LOCAL

Paper-cut art in Southside

Cheyelene Fontanilla reports on the Paper Cut Art Exhibition in Repulse Bay

Artist: Lau Ming-Hang Artist: Lee Huan-Chang

On the ground floor of The Repulse Bay Arcade is a special showcase of an artform dubbed one of the “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO. “Paper·Cut” is an art exhibition that features seven well-known and emerging artists. Combining traditional and modern forms of paper cutting, this folk art, also known as Jianzhi, was once a pastime for generations of women. Having appeared during the Han dynasty in fourth century AD, it became a widespread tradition that women had to inherit and pass on to the next generation. With intricate lines and complex patterns that play with symmetry, shadows and negative space, paper-cutting works were typically created for special events and festivals in those days.

Now, it still holds the power to influence and educate the generations that have followed all these centuries later. In this exhibition, Southsiders have a chance to peek behind the curtain of a wonderfully unique and historically significant genre of art. As conservationists of traditional paper cutting, Li Yun-Xia, and Lee Huan-Chang, two featured artists in this exhibition, have created works that reflect the rich Chinese cultural context of paper cutting and its classical beauty. A rich style was achieved through an interplay between paper of different colors and textures, thick and thin lines and carved patterns of yin and yang. Li Yun-Xia is one of the most important preservationists of this precious art form, while Lee Huan-Chang, who passed away at the age of 90 in 2015, created a legacy and passed on this timeless art to new generations.

Wuba Yang is another artist whose work really adds another dimension to this exhibit. Her pieces stretch beyond traditional papercut patterns. Inspired by Taiwanese ferns since 2017, she chose paper to depict a variety of Taiwan’s common and unique ferns. With her expert use of color and textures, Yang’s paper ferns come to life in their threedimensional forms, creating bold silhouettes that are expressed by the shape of the ferns’ veins.

Lau Ming-Hang’s work adds a new factor to paper-cutting: he creates threedimensional storybook theaters with hollow spaces to capture light and shadow, giving the viewers a fresh perspective to this art form. His creations are composed of cutout Chinese words connecting to form a 3D cluster. The cluster and lighting link to display a lively presentation.

As a graduate in sculpting, Meko Cheng’s creative medium is paper because she is fascinated by its intricacy. She explores the tension of materials in her works through the series of “heavy and light” and “pull and release”.

Chen Yan-Ting, another featured artist at this exhibit, reinterprets traditional paper cut art. Centered around traditional paper cutting, Chen’s modern designs explore similarities and differences between Western and Eastern art forms, creating a unique visual experience, and extends to fashion brand design.

Western concept of design influenced Lee Keng-Chun to refine the beauty of Eastern culture, applying contrasting colors of paper and multilayer patterns to present motifs through paper cut. Western fairy tales are incorporated into his works with the layers highlighting the features and storylines. Lee Keng-Chun takes paper-cutting as the focus of his research, hoping to spread his enthusiasm and love for paper-cutting.

To learn more about this exquisite artform that is rich in heritage and cultural significance, visit artspacek.org.

Paper Cut Art Exhibition

(until February 13, 2022)

Address: Artspace K, G105–106, The Repulse Bay Arcade, Opening hours: 11.00am-7.00pm 2898 8118 k@artspacek.org

Artist: Li Yun-Xia

In collaboration with J Senses

Located at the intersection of Johnston Road and Ship Street, J Senses is a unique dining and lifestyle complex capturing the spirit of Wan Chai’s ever-changing cityscape. Housed in a building where the heritage has been preserved, including the French windows, the inscribed Chinese names of Woo Cheong Pawn Shop and the Hong Kong Yu Clansman Association on the façade, J Senses has become a living heritage where the historic and the contemporary blend harmoniously together. Come visit the complex this festive season and enjoy all the specials it has to offer.

