Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Arts in Hong Kong

By Georgina Straits


The simplest way to experience the enchantment of the East is through fine arts. Hong Kong arts are affected by both the Chinese and English. The local history is obvious while visiting the historical and art collections as well as attending musical and operatic demonstrations.

Hong Kong Museum of Art

Due to Hong Kong's close geographic vicinity, China significantly influenced fine arts in Hong Kong. The Chinese Antiquities Collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art boasts over 4,000 pieces of art varying in age from the Neolithic period to the 20th Century. The wealthy cultural heritage of China is represented in the ornamental and ritual items made from a range of materials such as bamboo, ivory, rhinoceros horn, bronze, jade, lacquer, and glass. The Chinese Fine Arts Collection features modern paintings representing different inventive styles and strategies favored in the 20th Century and pictures the evolution in the styles of Chinese artists. But maybe the best exhibit in the Hong Kong Museum of Art is the collection of historical photographs. The collection conjures up a sense of nostalgia for the exotic wild sweetness of Hong Kong's deltas and harbors prior to industrialization.

Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware

Maybe one of the most original ways to learn about fine humanities in Hong Kong is through a visit to the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware. Tea drinking in Hong Kong was a habit adopted from the Chinese however the British left their mark during their 150 year occupation. In the late 1800s, the first teahouses started to appear in Hong Kong. Initially, folks purchased tea only to function to guests however through time tea has become a common beverage. Visitors to the Flagstaff House Museum to are attracted to the respected collection of Yixing teapots. Hand sculpted from clay cropped from the city of Yixing in China, the teapots became well liked by scholars beginning in the 1500s. The museum also offers an interactive experience with tea gatherings for a very unique demonstration of Hong Kong arts.

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

The British in Hong Kong were influential in the city's music scene. The British brought with them Western classical music, which can on occasion be enjoyed today at a few locales. A show by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is a have to see for visitors. Not only does the orchestra play the significant classics but they also incorporate modern artist. Listening to the mix of Western and Eastern music provides a special opportunity to appreciate the phenomenal history of Hong Kong.

Sunbeam Theatre and Ko Shan Theatre Operas

The Chinese influence in HK is also proof in opera performances. Opera originally debuted in HK in the Cantonese language. Cantonese operas are still held in the Sunbeam Theatre and Ko Shan Theatre. The opera is an alliance of conventional martial arts, acting, acrobatics, and music. Attending a 1 hour Cantonese Opera Appreciation Class at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum is highly commended for visitors to learn about this unique art form. Experiencing the fine arts in person is vital for a comprehensive knowledge of the Hong Kong's historic evolution.




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