esea Talks: 'Art in Hong Kong: Portrait of a City in Flux' by Enid Tsui

esea contemporary is pleased to present Art in Hong Kong: A Book Talk by Enid Tsui, an in-depth event exploring the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of Hong Kong’s contemporary art scene through the lens of a city in transition.

In this talk, author and long-time cultural journalist Enid Tsui will introduce her new book, Art in Hong Kong – Portrait of a City in Flux, a compelling and timely account of how Hong Kong’s once-unquestioned status as Asia’s leading art hub is being reshaped by shifting political, social, and cultural forces. Drawing on years of close, intentional observation of the region’s creative industries, Tsui presents a balanced and insightful picture of recent changes in a city once viewed as the poster child of artistic freedom in Asia and the undisputed leader of the region's booming contemporary art market.

The book lifts the lid on a diverse and often paradoxical art scene: a former British colony where artists have long drawn inspiration from the interplay between East and West, and where the new M+ museum and other world-class institutions must navigate the tightrope of fostering vibrant cultural expression while abiding by China’s national security regime. Despite an exodus of talent and uncertainties surrounding censorship, Tsui’s account reveals the resilience of Hong Kong’s art market, the continuing expansion of international auction houses and galleries, and the evolving ambitions of its institutions.

In her words, the book is a response to the polarised opinions surrounding Hong Kong’s recent history, offering space for deeper reflection on the city’s cultural complexities.

About esea contemporary

esea contemporary is the UK’s only non-profit art centre specialising in presenting and platforming artists and art practices that identify with and are informed by East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) cultural backgrounds.

esea contemporary is situated in an award-winning building in the heart of Manchester, home to one of the largest East Asian populations in the UK. Since its inauguration as a community-oriented visual arts festival in 1986, esea contemporary – previously named Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art – has continuously evolved to establish itself as a dynamic and engaging space for cross-cultural exchanges in the British art scene, as well as in a global context.

esea contemporary aims to increase the visibility of contemporary art practices from the East and Southeast Asian communities and their diasporas. It is a site for forward-thinking art programmes that beyond exhibitions also include commissions, research, residencies, publishing, and a wide range of vibrant public events. esea contemporary values creativity, compassion, interconnectedness, and collectivity in implementing its mission.

Photo by Joe Smith.