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

2025-03-25 13:50 Last Updated At：13:58

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.

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

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

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).

Hong Kong Customs Launches New Term for Youth Empowerment Initiative, Honors Contributions of First-Term Chairperson.

2025-05-12 21:47 Last Updated At：21:58

Hong Kong Customs holds inaugural ceremony of second term of Customs YES Honorary Presidents' Association

Hong Kong Customs today (May 12) held the inaugural ceremony of the second term of the Customs YES Honorary Presidents' Association (CYHPA) at the Customs Headquarters Building. The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, presented appointment certificates to the CYHPA Chairperson, Mr Albert Chuang; Vice-chairpersons Mr Joseph Lin and Mr Kazaf Tam; representatives of supporting organisations and honorary presidents. Mr Chan also presented the Life Honorary Medal to the Chairperson of the first-term CYHPA, Mr Karson Choi, in recognition of his long-standing contributions and support to Customs YES. Other directorates of the department also attended the ceremony.

The CYHPA comprises official and non-official members from different sectors, including legal, commerce and industry, healthcare, innovation and technology, youth services, education and sports, who tender advice and offer multifaceted forms of support to ensure the sustained development and activities of Customs YES.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan expressed gratitude to the members of the CYHPA for their longstanding partnership with Customs, which has laid a solid foundation for the future development of youth. While highlighting that Customs YES has nurtured numerous National Security Youth Ambassadors to promote national security awareness among the public, Mr Chan also encouraged young people to actively engage in social affairs and jointly uphold Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. Customs YES will continue to provide diverse exchange and learning opportunities, fostering youth to become future leaders who care about the country and have a global outlook while establishing a foothold in Hong Kong.

In his speech, Mr Chuang emphasised that Hong Kong's youth are the future builders and successors of the "one country, two systems" and expressed hope that their participation in the nation's major initiatives would strengthen their sense of ownership and responsibility. He also welcomed the five newly appointed honorary presidents and shared his aspiration to lead members of the new-term CYHPA in serving as a bridge, cultivating a new generation equipped with international perspectives, competence, and dynamism.

Since its launch in 2021, Customs YES has over 8 600 young members aged between 12 and 24. For further information of the scheme, please visit www2.customsyes.hk/.

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

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