THE Hong Kong Human Rights Arts Prize 2020 presented by the Justice Centre Hong Kong has announced its shortlist of 35 artworks. The Artworks will be showcased in an exhibition open to the public at the Goethe-Institut Hong Kong. The prize, now in its sixth edition, is curated by KY Wong and is to be judged by an international panel. The judges include – alongside others – Christy Chow, Hong Kong based artist and 2017 prize winner and, notably, Jeremy Deller, English conceptual, video and installation artist and 2004 Turner Prize winner as well as Chantal Wong, Director of Culture, Eaton Workshop Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Human Rights Arts Prize 2020 Shortlist – Nga Chi Yuen, He Xie Jia Yuan
(Harmonious Homeland), photograph
The selected works are by artists from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The judging itself was conducted blind with the panel not given access to the artists’ age, experience, gender, name or nationality.The works were shortlisted from 97 pieces submitted by established and emerging artists. Spanning a range of themes, the artworks document; recent civil unrest in Hong Kong, treatment of ethnic minorities and increasing surveillance by states of their citizens in addition to the legacy of the controversial post-war British policy of sending orphans abroad for a new life.
Chuen Kwun Lam – Floating City for Hong Kong Human Rights Art Prize
Promoting Art as a catalyst for social change, Chantal Wong, Hong Kong Human Rights Arts Prize Judge, says the prize “offers a unique way to share the stories of those whose voices are not being heard”. Contemporary issues are brought to light. Katie Vajda, one of the judges for the prize, has noted the many entries “unsurprisingly” dealing with the “harrowing and ongoing political situation in Hong Kong”.
The winner of the Prize will be announced on 12 May followed by an online auction (details shared shortly). They will receive one of Asia’s most prestigious art awards alongside a prize of HKD35,000. Two runners-up will each receive prizes of HKD7,500 and HKD5,000. Each of the exhibited works will be available for purchase via auction, with all proceeds supporting the non-profit work of Justice Centre Hong Kong.
by Rosie Fitter
The shortlisted artists will be exhibited at the Goethe-Institut Hong Kong from 1May 12 until June 6.
The Prize relies on generous donations from the public – interested parties can learn more and donate to the crowdfunding campaign here.