Visual Arts

Canton Express is the new iteration of the Canton Express project that was part of the exhibition Zone of Urgency curated by Hou Hanru for the 2003 Venice Biennale. Hailed as a major international showcase of works from the Pearl River Delta, the project reflected on how rapid globalisation and urbanisation in China during the 1990s had impacted on the region and its local cultural landscape.

Moving away from painting and political iconography, participating artists expressed their skeptical attitude toward a commercially-driven society through multimedia practices and site-specific installations that explored the physical, mental and emotional complexities of life in the “factory of the world”. Works from the project were later acquired by art collector Guan Yi and donated to M+ in 2013.

The 2017 Canton Express features photography, sculptures, videos, installations and archival materials to highlight a unique regional artistic language. Presented from today’s perspective, the exhibition unfolds the history and challenges behind the 2003 visionary show and demonstrates M+’s commitment to preserve distinctive artistic content and art historical moments within the narrative of the museum collection.

A series of programmes – including storytelling theatre, a teachers’ private view and guided tours for the public, and school groups – will accompany the exhibition. Access services for programmes can also be arranged in advance.

A special selection of readings and primary materials about Canton Express and other relevant projects of Pearl River Delta are on view now at Asia Art Archive. For more information:www.aaa.org.hk

A free shuttle bus service is available between Kowloon MTR Station exit A, the West Kowloon Project Site Office and the M+ Pavilion every Saturday, Sunday, and on public holidays during the exhibition period.

In conjunction with Canton Express, M+ Screenings: City Limits will take place at the Broadway Cinematheque from 4 to 6 August 2017. City Limits explores urbanisation on screen, presenting artist videos, narrative films, documentaries and animations depicting different Asian cities in transition. Beginning with the Pearl River Delta, the world’s largest, most densely-populated urban expanse, the programme progressively broadens its focus to encompass other parts of China and Asia. For details and ticketing information, please visit: www.westkowloon.hk/mplusscreenings