Xu Bing Launches Square Word Calligraphy Exhibition in Hong Kong, Promoting Cultural Fusion and Artistic Engagement.

World-renowned artist Xu Bing's signature work "Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" set to debut in Hong Kong

Renowned artist Xu Bing was appointed in March 2024 as Hong Kong's Ambassador for Cultural Promotion. His inaugural commissioning art initiative showcasing his signature work, Square Word Calligraphy, will be launched at the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) starting from tomorrow (March 26). The exhibition gallery will be transformed into a creative classroom incorporating Hong Kong's unique linguistic features to present the "Special Edition for Hong Kong" Square Word Calligraphy. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will also collaborate with MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) to display Xu's newest calligraphy works at four MTR stations: Sheung Wan, Admiralty, Exhibition Centre, and Wan Chai.

Xu Bing is internationally recognised as one of the most innovative and influential contemporary artists. Square Word Calligraphy is his created writing form that started in 1993 - English is written to resemble Chinese characters. This unique writing system highlights the diversity and integration of Eastern and Western cultures, aligning with the essence of Hong Kong's East-meets-West characteristics. Transforming the exhibition space into an interactive classroom, the art installation "Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" created by Xu has been exhibited worldwide, guiding audiences from different cultural backgrounds to learn and write Square Words, enjoy the fun of traditional Chinese art, and expand creativity through switching between languages.

"Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" is set to debut in Hong Kong. Xu has specially incorporated Hong Kong's unique linguistic features, such as greetings and idioms, in the "Eying East, Wondering West - Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" exhibition at the HKMoA. This enriches the meaning and interpretation of Square Word Calligraphy, opening new avenues for cross-cultural and cross-language communication.

The exhibition invites audiences to explore Square Word Calligraphy from three perspectives: appreciation, learning, and application. In addition to showcasing new Square Word Calligraphy works, the classroom at the HKMoA includes writing tools and copybooks for learning and attempting this special writing system. With digital technology, audiences can apply what they have learned by creating words with Square Word Calligraphy. The exhibition will run from March 26 to July 30 at The Wing (Lower), G/F, HKMoA, and will move to the Oil Street Art Space in North Point from September 29 to January 11 next year. Admission is free.

Apart from the exhibition at museums, the LCSD also collaborates with MTRCL to present "Loping and Looking - Art in MTR", which will display Xu's new creations at four MTR stations from March 26 to September 25. Xu will initiate dialogues with the public by writing the greeting "Long time no see", presented in the form of Square Word Calligraphy, at Sheung Wan Station and present the station names of Admiralty, Exhibition Centre, and Wan Chai with his new writing system, integrating art into the passenger journey. This also marks the first global display of Xu Bing's creations in public transportation spaces.

For details of the exhibition, please visit the HKMoA's website (hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/eying-east-wondering-west.html). For information on the "Xu Bing in Hong Kong: Square Word Calligraphy" art initiative, please visit the Art Promotion Office's website (www.apo.hk/en/web/apo/hk_xb.html).

World-renowned artist Xu Bing's signature work "Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" set to debut in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

World-renowned artist Xu Bing's signature work "Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" set to debut in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

World-renowned artist Xu Bing's signature work "Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" set to debut in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

World-renowned artist Xu Bing's signature work "Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" set to debut in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

World-renowned artist Xu Bing's signature work "Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" set to debut in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

World-renowned artist Xu Bing's signature work "Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" set to debut in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

World-renowned artist Xu Bing's signature work "Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" set to debut in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

World-renowned artist Xu Bing's signature work "Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" set to debut in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies

A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.

On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.

Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.

A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.

Source: AI-found images