An Artwork Gallerist’s Information to Hong Kong
Contemporary art gallerist Lorriane Kiang shares her favourite spots in the city.
As Hong Kong gears up for this year’s Art Week, who better to give you a helping hand than the most prominent members of the city’s art community.
Lorraine Kiang is the co-founder of the Hong Kong contemporary art gallery Kiang Malingue, which she runs with her partner Edouard. With spaces in Wan Chai as well as Aberdeen, the duo are a prominent force on the city’s arts scene and have a reputation for showcasing some of the most exciting emerging and established artists from Asia and abroad.
Born in Hong Kong, Kiang moved to the US to study at New York University and previously worked at Christie’s before joining the gallery in 2010.
Now based in Repulse Bay on the island’s south side, it’s clear Kiang is an expert in all areas of the city, with tips spanning Sai Kung to Shek Tong Tsui. She shares where to shop for hipster labels, find the best Sichuan food and why the old-school trams still have the finest views in Hong Kong.
Where in Hong Kong do you call home?
I live in South Bay, which is on the south side of Hong Kong Island. I moved there last year, after the pandemic, because I wanted to be close to the sea.
What characteristics are unique to Hong Kong?
It’s both bustling in the city and yet also close to water and mountains. You can dive into the crowdedness and pull yourself out instantly; there’s always a 7-11 in some corner, and it’s a place where you can never feel lonely.
It’s got ultra-sophisticated restaurants and shops, 70s-style rundown coffee shops, clustered storefronts and neon signs like in a Bladerunner film. The smells are a mix of car pollution, incense from temples, strong fragrance from boutiques and smothering smoke from street food stalls. And there’s always advertising, big or small, in any empty space.
It’s a confusing place that’s commercial, quirky, grungy, and beautiful all at the same time.
How would you describe the energy of Hong Kong during Art Week?
It’s all a bit crazy the first few days because there are too many show openings happening all at once. It’s fun to discover new artists and meet up with old and new collectors, curators, artists and friends from around the region and abroad. It’s definitely the noisiest time for the art world in Hong Kong.
What shows, exhibitions, and events are you most looking forward to this Art Week?
Art Basel Hong Kong will be the highlight for everyone, as the scale will be the largest it has been for the past few years. My gallery, Kiang Malingue, will also have a booth there.
Tell us about Kiang Malingue’s plans this Art Week?
We have three exhibitions opening during Art Week. The highly sought-after Beijing-based painter Liu Xiaohui’s first solo show in Hong Kong, as well as Japanese American artist Carrie Yamaoka’s show, are happening in our two spaces in Tin Wan starting March 23. One of the most important Hong Kong artists of our generation is Wong Ping, and he’ll be having his second solo show with us at our 10 Sik On Street gallery in Wanchai.
An art institution that should be on every visitor’s list?
The M+, for sure, because of its permanent collection, which includes the important Thai artist and filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s installation Primitive. The Ay-O: Hong Hong Hong show by Japanese artist Ay-O is also eye-opening. For those who want to learn more about the history of Asian design and architecture, the Things, Spaces, Interactions show is also enjoyable, and I love the museum’s cinema, which has a carefully curated selection of films.
The best places to eat?
My favourite yakitori place is Toritama in Central. For sushi, I either go to high-end places such as Sushi Saito or the sushi train at Sen-ryo in Causeway Bay, a place I enjoy going by myself and then to Yo-mama for frozen yoghurt next door. A local cafe I like is the Cheung Hing Coffee Shop in Happy Valley, which has been open since 1951. For spicy Sichuan food, go to the Yu Chuan Club in Wanchai. Hansik Goo and Danji for Korean food. Ap Lei Chau or Sai Kung market for their fresh seafood and Jollibee for fried chicken cravings.
The best place for authentic Cantonese food?
There are too many to pick just one! But I suggest Seventh Son, Hop Sze, Ying Jee Club, The Chairman and Duddell’s.
A new F&B venue you love?
Bar Leone is fun. It doesn’t really look like Hong Kong; it looks more like an old bar in Italy, so it reminds me of my year abroad when I studied there. As well as great drinks, the bar food is also well worth trying.
Favourite hotel?
The Regent for their unbeatable views of the Hong Kong harbour.
Where can I find the best fashion in the city?
I like the shops around Paterson Street in Causeway Bay, you have more hipster brands and places like Okura, Kapok and D-Mop that carry a lot of interesting brands. My friend Derrick also has a menswear boutique called DELstore, which is nice too.
What’s something a visitor can’t leave without seeing?
Visiting a temple, any would do; you can find them all over the city. Make a wish.
An architect lover’s heaven?
Tai Kwun revitalised the old Central Police Station compound and now hosts impressive exhibitions and performances that engage with local and international artists. Montane Mansion in Quarry Bay is a good place if you want to take photos to get a sense of how dense and compact Hong Kong can be.
Your happy place in the city?
For lazy mornings on the weekends, I often go to Caffè Parabolica in Repluse Bay either for breakfast, to doodle or to read a book. For quiet time with a friend, Plantation Tea Bar in Shek Tong Tsui is perfect for tea tasting. When the weather is amazing, it would be Long Ke Wan Beach in Sai Kung; it’s heaven.
Best view in the city?
For me, the best view is from the top of the trams. They still cost only 3 HKD, and they can take you everywhere around the city. Even though they move at a slower pace, I find it just the right pace.
What do you love most about Hong Kong?
I have a complex relationship with the city, like a love struggle, but it always feels like home.
(Hero Image: Plantation Tea Bar)
Source: Prestige Online
