Hypeart, a contemporary art platform, and THE SHOPHOUSE, a lifestyle and exhibition space in a restored 1930s shophouse, will come together to unveil a group exhibition to spotlight and celebrate the works of Asian emerging artists across the globe. Entitled Global Citizens — Asia, the exhibition will feature pieces from 14 artists to showcase a collective forecast into the futurist implications of portraiture. Situated in a Grade III listed pre-war tong lau (low-rise tenement buildings combining commercial and residential spaces), the exhibition will open to the public from February 24th to March 15th in Tai Hang, Hong Kong for those looking to elevate their personal journey in the ever-evolving world of art.

Global Citizens - Asia will be featuring the new, myriad forms of portraiture that reflect today’s societal attitudes. Prior to the invention of photography, portraiture is a unique record of one’s life and emotions through painted, sculpted or drawn portraits. Hypeart and THE SHOPHOUSE has co-curated a lineup of portraiture artworks from emerging Asian artists from Amsterdam, Beijing, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, New York City, Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo and Xuzhou.

Participating artist, Xue Ruozhe, introduces biopic cues in his paintings that spotlight isolated hands, minimalist female figures and scenes of daily life that offer a kaleidoscopic viewpoint of contemporary notions. Zhang Haoyan’s work probes the subconscious as dreamlike figures and fantastical elements hijack our conceptions of traditional portraiture, as though entering surrealism. Natisa Jones links her personal experiences with her artistic work by using various mediums such as writing, drawing, painting, and video. She prioritises honesty and immediacy in her art, and often explores the theme of duality by switching between abstract and figurative styles, and incorporating text in her paintings. Based in Hangzhou, Zhou Xinyu’s visceral portraiture of real-life figures stem from ephemeral moments she has experienced. Working through a muted palette, the artist draws inspiration from subjects in fleeting surroundings — evoking feelings of alienation while touching on the impermanence of human life through rough brushstrokes and gestural distortions. ¥ouada’s works, which include paintings and installations, frequently feature familiar images from everyday life, such as nostalgic cartoon characters, fashion brands, video games, and TV programs. He explores the concept of forced co-branding in his art, examining the intersection of his own identity with that of youth, street, and other cultural scenes.

Gallery address: 4 Second Lane, Tai Hang