Wong Chuk Hang is Hong Kong’s new contemporary art destination. Eschewing the area’s name, which literally translates to ‘Yellow Bamboo Ditch’ in Cantonese, the industrial neighbourhood has caught the attention of savvy contemporary art collectors and gallerists. It’s importance in the Hong Kong art landscape was confirmed in October last year, when Pascal de Sarthe, director of the internationally acclaimed de Sarthe Gallery, announced the gallery’s move from Central to Wong Chuk Hang. “With over 26 galleries and other art institutions in Wong Chuk Hang, we have chosen to embrace the energy of the area and open a gallery space that is unrivalled in Hong Kong” he explained, “It will allow us to properly honour masterpiece art works as well as expand our Hong Kong program to show an international roster of contemporary artists.” The highly industrial area is often likened to New York’s meatpacking district and affords premium gallerists the space they need.
Among the other must-see destination’s of the area are Spring Workshop, a non-profit experimental arts space committed to a programme of artist and curatorial residencies, exhibitions; Blindspot, one of the cities leading exhibitors of photography; and Rossi & Rossi – an outpost of the London gallery which exhibits leading contemporary Asian art. Nestled above it all is Ovolo Southside, an ideal destination for art enthusiasts to stay in between gallery visits in the contemporary art cluster, after sipping cocktails at its rooftop venue or perusing its ground floor gallery. For those wanting to get in on the action of Art Basel and Art Central this March, the city-side fairs are just a short ride from the newly opened MTR station located several minutes walk from the hotel.