The Best Galleries and Art Exhibits in HK to Check Out in December

From graffiti-ed abstractions of some of our favourite childhood characters, to snapshots that changed the course of photography as a fixture in the arts, here are the best gallery showcases and museum exhibitions to catch in Hong Kong in December 2022!

The Magical Safehouse – Now until Dec. 10

Working with XU Gallery in Shanghai, SENS Gallery is presenting “The Magical Safehouse” collection by Chinese artist Wang Jinbo. The paintings open up a dreamy world of ethereal whimsicality, streaking across in marvellous bright colours with dazzling sparkle accents. A contrast to the themes informing the generation of today, the works beautifully reference the feeling of being disconnected and veiled in a nervous absentmindedness despite being shrouded by constant stimulation. In creating these pieces, Wang found a calming space of solace to explore his own fantasies of self-introspection and self-reconciliation.

Location: SENS Gallery, 1908 Landmark South, 39 Yip Kan Street, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong

Diane Arbus: First Coming – Now until Dec. 21

An artist to first push the medium of photography into the realms of fine art, Dianne Arbus was in fact not as well-known during her lifetime. Offering a glimpse into a collection of seminal titles in her repertoire, this retrospective first debuted at The Museum of Modern Art after her passing with unexpected impact that has since pegged her as one of the greats in the contemporary American zeitgeist. In her lens, the commonplace can be elevated into the sublime.

On a showcase for the first time in the city, the selected photographs cycle through all walks of life, displaying an unobtrusive and unobstructed view of her various subjects with full honesty.

Location: David Zwirner Gallery, 5–6/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Reality Dropout – Now until Dec. 24

Hong Kong artist Little Thunder, moniker of Cheng Sum-ling, is proudly presenting her first exhibition ever with Over the Influence gallery. Titled “Reality Dropout,” the series of paintings draws upon the fantastical stylings of manga to depict surrealistic scenes that mesmerise.

A self-taught artist with roots in ink painting and strong achievements in the world of manga illustration, having published the KYLOOE trilogy and won the Best New Artist award at the 2001 China Japan Comics Exchange, Little Thunder is unveiling these canvas works as the next progression in her practice.

Location: Over the Influence, G/F-1/F, 159 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

Friendly Neighbours – Now until Jan. 2

Drawing from the ever-iconic Sesame Street ensemble, American artist Jon Burgerman is bringing his “Friendly Neighbours” collection to the light-filled Gallery by the Harbour at Harbour City. Evoking fuzzy yet cherished memories of days spent experiencing and learning about the world through the cast of quirky characters and following their adventures, the works reinterpret the beloved monsters with affectionate brushstrokes and diffused colouring.

Sales from the artwork and a portion of profit from souvenirs will be donated to the HKBCF to provide help and resources for blood cancer patients and their families. Browse through bespoke doodle-shaped keychains and adorable plush toys, all of which stand in as a reminder of nostalgic joy and kindness towards a good cause.

Location: Gallery by the Harbour, Shop 207, Level 2, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Enter the Forest at the Darkest Point – Now until Jan. 8

Embark on a journey into the dark depths of a forest towards the inner human psyche. Presented by Ora-Ora gallery, at Tai Kwun's barrack venue, this exhibition features works from United States-based artist Stephen Thorpe, who melds together naturalistic subject matter with an ornate level of detailing to craft paintings that present like antique treasures. Powered by inspiration from 18th-century Flemish tapestries and the poetic words of Joseph Campbell, the explorative trip is one that has been informed by multitudes of visuals and thematic matter to peel back and examine.

Location: Shop 03-105-107, Barrack Block, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong