Upon the announcement of The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University in partnership with Hong Kong Art School (HKAS), the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) class of 2016 opened their graduation exhibition with a reception on the evening of 23 January 2016, marking the 18th year of the programme. The exhibition took place at the Hong Kong Arts Centre, recognised as a local arts incubator, in Wan Chai and held in the prestigious Pao Galleries, a gallery space known for housing world-class art events. It showcased 46 graduating artists' work, which was the culmination of over a year of research, planning and execution.
The student's fine art education had taken place during a dynamic period for Hong Kong and indeed the world. Capturing the spirit of the current age, the exhibition title, INCITE - a word often used to describe rebellion or movement into action – reflected the distinct energy they had harnessed into their work over the past three years of the programme. The exhibition incorporated new perspectives, it questioned the status quo and it showcased the pursuit of new ways of thinking, seeing and doing through artistic expression. The collective work was meant to stir up emotion and to provoke the viewer into finding deeper meaning beyond aesthetics through their contemporary interpretations as the new generation of Hong Kong artists.
Inspired by rigorous, multidisciplinary training, the class presented work across three major media: ceramics, painting and photography. Each piece on display was a reflection of the knowledge gained through the research and practice-based learning provided at RMIT and HKAS. Dr Edwin Lai, HKAS Programme Coordinator and esteemed curator, noted: "I eagerly look forward to seeing this exhibition; there are so many students of great potential in this cohort."
Celebrating its 18th anniversary, the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) program is truly a unique cross-cultural offering, attracting local and international students from all walks of life, each with a distinct perspective and voice. HKAS and RMIT's collaborative programme offers aspiring Hong Kong artists and creatives the ability to receive an internationally recognised Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) degree from a top-tier university.
The exhibition was made possible through generous support from the headlining sponsor, Burger Collection Hong Kong, with additional backing from major sponsors including Aesop, Asia One Integrated Communications Services, Celebrity Cruises, Hanart TZ Gallery, Nikon, Spring Workshop, from contributing sponsors, Alison Pickett Corporate Art & Sculpture Consultants and Jebsen Co. Ltd., from beverage sponsor Hong Kong Beer Co. and from paper sponsor Polytrade Paper Co. Ltd.
INCITE - Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) Graduation Exhibition 2016
Artist: 46 graduating students from the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) programme
Date: 24 January to 15 February 2016*
*The gallery was closed in observance of Chinese New Year from 8 to 10 February 2016
Time: 10am to 8pm Daily
Venue: Pao Galleries, 4/F-5/F Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Remarks: Free Admission
