HANART TZ GALLERY AND HANART SQUARE

Hong Kong, China

Focus: Contemporary

Artists: Chen Chieh-Jen, Fang Lijun, Feng Mengbo, Qiu Zhijie, Wu Shanzhuan

Johnson Chang, Founder and Director

What was your biggest show of the past year?

At Hanart TZ Gallery, it was the Wang Dongling calligraphy exhibition “Brushing the
Tides.” He is one of the few contemporary calligraphers who is accepted as a player in the contemporary art platform but whose calligraphy is embraced by the traditionalists. At Hanart Square, the solo show of Taiwanese artist Chen Chieh-jen, “Happiness Building I.”

How has the gallery changed since its founding?

Well, that’s a 30-year summary you’re asking for. Since around 2010, we have two locations. One bigger one in Kwai Chung, Hanart Square—it has a proper ceiling, which allows us
to do what we want to do with experimental projects. The Pedder Building space, Hanart TZ Gallery, is used to showcase more established artists, as it is a highly visible space. We’re very happy with what we’re doing. There’s more cohesion, and the shows are more complete. The larger space allows us a free hand to experiment, to show the slightly marginal and
also work of substantial volume. Before, I have always needed to do these types of projects through my curatorial role outside of the gallery.

What are your plans for the next five years?

To do more exhibitions for artists who have more scholarly research. They are artists who have attracted the attention of researchers and scholars who are doing work on them, so when I present them, there is more full-bodied presentation, or they are exhibitions that in themselves create a very coherent and rich statement.

What’s your favorite place to eat near the gallery?

In Central, the Luk Yu Teahouse or the China Club. In Kwai Chung, we like a local cafe in an industrial building full of factory workers.

What emerging artist are you excited about?

Video artist Qiu Shiming. He completed his first major work in 2007 or 2006, but he only made three works in last five or six years. All three are major works.