The Works：Central Asia textile@CHAT, ceramics@UMAG & in the studio: “Seven Foot Six And A Half”

Specialising in textile art and culture, the Centre for Heritage Arts and Textile at The Mills frequently introduces exhibitions and projects that are rooted in tradition. It also showcases contemporary works by artists from across Asia. Work from the Central Asian region is the focus of the current exhibition “Clouds, Power and Ornament” which emphasises not only the tradition but also how that heritage inspires contemporary textile creators.

During the Yuan Dynasty of the late 13th and 14th century, as the Mongols invaded China from the North, many potters fled south, particularly to Jingdezhen. There they took the art of porcelain production to new heights. On show at the University of Hong Kong's Museum and Art Gallery until the end of April, “Red and Blue and White” traces the development of red-and-white and blue-and-white ceramics through the Yuan and early Ming dynasties.

Nestled between Mount Davis and Victoria Peak, Lung Fu Shan, or Dragon Tiger Mountain is the site of Hong Kong’s smallest country park. The 47-hectare green oasis consists of woodlands and hiking trails and is home to over 100 species of birds. There is also a 130-year-old bungalow, which has, since 2008, been used as the Lung Fu Shan Environmental Education Centre. From 10th March, the centre is closed for a while. In advance of that closure, last Sunday ten local music and performance groups brought music and nature together in the park. Among them was the local bassoon ensemble, “Seven Foot Six and a Half”. Three of its members are with us right now.