Five Exhibitions to Check Out This Month

From colonial legacies to the History of Japan’s Metabolism movement, galleries this month explore the impact of historical moments on our world today.

MARITIME HISTORY AT TAI KWUN

Tai Kwun’s DigiRadiance: GOLD_LEAD_WOOD_ COAL is a digital exhibition by New Zealand artist Lisa Reihana that explores the loss in 1901 of the SS Ventnor, a ship carrying the bodies of 499 Chinese gold-mine workers, which connects the maritime histories of Aotearoa/New Zealand and Hong Kong. Curated by Tobias Berger, the multi-channel video installation reflects on colonial legacies and untold personal tragedies within the global Chinese diaspora. Until November 30

PENUMBRA AT PACE

Pace presents Penumbra, a solo exhibition by New York-based Mika Tajima, showcasing her multidisciplinary practice through four series, including Art d’Ameublement and Negative Entropy. The solo show, her first in Hong Kong, explores themes of identity and agency in a Technology-driven world. The title reflects the nuanced space between light and shadow, inviting reflection on perception and existential questions through vibrant colours and forms. Until December 21

MAKING IT MATTERS AT M+

M+ unveils a new ongoing project, Making It Matters, an exhibition exploring the creative process and its global impact on communities and ecosystems. Arranged into four thematic sections – Ceramics, Material Potential,
The Hand and the Machine, Actions and Consequences – the show delves into responsible design and material innovation. A restored capsule from architect Kurokawa Kisho’s Nakagin Capsule Tower is also on display, alongside significant pieces from the 1960s Japanese Metabolism movement, reflecting the museum’s commitment
to architectural History. Ongoing

ALISAN ATELIER’S INAUGURAL EXHIBITION

Southside’s newest space, Alisan Atelier, opens this month with an inaugural exhibition, Remaining the Mountain, Becoming the Ocean, that showcases the first joint presentation of Hong Kong artists Mok Yat-san and Man Fung-yi. Featuring 22 works, the exhibition explores duality and companionship, merging traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary forms, highlighting their unique yet complementary artistic styles. The exhibition fits in with Alisan Atelier’s wider aim to foster collaborative dialogue and support emerging talents. Until December 28

RUTH ASAWA AT DAVID ZWIRNER

This month David Zwirner hosts the first solo exhibition in Greater China of works by the late American visual artist Ruth Asawa. Known for her experimental approach, Asawa’s sculptures and works on paper reveal intricate compositions built from simple, repeated gestures. The exhibition highlights her unique oeuvre spanning both abstract and figurative forms, while reflecting her belief in integrating artistic practice with family life. Until February 22

(Hero Image: From M+, Making it Matters)