In collaboration with L+/Lucie Chang Fine Arts
Exhibition Opening: 17.5.2024 (Fri), 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Exhibition opening hours:
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Mon - Fri)
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM (Sat)
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Goethe-Institut Hongkong is pleased to present, in collaboration with L+/Lucie Chang Fine Arts, the exhibition "Rediscovering the King of Kowloon" in the Goethe-Gallery and the Black Box Studio of the Goethe-Institut from May 17 to June 20, 2024.
"He is the Hong Kong legendary figure who treated public spaces as his canvas."
The purpose of this exhibition is to allow everyone to embark on a journey of rediscovering the King of Kowloon, a figure who transcended artistic boundaries and became a symbol of Hong Kong. In his life story, we feel the resonance brought by his indomitable spirit. Throughout his life, Tsang Tsou Choi, also known as the King of Kowloon, never considered himself an artist. To him, graffiti in the streets of Hong Kong was merely a pure form of self-expression. With the passage of time and the shift in Hong Kong's identity, his works, which were once controversial, now carry multiple universal values. The past graffiti on walls throughout Kowloon and the New Territories not only evokes a deep sense of nostalgia for those of us who were born and raised here but also contains meanings that we couldn't decipher about the King of Kowloon's true intentions over the past half-century. These textual traces in public spaces have become a part of our city's landscape, representing our precious collective memories. However, no one has truly understood the content of the King of Kowloon's actual words. Amidst the ever-changing epochs, the King of Kowloon's works have provided solace, stability, and a sense of connection.
His story embodies determination, as he was not only a visual and popular artist but also someone who took action for his beliefs, regardless of others' opinions. Over the years, he has left a vast and profound imprint on the city, dedicating his energy and time to promote and pass on his universal values, which are shared values that humanity has always pursued and longed for. He has consistently advocated for fairness, peace, and respect, which are spiritual qualities that we, as human beings, need to cherish.
“It is the spirit of great love!”
This exhibition not only pays tribute to his unwavering spirit of selflessness but also aims to encourage the general public, who may not understand his works, to deeply reflect on what exactly our living world should strive for. Therefore, we hope that all visitors can not only rediscover the value of the King of Kowloon's works but also contemplate their own individual worth.
Guided Tour: Rediscovering the King of Kowloon
25.5.2024 (Sat) | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Docent: Joel Chung (Hong Kong curator and collector)
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