"Xie Yue" by Luo Yang, Mo-Industries, Singapore, Room 4222

FINAL COUNTDOWN TO A WORLD OF ART IN ! Asia Contemporary Art Show opens Thursday, September 15th

Hong Kong: Thursday September 1 st: Final preparations are underway for the 9th edition of the popular Asia Contemporary Art Show, to be held September 15 th to 18th across four floors at the conveniently located, 5-star Conrad Hong Kong. The Show opens with an invitation-only VIP th Collectors Preview on the evening of Thursday September 15 , and is then open to the public on

Friday, Saturday and Sunday the 16th, 17th and 18th. The public holiday on Friday is expected to be an especially popular time for collectors and art enthusiasts to explore the more than 2,500 works of art on show – original paintings, limited editions, sculpture and photography.

“Diversity and accessibility are the driving forces that compel many visitors to return and draw many new visitors to the Asia Contemporary Art Show each year,” says Show Director Mark Saunderson. “As the only specialised contemporary art show in the second half of the year in Hong Kong, we bring diversity to the art scene.

th “At the 9 edition this Fall, more than 30 countries are represented from across Asia, to South America, to South Africa and Israel, we really bring a world of art to Hong Kong at a range of prices that caters to seasoned collectors looking for the next big thing, to new collectors hoping to kick -start a collection. Our Show and arts marketplace www.asiacontemporaryart.com, offer not only traditional bricks -and-mortar access to art in an inviting environment, but also the ease to browse and buy art 24/7. This combination has ensured our continued su ccess in the often fickle art market.”

FEATURED ARTISTS AT THE 9TH EDITION OF

THE ASIA CONTEMPORARY ART SHOW

JEONG MYOUNG JO, SOUTH KOREA –

Fabrik Gallery, Room 4315

Jeong Myoung Jo’s (b. 1970) stunning work is inspired by the beauty of traditional Korean finery, or “Hanbok”. The opulent gold and calligraphic background in her paintings symbolise at once the desire of the subject as well as her restriction – placed on her by a male-dominated society. The hidden beauty of the woman, faceless, ornate and regal, belies the truth of her inner emotional self. By using bright, bold colours and intricate patterns to help recount her story, the artist offers us the opportunity to understand beauty without the obvious.

Jeong’s work has been exhibited in Germany, the Netherlands and Israel, as well as having been sold out at the Dubai Art Fair. Numerous entities collect her work including the Amore Pacific Group and the GANA Art Collection.

"The Paradox of Beauty #14-04" by Jeong Myoung Jo, Fabrik Gallery, Hong Kong, Room 4315 (top)

"Herstory-passion" by Jeong Myoung Jo, Fabrik Gallery, Hong Kong, Room 4315 (bottom)

ARJA VÄLIMÄKI, FINLAND - Atelier Settre & Välimäki, Room 4111

Arja Välimäki is a Finnish Australian-based artist who draws inspiration from the microscopic details found in the natural world and the bird’s eye views of wild landscapes. Working in the abstract, the artist visually articulates the emotional reflections she encounters when confronted with nature’s raw beauty. She absorbs the imprints and patterns on sand and rocks left behind by the sea and its creatures. What emerges from Arja’s paintings can be interpreted as abstract expressions of flora and fauna.

Arja obtained a BFA and MFA from the University of NSW, . She has exhibited widely in both and Finland and her work is held in public and private collections around the world.

"Snow Drop" by Arja Valimaki, Atelier Settre & Välimäki, Australia, Room 4111 (top) "Spring Flames" by Arja Valimaki, Atelier Settre & Välimäki, Australia, Room 4111 (bottom)

"ABOVE/Chater Gardens" by Martin Lever, Hong Kong, Room 4317

"One Day" by Han Yajuan, Macey and Sons Auctioneers and Valuers Limited, Hong Kong, Rooms 4026, 4226 (left) "There is Just a Door Between Us" by Han Yajuan, Macey and Sons Auctioneers and Valuers Limited, Hong Kong, Rooms 4026, 4226 (right)

HAN YAJUAN, Macey and Sons Auctioneers and Valuers Limited , Rooms 4026 and 4226

Han Yajuan (b.1980) is one of the several Chinese artists of her generation referred to as the “Cartoon Generation,” where the subject inspiration for her paintings is drawn from Japanese Manga cartoons and the “kawaii” or “cuteness” concept. Han’s work is borne out of the context of China’s dramatic growth and modernization, depicting the modern Chinese woman revelling in the economic boom that, the artist believes, epitomises the dreams and aspirations of her generation.

Han obtained a BA from the Chinese Academy of Art in Hangzhou and an MFA from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. She has exhibited across Asia, the USA, South America and . Her work is in the collections of major private and public institut ions, including the Uli Sigg collection in Switzerland.

