The Open Studio - 16th & 17th January

One young artist gets some tips on gesture drawing.

The Spitting Gecko Studio joined with many other JCCAC studios and art spaces in opening to the public. The 16th and 17th of January, " Watch Out - Shek Kip Mei"gave the public audience the opportunity to explore the physical studios that artists use to create their artwork. Groups of visitors where able to observe artists drawing and painting from a life drawing session using a model. A variety of poses were used, beginning at one minute and some poses continuing on for forty-five minutes. Some of the enthusiastic onlookers grabbed some paper and drawing materials and also participated with the drawing group. It was a great chance to talk about art with many people, share their views and opinions about their interrpretation of art.

Visitors to the centre also visited the the “Joint Exhibition HK+GZ” of City Festival and the Art Market fair held in the Central Atrium.

More pictures can be seen in the news section of www.spittinggecko.com

Sydney Art 2009

October was a short trip to Australia, visiting Sydney to see some of the local art on show.
A number of events were happening including ART Sydney. A huge pavillion provided an art space for around one hundred artists and galleries. The theme was on affordable art from many emerging and established artists. Some pictures of the evening can be seen at this weblink : http://www.artsydney09.com.au/as09/imagegallery.asp

Mary Place Gallery in Paddington featured a group exhibition of contemporary Australian artists. The exhibition, "7", included works by Nadine Saacks, David Solomon, Robin Eliovson, Marion Kramer and Hazel Kleviansky. Paintings and sculpture were exhibited throughout the gallery. The above paintings are the work of Andre Wilmans.

The exhibition of CHARWEI TSAI featured performance and instalation art with her calligraphy covering tofu and lotus leaves. The emphasis was on the calligraphy and the material which was also in a process of decay and changing form. The top left image displays one of these calligraphic pieces. http://www.altmedia.net.au/exhibition-charwei-tsai/12554

The TAP Gallery hosted a solo exhibition by Sydney and Singapore photographer Marcus Mok. http://www.marcusart.net/
The 2009 Spring Exhibition displayed vivid images from exotic travel destinations and my own favourites of the human figure with Chinese opera masks.

Ray Hughes Gallery was the last exhibition visited with the viewing of Bibbenluke by Lucy Culliton. The many works focussed on the landscape that is her home and backyard. http://www.rayhughesgallery.com/ExhibitionDisplay.asp?exhibitionId=201

"Artist and City"

Artists from the "Jockey Club Creative Art Centre" are currently in the city and will be exhibiting until the 31st of July.

"ARTIST AND CITY" features a number of studios from the art centre. The collection of paintings, drawings, and 3-d work is showing at the A-Link space in the Wanchai,

CC WU Building, C C Wu Bldg, 302-308 Hennessy Rd, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong.

More images can be seen at the news section of www.spittinggecko.com

Darkened Skies and the Dragon Flies, Moon Dances

The darkened and wet skies of Hong Kong were the backdrop for the opening night of "Dragon Flies, Moon Dances". This was a contrast to the bright interior of The Fringe Club's Economist Gallery. With a glass of wine in hand, the audience were there to view the fourth solo show by John McArthur.
This exhibition is a selection of works featuring drawings and paintings by the Hong Kong resident. The artist has drawn on the experience of living in Asia and this collection combines images that have made a visual impact. Some of the art reflects a literal representation of objects, while the rest are images created from the artist's imagination. The calligraphic elements are often a link between the variety of images.
Traditionally the Chinese saying "dragon flying, phoenix dancing" refers to life being prosperous, joyous and successful. This exhibiton uses those elements as a reference but concentrates on the joyful rythm of line and colour.

The exhibition continues until the 29th of May.

"Dragon Flies. Moon Dances"

"Dragon Flies, Moon Dances" opens this weekend at the Hong Kong Fringe Club - The Economist Gallery. The opening is 6.30- 8.30 pm , Saturday, May 23rd.
The solo show features work inspired by Hong Kong and Asia. Art is used as a connection between my own culture and the experience of living in Asia. The images reflect words and symbols that have made a personal impact and are a visual narrative. Icons such as Cantonese Opera performances and temple lions influence the images. The series of artwork combines drawing, painting and calligraphic elements.

More information is available at http://www.hkfringe.com.hk/e5.html

Exhibition, Reflections and "Asian Art Therapy"

"Dragon Flies, Moon Dances" will be the first solo exhibition I have held at The Fringe Club in Central, Hong Kong. It is a collection of artwork following the theme of combined images and calligraphy. The elements are inspired from travelling and living in Asia, and partially an observation of Chinese culture, especially Opera.

Recently I spoke at The Asian Art Therapy conference, held in Hong Kong.

While preparing the presentation " Creative Journey, Cultural Bridge" and the creativity workshop, I had time to reflect on the images in my work and the reasons I enjoy using them. The participants at the conference were also provocative in their questioning and gave me valuable feedback. (Some pictures of the conference are above.) The Workshop held was fostering creativity through a variety of techniques and media. Collage, and mixed media were used to create words and images combined as one piece. The participants also created a lively atmosphere in the studio.

Thank you to Ms. KIM, JI SUN from Korea, for her photographs.

Opening exhibition:

Koru Contemporary Art & Gaffer present:

Australian Contemporary Art 2009

at The Rotunda, Exchange Square, Central, Hong Kong


Opening Reception:
Monday 2nd March 2009, 6:30pm to 8:30pm


Guest of Honour:
Mr Les Luck, Consul-General, Australian Consulate General, Hong Kong


Artists in Attendance:
Chen Ping
John McArthur
Rex Turnbull

Ongoing Exhibition: Voyage of Discovery: Shek Kip Mei to Tsim Sha Tsui