Adelyn Lau
Hong Kong-style barbecue pork, pineapple buns, egg tarts and milk tea were on display at the Grand Palais in Paris to promote Hong Kong culture.
The unique exhibition, organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and Art Basel, which opened last Wednesday and ended yesterday, aimed to enhance art lovers’ understanding of life in the city.
It featured a model of Hong Kong’s famous cha chaan teng, with a chandelier-like illuminated installation, created by local artist Trevor Yeung Pui-hang.
The artwork is part of his Chaotic Suns series and was also exhibited during the 24th Biennale of Sydney, one of the oldest large-scale international contemporary art exhibitions in the world.
The Paris exhibition is the first project in the Tourism Board’s three-year global partnership with Art Basel.
HKTB executive director Dane Cheng Ting-yat said: “We are honored to be the first tourism promotion organization to establish a global strategic partnership with Art Basel.
”We look forward to continuing to showcase Hong Kong’s unique experiences in different ways at Art Basel exhibitions around the world, highlighting Hong Kong’s status as an international cultural exchange center.”
Director of Art Basel Hong Kong Angelle Siyang-Le said: “Through the quintessential Hong Kong cha chaan teng setting, we are able to introduce international visitors to Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage, history and cultural diversity,”
She also hoped art lovers would join Art Basel Hong Kong, scheduled for March 28 to 30 next year, where they can “explore the city’s vibrant and ever-expanding cultural landscape and its endearing blend of art and lifestyle.”
The manager of the Paris cha chaan teng said guests had been full of praise for the food and beverages.
One of the visitors said it had been a while since their group visited Hong Kong, so they were pleased to savor its signature dishes in Paris. Another visitor complimented the cafe’s comfortable design and level of authenticity, which brought back the memories they had in Asia.
HKTB also invited media outlets from Asia and Europe to experience local culture and ambience at the cha chaan teng, explaining the concept behind the cafe.
Asian media had previously experienced arts and cultural tours and visited key cultural landmarks such as Tai Kwun, PMQ, M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
The board also hosted networking events and seminars.
The upcoming Art Basel Miami Beach, from December 6 to 8, will present another distinctive Hong Kong experience, cementing the city’s position as an international cultural exchange center and the art hub of Asia.
adelyn.lau@singtaonewscorp.com