PATRICK WACK, – Mo-Industries, Room 4222

Patrick Wack’s (b.1979) photography explores China’s people and landscapes. Rural plains, eerie mountains and surreal, disassembled cityscapes provide the backdrop for cinematic-quality images that blend natural and artificial light. His portraits recount everyday life amidst the country’s extreme cultural and environmental changes. Wack’s subjects represent archetypal figures, becoming anonymous representatives of a common humanity. While his dark and dense Huangshan landscapes convey an abstracted, near impenetrable panoramic beauty.

Patrick graduated from Business School in 2005. He

has exhibited in Beijing, Shanghai, Berlin, Singapore and

Paris, and his work has been published in LIFE Magazine,

"Portrait Chongqing 35" by Patrick Wack, National Geographic, The Telegraph and Forbes. Mo-Industries, Singapore, Room 4222

"The City of " by Jeff Murray, United Kingdom, Room 4304

JEFF MURRAY, UNITED KINGDOM - Room 4304

Jeff Murray (b.1986) would like you to take a closer look into his intricate world of surreal illusions, intertwining natural surroundings and realistic impressions. Murray’s pen and ink works compel the viewer to get lost within his detailed world. Drawing influence fro m surrealist masters like H.R. Giger and M.C. Escher, the artist meticulously creates visual worlds inspired by his many travels across continents. His work captures the openness with which he embraces other cultures and their artistic heritage.

Murray obtained a National Diploma in Graphic Design, followed by a Higher National Diploma and a BA in the same field. Along with his passion for travel, the artist is a keen music lover and ‘movie fanatic’.

MEL BRIGG, SOUTH AFRICA - Wentworth Galleries, Room 4104

Mel Brigg (b.1950) is an eyewitness to tumultuous times. Having lived through a socially and politically turbulent era in his native South Africa, this self-taught painter seeks to express the complexities of the human condition on canvas. His landscapes are moody and emotional; sometimes conveying earthly upheaval, and other times endless placid skies. Within the vastness of his canvases are sparsely scattered humans, small and fragile, hoping to find a place of light in an often dark world.

Brigg began painting in 1979. He has exhibited his work in many solo shows in South Africa, Singapore, Australia and select

European cities. His work is held by many

public and private collectors, including "Escaping the Fires" by Mel Bri gg, Wentworth Galleries, Australia, Room 4104 American actor Keanu Reeves.

CHEN JINGYI, CHINA - YangYi Art Studio, Room 4224

Chen Jingyi’s (b.1976) work seems to be making an effort to talk, perhaps mumbling like in a dream rather than a conversation. His stretched figures reach out to you, extending their elongated arms and legs in an invitation to chat. Dynamic, fluid lines create movement and imbue the space with silhouetted angles, yet maintain a distinct sense of harmony. Chen’s linear figures

advise us to find balance, boundary and

relaxation, or are we dreaming?

Chen graduated from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts in 2001 and is currently the vice president of the Guangzhou Sculpture Society. He has exhibited his sculptures in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, as well as select cities in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.

"Footsteps Away" by Chen Jingyi, YangYi Art Studio, China, Room 4224

MARIO GOMEZ, CHILE –

Mishin Fine Arts, Room 4007

Mario Gomez’s (b. 1968) paintings beckon the viewer to recall their own childhood. Many of his images are autobiographical, reminiscences of childhood fantasies. The juggler, ballerina and horse intermingle with simple architectural constructions that are influenced by the literature of Latin- American magic realism. The artist creates a world of fantasy, reassembling familiar images and spaces, creating a new synthesis. The unique juxtaposition of human, natural, and material objects creates a “paper world” – a technique the artist uses to simulate crumpled paper.

Gomez attended the School of Art at Pontifical Catholic University in Santiago. His work is in museum collections in Europe and Asia, as well as the private collection of renowned author Isabel Allende.

"Una Nueva Historia (New Story)" by Mario Gomez, Mishin Fine Arts, USA, Room 4007 (top)

"Secret of Time" by Mario Gomez, Mishin Fine Arts, USA, Room 4007 (bottom)

The Asia Contemporary Art Show would like to acknowledge and thank arts patrons Macey and Sons Auctioneers and Valuers Limited, the Wall Street Journal Asia Edition, Fiji Water, Langton’s East Asia and Venture Studios; as well as hospitality partners Samuel Adams and Leaf Tea Boutique for their support.

Tickets for the Asia Contemporary Art Show are now available for HK$220 (buy one and bring a friend for free) at www.asiacontemporaryart.com. Tickets at the door are HK$220 per person.

To celebrate its 9th edition, the Asia Contemporary Art Show will be collaborating with popular caffè HABITŪ on a series of interactive promotions. Stunning artworks printed on coffee cup sleeves by artists Madeleine Ekeblad and Martin Lever will be shared with patrons across all of caffè HABITŪ’s 13 outlets.

