Five New Exhibitions to Check Out This August

From Conor Murgatroyd’s vibrant painting to the melodies of Cantopop, this month’s exhibitions are fun, easy-going and light-hearted. Exactly what August is all about.

Conor Murgatroyd at WOAW Gallery

WOAW Gallery in Wan Chai is hosting a solo exhibition by British artist Conor Murgatroyd, whose cool and vibrant paintings depict everything from from London storefronts to self-portraits. Titled Tick Tock, Tick Tock, Tick Toc, the show features 12 new works with historical references that helped mould Murgatroyd’s artistic identity, which are brought to life through real and surreal elements.

Until September 12

Group Show at Ben Browne

Ben Browne’s group summer exhibition, Summer Album, is a chance to see prominent artists such as Awol Eriksu, Damien Hirst, Yoan Capote, Miquel Barceló, Gert & Uwe Tobias and Vik Miniz, all of whom have previously shown with the gallery. The show celebrates the sights and spirit of the season with works depicting waves, beaches, postcards, seaside scenes and even Disneyland. A highlight on display is Yoan Capote’s vast granite sculpture Requiem (Endless Sea).

Until September 7

Chan Ting at PHD Group

PHD Group presents Dreamskin, a solo exhibition by Hong Kong artist Chan Ting, who works with mixed media, images, sound and installations. For this exhibition, Charn restored discarded furniture in her studio, manipulating them by sanding, painting and adding layers of plaster. She views this as a form of alchemy, elevating common materials and turning once-abandoned objects into art.

Until August 31

Cantopop at Tai Kuwn

Tai Kwun’s Block 01 has been transformed for its latest exhibition, which celebrates the composer Joseph Koo and songwriter James Wong, and charts both the rise of Cantopop and the transformation of Hong Kong in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. The show highlights eight of the duo’s most well-known songs, which are presented alongside immersive rooms such as a recreated retro recording studio and an old-school cha cha teng.

Until August 28

Opening Exhibition at Sotheby’s Maison

Since opening its new two-storey space at Landmark Chater, Sotheby’s Asia is running the ground floor like a gallery with rotating exhibitions, while the first floor showcases objects available on a buy-now basis that range from handbags to art. On display this month are historic Buddhist sculptures and art, as well as two works on loan from the Long Museum: Gerhard Richter’s mesmerising Eisberg and a rare Chinese Ru ware pottery dating from 1100 CE.

Until September 11

(Hero Image: Yoan Capote, Palangre, 2017 at Ben Browne)