A quick digest of the coolest weekend happenings in Hong Kong.
Friday, April 24
Breathing Canvas: Extended Art Experience
One of our favorite local artists, Kristopher Ho, has collaborated with design studio How & How to create an interactive art exhibition at PMQ. Ho’s intricate, graphic designs have been enhanced with AR technology, adding movement, color, and a whimsical sense of humor to his already-beautiful works when viewed through the free Artitive app. If you think Ho’s work looks familiar, you’ve probably seen some of his stunning murals, from the tiger outside La Cabane (which will also move if you view it through Artitive), to his chrysanthemums in Sham Shui Po and his large-scale column and floor paintings at K11 Musea (which a local celebrity took credit for on Instagram, for some reason).
11am to 8pm until Thursday, April 30 at Kapok, HG10-12, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Sheung Wan. Free.
Black Sheep Restaurants has extended their prix-fixe promo, Black Series, until Sunday. For a limited time only, you can try out a menu of the “greatest hits” from any of their 22 restaurants for a special price. The eateries have been split into four categories, with more affordable, “everyday eats” being offered at Burger Circus, Maison Libanaise, and the like, while more extensive (and expensive) menus can be found at “destination” establishments like Artemis & Apollo, Fukuro, and the group’s premium restaurants like Belon, Carbone, and the new-ish Associazone Chianti.
Until Sunday, April 26 at participating Black Sheep restaurants. Definitely not free.
Virtual Swap: Fashion Revolution 2020
Given the sheer amount of disposable face masks, plastic takeaway containers, and rubber gloves that are being thrown away right now, there’s no better time to be kinder to the earth. Get your hands on some new duds without dropping a ton of cash or contributing to the fast fashion industry by taking part in a clothing swap. Eco-friendly fashion retailer Ril Creed’s taken their Spring Swap online, so all you have to do is upload pictures of 10 pre-loved items from your wardrobe (homewares or brand new makeup are also welcome) to the event’s swap page and browse the other items that are available. You can then pick up the items you want from the store during a designated period.
Until Saturday, April 25 at Ril Creed, Shop 7B, 1/F, Fashion Walk, 11-19 Great George St, Causeway Bay. Free.
Saturday, April 25
Sakura Festival in North Point
While we can’t go to Japan for cherry blossom season, one North Point mall has decided to bring hanami to us. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up (or a good Instagram backdrop), pop by the promenade outside Harbour North Phase 2 and let the fluffy pink blossoms and paper lanterns lift your spirits. To cap it all off, the Harbour North branch of Yata is also offering a number of limited edition sakura-themed snacks, drinks, and personal care products so you can recreate the sakura season right here in Hong Kong.
Until May 31 at Harbour North Phase 2, 123 Java Road, North Point. Free.
Since Art Month basically didn’t happen this year, we’re making up for it by (safely) attending as many online or IRL art events as possible. This Saturday, the Hong Kong Art Gallery Association is hosting a free tour of 11 galleries along the south side of Hong Kong Island. Participating galleries range from established players like de Sarthe, Sin Sin, and Lucie Chang Fine Arts to contemporary stars like Blindspot, A Gallery, and Ben Brown. The exhibitions range from traditional ink paintings to street art-inspired works, and there’ll be a free shuttle bus (timetable here) to take participants from gallery to gallery if they so wish.
12pm to 6pm, Ha Lung Industrial Building, 52 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang. Free.
Sunday, April 26
If you’d prefer to do your art viewing from home, Art Central’s got the answer. After canceling its annual fair in Central, Art Central took its exhibitions online with a digital catalog of all the planned works from participating galleries like Over the Influence, Whitestone, and Contemporary by Angela Li, among others. The website will be updated daily with new pieces until May 1, and also includes a live auction function in case you feel like digging out your wallet (paddles not provided).
Until May 1 on Artsy.net. Free.
Between the protests last year and coronavirus this year, Hong Kong’s independent businesses have had it rough. That’s why PopSquare, a pop-up kiosk company, has launched its weekly Pop Markets at the Zero Carbon Building in Kowloon Bay. In keeping with the venue’s purpose — and PopSquare’s values — the businesses featured are often eco-friendly and sustainable, with a strong emphasis on local design. Every market will only feature eight local businesses, which will give you plenty of room to keep a safe distance from other visitors.
12pm to 8pm, Zero Carbon Building, 8 Sheng Yuet Road, Kowloon Bay. Free.
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