To rouse the artist in all of us, patrons can design their own coffee cup on nifty postcards and then hashtag their artistic creations to #asiacontemporaryartshow, #habitu and #doodlinginhabitu to be eligible to win free tickets to the Show. Postcards are now available in six select outlets*.

rd As a special event on September 3 from 2pm to 4pm, Madeleine Ekeblad, Martin Lever and other artists will make an appearance at caffè HABITŪ on Queen’s Road East to create coffee cup designs with patrons. Join us and let your creativity flow!

* Gloucester Road, The One, Miramar Mall, Elements, Lan Kwai Fong, Queen's Road East

EXHIBITORS AT THE 9TH EDITION OF THE

ASIA CONTEMPORARY ART SHOW EXHIBITOR COUNTRY 1st.iKON South Korea Ala Leresteux Lithuania Art Alliance USA Art JB South Korea Art of Caprice & Frances Hong Kong Artasy Hong Kong Artists in Taiwan Taiwan Artmania Foundation Hong Kong Atelier Settre & Välimäki Australia Audrey Palacios Venezuela BA Contemporary Art Argentina Beijing Central Art Gallery China BEN Gallery China BLINK Gallery Hong Kong Bravo Art Group Israel CK. ART SPACE South Korea Denis Ribas France Deodato Arte Italy Fabrik Gallery Hong Kong Faith Art Gallery Hong Kong Fei Gallery China Galerie GAIA South Korea Gallery ART CENTRE PPLUS South Korea Gallery Artlink South Korea Gallery d'Arte USA Gallery H South Korea Gallery Knot South Korea Gallery Vanessa Project South Korea Gao Xiao Yun Art China Giant Year Gallery Hong Kong Happy Art Museum Latvia Helios Gallery Taiwan iSGO Gallery China Jade Flower Gallery South Korea Jeanne Wassenaar South Africa Jeff Murray United Kingdom Julia Carter Australia K&P Gallery South Korea KF ARTSPACE China Khalifa Gallery South Korea Kiki Gallery South Korea Kim Jae Sun Gallery South Korea Kristina Sretkova Germany Kubrick Artpick Hong Kong La Vu Gallery Hong Kong LANS Gallery Hong Kong Ling Art China Lydia Janssen USA Macey and Sons Auctioneers and Valuers Limited Hong Kong Marcus Chan Studio Canada Martin Lever (Li Wah) Hong Kong Mei Cheng Space China Mertim Gokalp Turkey Mishin Fine Arts USA Mo-Industries Singapore Nancy's Gallery China Narana Art China Nine Gallery South Korea OMSA Art Gallery Australia PAJ'ART Studio & Gallery Thailand Richard Claremont Australia S.I.A.A Gallery South Korea Shazia Imran Australia Smart Ship Gallery Japan Sobrane Australia Soemo Fine Arts China Souske Art Projects Japan Space 1326 South Korea Space 776 USA Suomei M50 Gallery China T+ Contemporary Art Center France The Dragon Year Gallery China The Gallery Eumundi Australia Victoria Velozo Australia Vin Gallery Vietnam Wang Jingwu China Wentworth Galleries Australia YangYi Art Studio China Yann Rebecq Project France Yoon Arte China

Macey and Sons Auctioneers and Valuers Limited

Macey and Sons Auctioneers and Valuers Limited bring a wealth of experience specialising in art valuations, fine art, classic watches and clocks, jewellery, as well as diamonds and fine porcelain to the Hong Kong market. Founded by Jonathan Macey, an auctioneering and finance industry specialist with 25 years’ experience, Macey and Sons provide a unique suite of services that include careful selection of artwork for investment and investment strategies, portfolio building, valuation and investment exit strategies. Master classes on art investment and auctions are also provided to help educate the investor on how an auction operates and how to maximise the value of their investment upon exit. With Macey and Sons, investors can feel confident that their next art investment will be handled by an experienced and knowledgeable team.

-THE END-

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Asia Contemporary Art Show 9th Edition Conrad Hong Kong, 40 – 43 floors September 15 – 18, 2016

Opening Hours: VIP Collectors Preview (by invitation only) Thursday September 15, 5pm – 9pm Friday ART Night (by invitation or ticket) Friday September 16, 5pm – 9pm

General Admission Friday September 16, 1pm – 5pm Saturday September 17, 1pm – 8pm Sunday September 18, 11am – 6pm

Tickets: Specially priced advance-purchase online tickets are on sale now for HK$220, and bring a friend for free (tickets at the door are HK$220 per person). Includes access to Friday ART Night on Friday September 16 with a complimentary drink; plus multiple access Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday.

Free admission for children under 16yrs accompanied by an adult. Buy tickets at http://www.asiacontemporaryart.com/tickets/

High-res images and information are downloadable from: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/egi4ife41001baw/AACAWHHYd0poaWes9YN59NA3a?dl=0

For media enquiries, please contact:

PRIME

Amanda Lui Tel: +852 2973 0171 / [email protected]

Anne Wu Tel: +852 2973 0171 / [email protected]