“Pearl and Beyond” is an exhibition of studio jewellery presented by AVA of HKBU. It is an exploration of local marine materials, cultivated pearls in particular, since Hong Kong was once an important producer of pearls for the region. Each participant attempts to examine an issue of their choices, through creative usage of pearls and locally found marine objects. This is also an endeavour to tell stories through locally found materials, with the aim of creating awareness in what can be available locally.
Video: https://youtu.be/9Woz1Gi1wic
Exhibition Opening
17 April, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Date: 18 – 27 April 2019
Time: 10:00 – 19:00
Venue: Koo Ming Kown Exhibition Gallery, Communication and Visual Arts Building, HKBU (5 Hereford Road, Kowloon Tong
Kowloon, Hong Kong)
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WORKSHOPS on marine-related objects making
( max: 20 people @ workshop)
Workshop I
“Trash to treasure” by AVA students
27 April, 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Venue: Koo Ming Kown Exhibition Gallery and CVA311 (Jewellery Studio)
Let’s explore the structure and hidden beauty of seashells from kitchen leftover!
During the workshop, participants will have chances to study the structure of seashells by dissecting them in different ways, and will turn them into pieces of jewellery or small objects.
Registration: https://goo.gl/HXcBfT
Workshop II
“Fishing net knotting and weaving”
by Mr. Leung Kam Wa, Fisherman from Hong Kong
27 April, 3:45pm – 4:45pm
Venue: Koo Ming Kown Exhibition Gallery
Fishermen used to make their own fishing nets. These massive fishing nets can be constructed by single strings of fishing line. Come and learn from a practicing expert. You may turn these simple knotting and weaving techniques into something much more than fishing nets.
Registration: https://goo.gl/zsNPny
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TALK “Pearl and Beyond” (CCL accredited)
moderated by Dr. Ching Sze Yin, Cicy, Lecturer, Academy of Vsiaul Arts, HKBU
Session I
“Revitalise pearl farming in Hong Kong”
by Mr. Yan Wa Tat, PhD candidate, The University of Hong Kong
27 April, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Language: English/Cantonese
Hong Kong was a fishing port in the past. Pearling is part of Hong Kong’s marine heritage. The emperor of Nam Han (917 AD- 971 AD) established Meichuan Du (媚川都) in Tolo Harbour and sent more than 2,000 soldiers to fish pearl. In 1950s to 1970s, there were people trying to culture pearl in Hong Kong, but they could not commercialize their operations.
Yan wants to investigate the story and find out the reasons for the past failure. He also wants to find out if it is possible to make use of the fish rafts in Hong Kong to revitalize the industry. To make the business financially sustainable, part of his research is to try to engage different sectors of the community to help the fishermen generate more income from pearl cultivation.
Session II
“Oyster Art”
by Dr. Anna Grasskamp, Research Assistant Professor, Academy of Visual Arts, HKBU
27 April, 6:00pm – 6:30pm
Language: English
To conclude the exhibition “Pearl and Beyond” this talk discusses maritime material culture as matter and metaphor through the lens of twentieth-century art with a special focus on the uses of oyster shells and natural or cultured pearls produced by pearl oysters. How do artists in Hong Kong and elsewhere reflect on ecological relationships through maritime material culture? And why does this have the potential to heighten our awareness of the ways in which we shape matter and matter shapes us? Introducing and discussing a number of ‘shell landscapes’ built by Asian and non-Asian artists this talk addresses questions on origin and belonging, ‘art’ and ‘nature’ as formulated through maritime matter.
Registration: https://goo.gl/XviiJR