CRUST Italian

a pasticceria (Italian pastry shop) with a restaurant and Italian street food takeaway counter. The all-day venue specialises in sfogliatelle, which are puff pastries filled with lemon-scented cream or custard; street-food style calamari or pizza fritti wrapped in a paper cone for takeaway; and seafood scialatielli served with a 14-hour ragu made with six different cuts of pork beef and veal, among many other Italian dishes. Wash it all down with a variety of cocktails made with Amalfi gins, Campari, and wines by the glass, which are all accompanied by a complimentary buffet of dishes during aperitivo hour. G/F, 66 Johnston Road Tel: 2191 0278

MW Gunpowder Indian RestoBar

Conceptualised by celebrated actor Michael Wong and the team behind Gaylord Indian Restaurant, MW Gunpowder takes inspiration from Indian, Chinese and American cuisine. It offers a number of Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes with bold flavours, including the signature “IndiSum” street favourites in Dim Sum portions. Other options include street savouries, tandoori grills, freshly baked breads and curries, all made with a modern twist that will surely tickle your taste buds. Design-wise, the restaurant boasts a long bar with a hanging shelf in copper tones and a sparkling tile inlay that brings style and sophistication. Meanwhile, the dining section is backed by full-height wine cellars and marbled high tables, highlighted with metallic pendant lights, making for a perfect spot for date night or for catching up with friends. G/F, 18 Ship Street Tel: 2827 7777

RUAM

A vibrant and casual Thai garden eatery and bar set above Ship Street, Ruam is a welcoming venue that serves Thai market favourites and

innovative cocktails. Pronounced roo-uhm, the name is the Thai word for ‘gather’ and reflects its welcoming environment and buzzing atmosphere – a spirited bar, lush expansive terrace and intimate indoor dining area. For a twist this Christmas, head over to try out the restaurant’s Southeast Asian delights. 1/F, 18 Ship Street Tel: 3160 8535

Tenzushi

Known for its modern interpretation of Japanese fine dining, the team at Tenzushi consistently surprises even its most regular guests with delightful innovations. Sporting minimalist décor and modest crockery, Tenzushi chooses to focus on its chefs’ craft and creativity, providing guests with a true omakase experience in a private and intimate setting. 2/F, 18 Ship Street whatsapp: 5533 9263

Qi – House of Sichuan

Helmed by top Sichuan chef Wong Chun Fai, Qi – House of Sichuan has been awarded One Michelin Star from 2016 to 2019 in the Hong Kong and Macau Michelin Guide. Its authentic Sichuan dishes reflect the “seven flavours of Sichuan” – spicy, aromatic, sweet, bitter, sour, peppery and salty and are not for the faint-hearted. If you’re up for the challenge, be prepared to experience a wide spectrum of spiciness and explosive flavours this Christmas season. 2/F, 1-7 Ship Street Tel:

2527 7117

BO Innovation

Obtaining Michelin’s highest honour of three stars for three consecutive years, BO Innovation has taken discerning diners and food critics round the world by storm. Alvin Leung Jr., aka the “Demon Chef“, is the creative wizard running the astounding restaurant. Despite having no formal training, his passion for experimental cuisines and creative improvisation cannot be doubted. 1/F, 1-7 Ship Street Tel: 2850 8371

Christmas Special

22 Ships

This Christmas, 22 Ships brings rustic festive flavours to the comfort of your home. The Christmas En Tu Casa menu includes a classic cold cut selection, Grilled XXXL Carabineros, Blue Lobster Salpicón, as well as the restaurant’s signature Burnt Basque Cheesecake made with Truffle Manchego and more. A whole roasted sucking pig and the Patxaran Royal set are also available a la carte or as add ons, or you can opt for special private catering menus. To pre-order, visit jiacatering. com. G/F, 22 Ship Street Tel: 2555 0722

Bibi and Baba

Gather with your loved ones at Bibi & Baba this season and opt for a cosy feast featuring 3 Festive Season Specials. Exclusively available for the whole month of December, the restaurant has handpicked some of its most popular dishes, such as Singaporean Chilli Crab, Sambal Stingray, and Hainanese Chicken. Spice up the feast and share a pitcher or two of classic Mulled Wine to get into the Christmas spirit. G/F, 1-7 Ship Street Tel: 2555 0628

Want more? Other restaurants at J Senses include Five Guys, LHC Coffee and Zoë.

Visit J Senses at 60A-66 Johnston Road and 1-22 Ship Street, Wan Chai and learn more about its upcoming Christmas events at jsenses.com.hk and follow its Facebook: J Senses, Instagram: @ jsenseshkg, Wechat: J Senses 香港