The Works：Design Trust x Haw Par Mansion, artist David Altmejd & in the studio: Groove Wind Quintet

Many who have lived in or visited Hong Kong in recent decades will remember the fantasy land of The Tiger Balm Garden, and particularly its sometimes-garish sculptural depictions of hell. It was built in 1935 by Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par, the two Burmese-Chinese brothers who created the ointment brand, Tiger Balm.
The site, in Tai Hang, included the family mansion, the Haw Par Mansion, a private garden, and the Tiger Balm Garden which was opened to the public.

Sadly, in 2004, the Tiger Balm Garden was demolished. The ownership of the mansion and the private garden was transferred to the government, which eventually designated it as the location for the Haw Par Music Foundation. At the end of March, the Hong Kong Design Trust used the premises to introduce a project that highlights the relationship between heritage and innovation. New York-based Canadian sculptor David Altmejd, says that the perfect object for him is “something that is extremely seductive and extremely repulsive at the same time.” His works draw on science, religion, magic, psychedelia, sci-fi and Gothic Romanticism. “The Vibrating Man” is not only his first exhibition in Hong Kong but also his inaugural exhibition with the White Cube gallery. It will be on show until 18th May.

In 2014, five local musicians who’d graduated from a range of local and international music schools got together to form the Groove Wind Quintet. They formed the group with the idea that chamber music should reach a wider audience through including works from different periods. Other than music, they want to work with dancers to explore new possibilities and they are here to tell us more.