POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE
Sharmila Rajah explores the art scenes across the region.
TOKYO
WHERE TO GO: SCAI The Bathhouse is one of Tokyo’s most prestigious contemporary art galleries. The 200-year-old bath house was transformed into a white-walled art space and now houses a kaleidoscope of art works from surrealist paintings to digital LED installations. Kashiwayu- Ato, 6-1-23 Yanaka, Taito-ku. Tel: +81 3 3821 1144. ARTIST TO NOTE: Misaki Kawai plays with geometry, pattern, and plenty of bright colours to create mind-blowing paintings of weightlifting robots and surfing octopi. Her works cleverly blend childlike imagery with outrageously bizarre humour.
BEIJING
WHERE TO GO: Alexander Ochs Galleries Berlin focuses on Asian, mostly Chinese, contemporary artists such as Miao Xiaochun, Yang Shaobin, and Yin Xiuzhen. Founded by German gallerist Alexander Ochs, the gallery also represents international European artists. 255 Caochangdi, Airport Service Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing. Tel: +86 10 8456 2054. RISING STAR: Beijing loves the young and dynamic Liu Shiyuan. Her first solo exhibition in May entitled, ‘The Edge of Vision, Or the Edge of the Earth’, involved installations of bright images of flowers, fruit, jewellery, and performers.
MUMBAI
WHERE TO GO: Chatterjee & Lal fills its compact space with cutting edge works that push the boundaries of contemporary art. Expect exciting displays by performance artist Nikhil Chopra, photographer Nasreen Mohamedi, Minam Apang’s vibrant ink-based works, and Aditya Pande’s computer-generated scribbles. 01/18 Kamal Mahal, Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba, Mumbai. Tel: +91 22 2202 3787. ARTIST TO NOTE: Nikhil Chopra is a master of cross-disciplinary works, navigating with ease through drawing, photography, filmmaking, sculpture, installation, and live performance. Chopra often draws from personal history, and has shown extensively internationally.
HONG KONG
WHERE TO GO: 2P Contemporary Art houses the works of local artists. Think performance artist Morgan Wong, multimedia and installation artists Magdalen Wong and Wun Ting Wendy Tai, and Canadian-based talent Will Kwan. Shop 5, GF Poga Building, 6-20 Po Tuck Street, Sai Ying Pun. Tel: +852 2803 2151. NEW MEDIA ARTIST: Hung Keung is noted for his knack of exploring human limitations through interactive and moving digital images; he famously manipulates technology to engage and humour through his films, videos, and new media art.