Numerous art establishments have been reaching out to the public and raising awareness towards visual art. The British Council is one of the biggest collectors of contemporary British art. Started in 1953, the collection expands to 8,500 art pieces created by 1,650 artists by now. It is known to collect early work, especially by young artists. The collection has independent appeal and includes many avant garde art pieces.

The British Council is working with Sichuan Museum, Xi’an Art Museum, Suzhou Museum and Hong Kong Heritage Museum on touring exhibition titled “Made in Britian – Contemporary Art from The British Council Collection 1980-2010”. With the intention of promoting Britain, the theme stretches across past thirty years – during which the society in Britain, as well as many countries, have undergone some significant changes.

The YBA (Young British Artists) art work is on show, including well-known names such as Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas, Gillian Wearing and Mark Willinger. The art pieces include painting, screen printing, photography, film and multi-media installation, challenging the traditional format. Social and political issues are reflected upon – from the Conservative government headed by former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to Labour government headed by Tony Blair. The exhibition is now showing at Hong Kong Heritage Museum, until 9th October.

Text: Vincent Lau
 | Translation: dilettante
Photo Courtesy: British Council Hong Kong


Hong Kong Heritage Museum
www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk

British Council Hong Kong

britishcouncil.org.hk