JPS Gallery is pleased to announce our participation in Art Central, the first in-person art fair of 2021 in Hong Kong. The participation also marked one of our most significant art fair presentation to date, showcasing over 30 works by ten local and international contemporary artists. Occupying two sectors: Chung Dim – a central galleries booth, and Yi Tai – a solo presentation, JPS wishes to bring a diverse selection of works that explore the relationship between pop culture, street art and fine art.
The Chung Dim includes a gallery debut of Paul Hunter Speagle (USA), who takes the inspirations from life, love and religion. Okokume (Spain) has created a reflective and powerful painting Reijanah (2021), featuring her iconic character Cosmic Girl. On view will be an epic Goddess (2021) painting by Afa Annfa (HK), and her reimagined The Birth of Venus by Renaissance master Sandro Botticelli. From the studio of Chino Lam (HK) comes Time Traveler (2021), a key work from his iconic Sumerian series. To complete the presentation we will also feature recent works by b.wing (HK), Kila Cheung (HK), Cope2 (USA), August Vilella (Spain) and Yeung Hok Tak (HK). In Yi Tai, we present a large-scale installation of a hyper realistic life-size sculpture Falling Army Man Toy (2021) by London-based artist Michael John Hunter (UK), which challenges the limitation of physical property, visual effects and optical manipulations.
As a first-time participant at Art Central, the presentation is the embodiment of JPS’ identity and core mission – presenting a discerning selection of works dedicated to the digital age and making art accessible for all.
Featured Program
Immediate Aesthetics
2021 Curatorial Director Andre Chan in discussion with Chan Wai Lap, Cindy Ng, Lousy, *Michael
John Hunter, Michael Whittle, and Park Yoon-Kyung on featured Yi Tai Sculptures & Installation
Projects
May 21 2020, 5 – 6pm
Participating Artists and Works
Afa Annfa
b. 1983, Hong Kong
Afa is one of the emerging stars in the local art scene. Her works probe the complexities of human emotions and our connection with one another, capturing tensions between the human psyche and worldly materials.
August Vilella
b. 1986, Barcelona, Spain
August is a self-taught painter who creates oil paintings that open dialogue with contemporary and classical art. Using classical oil techniques, his works evoke a dreamlike aura in a magical, metaphorical and even philosophical language.
Barminski
b. 1962, Chicago, USA
Bill Barminski is an American self-taught artist and filmmaker. He works in many mediums and starting in 2008 began producing cardboard sculptures that focus on white forms with pinstripe outlines to convey the notion of 3D drawings.
b.wing
b. 1972, Hong Kong
Painter and illustrator, b.wing is best known for her signature character A-boy. Her works are wistfully mediative, embracing the complexity of our inner psyche with her sentiments and sensitive narratives.
Chino Lam
b. 1978, Hong Kong
Chino Lam explores the relationship between fine art and pop culture. Combing elements from street art and graphic design onto his artistic creations, his unique visual style captures the hearts of many, making him one of the most popular emerging contemporary artists in Asia.
COPE2
b. 1968, South Bronx, USA
One of New York City’s most prolific graffiti artists. Bringing his raw energy intertwined with his trademark bubble letters and tags, Cope2 is a self-taught celebrated legend who has been contributing over 35 years to graffiti and streetart culture.
Kila Cheung
b. 1986, Hong Kong
A painter and sculptor, Kila Cheung is one of the emerging stars of the local art scene. His unique artistic oeuvre manifested his value for childishness, curiosity, and the courage to think outside of the box and dream big.
Michael John Hunter
b. 1985, Edinburgh, Scotland
Working across mediums and disciplines, Michael John Hunter investigates the question of real and imaginary, moral and ethical as well as perception and presumptions. Installing hyper-realistic sculptures in real-life locations, he challenges the absurdity of today’s value.
Okokume
b. 1985, Barcelona, Spain
Okokume gleeful and colorful works transports the audience into the universe of Cosmic Girl and her companions, preaching the positive messages they believe in. Her cheerful and positive works are met with much popularity, making her one of the fastest growing contemporary artists.
Paul Hunter Speagle
b. 1982, North Carolina, USA
Taking inspirations from life, love and religion, Paul Hunter Speagle creates expressive and colorful works that reflect his passions and beliefs. Working across paintings, sculptures as well as interactive and public installations, Speagle is a versatile artist who explores the world through his works.
Yeung Hok Tak
b. 1970, Hong Kong
Tak’s works explore the Hong Kong identity and recall collective memories. Painting subjects that are uniquely Hong Kong, such as public estates and landscapes of the country parks, through his endearing eyes, celebrating the rich community culture while bringing a certain sense of nostalgia in his canvases.
