Hong Kong Arts Center, Wan Chai｜Git • Gaai : Hong Kong Art School Higher Diploma in Fine Art Lecturers’ Exhibition

Description

Originating from Buddhism, Git-gaai traditionally refers to a defined sacred zone that shelters practitioners and protects them from external distractions and obstacles. In local Hong Kong culture, the term has evolved to describe a surreal, mysterious supernatural space linked with urban tales of disorientation and unexplained disappearance. It is now commonly used as casual, playful slang in daily conversation and has departed entirely from its original spiritual definition.

Curious about our lecturers’ creative journeys and experiences throughout this transitional period, we stepped into this metaphorical Git-gaai and conducted in-depth dialogues. Through these conversations, we uncovered another hidden boundary within art education: the fixed institutional framework shaped by predefined professional roles. This discovery inspired us to reflect on how invisible limitations shape artistic thinking and govern the sharing of knowledge and creative ideas.

To break free from rigid institutional identities and creative constraints, we invited our fifteen Higher Diploma in Fine Art lecturers to submit artworks that embody their most independent and unconfined creative perspectives – pieces that transcend standard academic conventions. We also welcome past, present and future students of Hong Kong Art School to join open discussions. Together, we can explore and practise the unbiased and unrestricted possibilities of artistic creation beyond hierarchical boundaries.

This exhibition re-interprets the layered meanings of Git • Gaai in the context of Hong Kong Art School. It serves as a remarkable gathering of creative works, a collective transcendence of inherent artistic and educational boundaries, and a progressive vision for the future development of the Higher Diploma in Fine Art programme.

Participating Artists: CHAN Hui Kwan, Casper | CHAN Kiu Hong, Joe | CHAN Sai Lok | HEUNG Kin Fung, Alex | HO Siu Kee | LEE Pik Wai, Louise | LEE Suet Ying | LO Man Him Virginia | POON Fai Wong, Nick | TSANG Chui Mei | WAN Chi Chung, Simon | WONG Lai Ching, Fiona | YAU Man Pun, Ben | YIU Chun Wa, Wallace | YUEN Kam Wa, Magus

Curators: CHAN Po Yee, Bowie | WONG Wing Yan, Paul (Higher Diploma in Fine Art Graduates)