For a city that is increasingly keen to promote itself as an artistic "hub," a new exhibition that challenges the way we look at the world -- and especially at ourselves -- could not have come at a better time.
Innovations in Radiology - An integration of art, science & technology is running at the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences until August 14 and at its center is the rather remarkable work of Dr. Fung Kai Hung.
As shown in Big surgery through small needle hole, Hung has invented a process that creates "vividly colored 3D artworks from CT and MRI scans using computer 3D rendering technique."
These renderings of the inner workings of the human body are not just about "art" but in their original form are also used to help surgeons navigate their way through operations using robotic appliances.
It's a fascinating take on what actually can constitute "art," and an exhibition that reflects a growing maturity in the Hong Kong art scene as the city vies for international attention with the likes of the Chinese city of Shanghai and regional rival Singapore.
All three cities now host expansive annual art fairs -- with Singapore having launched its first this January past -- as well as annual arts festivals which feature guest appearances by internationally acclaimed acts.
The battle between them even stretches to the film side of the artistic world with Shanghai's annual festival growing in stature yearly and Singapore this June staging its first Screen Singapore market -- an event that hopes to steal some of the thunder from similar more established gatherings in both Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong's leaders have been very vocal about professing their aim to improve the city's international artistic standings. Acclaimed architect Norman Foster has been handed the task of designing the city's HK$2.8 billion (250 million euros) West Kowloon Arts District, complete with museums and galleries -- a venue the city's leaders hope will eventually be regarded as one of the great art districts of the world.
Back at the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, Dr. Hung's prints continue to mesmerize tourists and locals alike. And the man himself quietly managed to sum up why art itself has become more important in the region.
"It's beautiful and useful," he told the South China Morning Post.
Hong Kong:
February-March - Hong Kong International Arts Festival; March-April - Hong Kong International Film Festival; May - ART HK
Shanghai:
June - Shanghai International Film Festival; Sept - Shanghai Art Fair; Oct-Nov - Shanghai International Arts Festival
Singapore:
Jan - Art Stage Singapore; April - Singapore International Film Festival; May-June - Singapore Arts Festival
MS
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