Artbridger's inaugural residency exhibition at Soho House Hong Kong showcases the culmination of an intensive eight-week creative journey. Selected emerging artists, supported by dedicated studio space and professional mentorship, present works that reflect both individual artistic growth and collective innovation. The exhibition represents a vibrant dialogue between diverse artistic practices, fostered through the unique environment of Soho House's creative community. Visitors will experience new perspectives in contemporary art while supporting emerging talents as they launch their careers through Artbridger's global platform.
The residency & exhibition at Soho House Hong Kong marks a significant moment in nurturing emerging artistic talent. Over eight intensive weeks, selected artists have developed their practice within dedicated studio spaces, supported by professional mentorship and a creative stipend. The exhibition presents the fruits of this transformative period, showcasing works that push boundaries and explore new artistic territories.
Throughout their residency, these artists have been immersed in Soho House's dynamic community, engaging in workshops, artist talks, and collaborative projects. This rich environment of cross-cultural dialogue and creative exchange has fostered new perspectives and approaches in their work. The resulting exhibition reflects not only individual artistic journeys but also the collective spirit of innovation that defines the Artbridger program.
As a launchpad for emerging talents, this exhibition represents more than a showcase - it's a gateway to the global art market. Featured works will be available for purchase through Artbridger's online gallery, connecting these artists with collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. The exhibition embodies Artbridger's commitment to supporting artistic development while building bridges between emerging artists and the broader art community.
12:30 - 1:00 pm
1. Opening Seminar: “No way to be good” HONG Wai
Led by: HONG Wai and Professor LEI Chin Pang
Focus: Cantonese popular culture and bridging Eastern and Western artistic traditions
1:30 - 2 pm
2. Residency introduction: “The True Value of Art”
Curated by: Franco Savadori
Focus: Showcasing works from the 19th century masters, emphasizing the dialogue between contemporary practices and historical influences, introducing the residency artists with a focus on Hong Kong’s prestigious talent, William Tong.
2:30 - 3 pm
3. Masterclass: Innovative Techniques in Mixed Media, Contemporary Ink and Digital Art
Led by: Mediha Ting
Focus: Exploring themes of cultural identity, displacement, and global perspectives
4. Seminar: Navigating the Asian Art Scene
Led by: Francesco Lietti, HONG Wai
Focus: Insights from projects and the artist’s career including details about Lietti’s successful practices in Asian metropolises and an introduction to the artist’s works on display in association with Novalis Art and Design. During the residency, as part of his mentorship, Lietti will be painting a canvas from his earlier series “Colors of Asia” that will be on display during the residency exhibition. HONG Wai: Live painting and intro. HONG Wai continues to complete a painting showcasing the masterful technique of ink weaving as a mentor.
12-2pm
5. Workshop: African Contemporary Art in Context
Led by: Lee Garakara, Mwimibi Fine Art
Focus: Diving into the depths of the African aesthetics with a presentation of South African contemporary artist Fumani Maluleke
2:30 - 3:30 pm
Ane Alfeiran: Memory, Value and the Art of Forgetting
Led by: Ane Alfeiran
Focus: Join Ane Alfeiran as she explores the themes of memory, value, and forgetting in her artistic practice. This talk delves into her creative process, questioning how we assign meaning to memories and how they shape our identity. She will discuss her work created during the Soho House art residency and its connection to the residency’s theme, 'The True Value of Art.'
12-2pm
6. Showcase: Desmond Leung's Multidimensional Art
Led by: Desmond Leung
Focus: Artist Desmond Leung will present 'The DAWN of INNER REALITY,' an immersive body tracking installation where participants' movements and emotions influence a mixed reality landscape in real-time, exploring the intersection of traditional Chinese art techniques, modern technology, and human consciousness.
2:30 - 3:30 pm
ArtBridger’s Middle Eastern Expansion
Led by: Ghanem Hassan
Focus: Ghanem Hassan introduces Artbridger, a leading art platform, highlighting its expansion into the Middle East, a region experiencing a vibrant cultural resurgence with significant growth in the art market, driven by investment and innovation.
21st March, 12:30 - 1:30 pm
9. Residency Closing: 'The True Value of Art'
Curated by: Franco Savadori
Focus: Showcasing works from the 19th century masters, emphasizing the dialogue between contemporary practices and historical influences, introducing the residency artists with a focus on Hong Kong’s prestigious talent, William Tong.
21st March, 2 - 3 pm
10. Masterclass: Innovative Techniques in Mixed Media, Contemporary Ink and Digital Art
Led by: Mediha Ting
Focus: Exploring themes of cultural identity, displacement, and global perspectives.
21st March, 3 - 4 pm
11. Closing Exhibition: 'No way to be good' HONG Wai
Led by: HONG Wai and Professor LEI Chin Pang
Focus: Cantonese popular culture and bridging Eastern and Western artistic traditions.
21st March, 5 - 6 pm
12. LIVE - LEARN - LOVE
Led by: Hanson x Artbridger x Sophia
Focus: Sophia the humanoid robot learns to paint based on machine learning and showcases a presentation introducing the collaboration and the upcoming exhibition of her paintings inspired by Artbridger residency artist selection. Through this process, Sophia will present her feelings and curatorial commentary after listening to Artbridger’s mentors.
21st March, 5 - 6 pm
13. Performance: Sophia sings Anita Mui’s 'Bad Girl'
Led by: Hong Wai x Sophia
Focus: Sophia performs Anita Mui’s hit song 'Bad Girl'.
The residency & exhibition at Soho House Hong Kong marks a significant moment in nurturing emerging artistic talent. Over eight intensive weeks, selected artists have developed their practice within dedicated studio spaces, supported by professional mentorship and a creative stipend. The exhibition presents the fruits of this transformative period, showcasing works that push boundaries and explore new artistic territories.
I am honored to present "The True Value of Art," a landmark exhibition that marks the culmination of Artbridger's groundbreaking residency program at Soho House Hong Kong. This showcase emerges at the intersection of artistic heritage and contemporary innovation, drawing inspiration from the rich lineage spanning 19th-century art through German Expressionism—movements that have profoundly shaped my curatorial vision.
Read the Foreword from Francesco Savordi