China - Hong Kong Architecture & Art

Architecture

Hong Kong

Although I wasn't particularly inspired by the skyline as we floated in on that grey day, I soon appreciated the shiny mega buildings and the vast blocks of apartments you get as you see as you edge out of the financial districts.

I was amazed how few apartment blocks had balconies. I get that they need to be small, but to be able to just step out a few inches into fresh makes such a difference I think. None-the-less there was something about the buildings in Hong Kong that just drew me in - even the grimy, run down ones!

There's a lot of 40s-60s architecture which I love but sadly they are having a tendency to knock this down (and even older). It's apparently an ongoing battle to convince the Hong Kong big wigs not to rip everything down but that restoration can be good.

Macau:

Well Macau had the huge, vegas-esque casinos standing in massive grounds as well as the narrow european style streets of the old city. Throw in some 60s blocks and you've got an unusual mix but it kind of works. Will be interesting to see how it will change in the future. Hopefully not all big old hotel-casinos but they do seem to be building them on nondescript land - not knocking down great old areas. At least I hope not. But if they do, I hope they are kind of themey and a bit tacky and fun - not dull like the copy of the Wynn they've got there. There were a few example of new architecture that were quirky. Will be interesting to see this place in 10 years.

Art

It was nice to be back in a city full of art. Be it big exhibitions in galleries or street art or illustrations - there was a visual treat everywhere.

Warhol exhibition

We went to the Warhol exhibit at the art museum in the harbour of Kowloon which was really nicely done. Always love a bit of Warhol.
I really liked that the way they advertised the exhibition so proudly and in essence made the building part of the exhibit.