying degrees of legibility, Ligon evokes both hypervisibility and invisibility in the Black experience and explores language’s inability to fully articulate issues surrounding race, citizenship and subjecthood. As Ligon remarks, ‘The essay is not only about race relations but about what it means to be a stranger anywhere.’ [1] The new Static series sees Ligon building on this technique but to more abstract ends. Like his Stranger paintings, Ligon stencils excerpts from Baldwin’s text; however, here he uses white oil stick on a white gesso ground, subsequently rubbing black oil stick on the raised forms. In applying pigment to the overlapping layers of letters, the artist creates different degrees of abstraction and emphases their illegibility. The resulting compositions come to form a visual representation of static: the absence of a coherent transmission signal on a radio or television and the resulting noise. This series questions whether language--in our ‘post-truth’ world—can function as a way to describe the cultural moment we find ourselves in. Similarly in his untitled works on paper, Ligon pushes the limits of abstraction by employing the traditional rubbing technique of frottage. Using a single Stranger paintings as a textured surface on which Kozo paper is placed, the artist rubs carbon and graphite to translate the blurred text from canvas to paper. The spontaneous forms that emerge build upon the idea of ‘improvisational abstraction,’ which is central to the artist’s practice, exploring the tension between accident and intention, conscious and subconscious. All three series offer a reflection on, in Ligon’s words, ‘the things that can be said and the things that cannot be said, or the things that are difficult to say, or that remain opaque despite this will to be clear and explain...’[2] About the artist Glenn Ligon (b. 1960) is an artist living and working in New York. Throughout his career, Ligon has pursued an incisive exploration of American history, literature, and society across bodies of work that build critically on the legacies of modern painting and conceptual art. He earned his BA from Wesleyan University (1982) and attended the Whitney Museum Independent Study Program (1985). In 2011, the Whitney Museum of American Art held a mid-career retrospective, Glenn Ligon: America, organized by Scott Rothkopf, that traveled nationally. Important solo exhibitions include Post-Noir, Carre d’Art, Nîmes (2022); Glenn Ligon: Call and Response, Camden Arts Centre, London (2014); and Glenn Ligon – Some Changes, The Power Plant Center for Contemporary Art, Toronto (traveled internationally) (2005). Select curatorial projects include Grief and Grievance, New Museum, New York (2021); Blue Black, Pulitzer Arts Foundation, St. Louis (2017); and Glenn Ligon: Encounters and Collisions, Nottingham Contemporary and Tate Liverpool (2015). Ligon’s work has been shown in major international exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale (2015, 1997), Berlin Biennial (2014), Istanbul Biennial (2019, 2011), and Documenta XI (2002). [1] Glenn Ligon quoted in Jason Moran, ‘Glenn Ligon’, Interview Magazine, June 8, 2009, unpaginated. [2] ‘Glenn Ligon: In the Studio,’ Brooklyn, New York, 2021 © Glenn Ligon / Hauser & Wirth.