20th May 2024
The Oi! Art Space on Fortress Hill, North Point, has been the talk of the town, which piqued my interest. Videos taken here are being shared on Facebook, which made me want to visit the location. The ancient building has been turned into a multi-media art center.
Curious I was, I decided to visit the venue last Wednesday because it was a holiday in honor of the Buddha Festival. After my job hunting, I walked straight to North Point to find Oi! Art Space. I assumed it was Oil until I entered the historical premise, and found it was actually written as Oi!. The street where it is located is known as Oil Street.
This Grade II Historic building, with traditional Chinese design now serves as an Arts and Crafts Exhibition Center in North Point. It was formerly known as Hong Kong Royal Yacht Club. Ever since its opening, it has become a hub for different artists sharing their exceptional art talents with the community.
The current Oi! Spotlight Art Exhibition is called People Mountain People Sea by Gary Card. It actually started since 20th of March and will last until 28th of July. Gary Card is a renowned British artist, and this exhibition is his very first large-scale solo art exhibition in Hong Kong. The artworks on display were inspired by the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures in Hong Kong.
On the lawn by the entranceway of the Oi! warehouse is this giant sculpture called The Dream of Mr. Somebody made from painted fiberglass and steel. Originally inspired by the historical figure Mr. Nobody in Britain from a hundred years ago. Gary made his own version of this comic figure while retaining the original characteristics, and this brings a sense of nostalgia to those who know Mr. Nobody.
There are three art exhibition rooms, and one multimedia art space inside the Oi! Art Exhibition Warehouse. All exhibit different paintings, sculptures, illustrations, graphics, and digital designs by Gary Card.
The Red And Blue Room exhibit purple sculptures consisting of different things that Gary probably has seen in different streets in Hong Kong. Such a brilliant mind of an artist. There are paintings with the same theme as the sculpture as well.
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These artworks seem to have been made from white papers or cartons. It isn't allowed to touch the exhibit sculptures, so I wasn't sure about it. Different unique figures portray different characters.
Meanwhile, in the Rainbow Room, which doesn't appear to be a rainbow to me has sculptures and paintings with different things Gary has probably seen in Hong Kong markets. The sculptures and paintings show figures of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other stuff that are usually seen in market stalls on different streets in Hong Kong.
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Lastly, the Jade Room. This was my favorite among the three art exhibition rooms. Sculptures are like enchanted beings with the same vibes as those mythical creatures. But while looking intently at them, they are like sculptures composed of different daily life stories that are usually seen in the streets of Hong Kong. Different elements are used to portray different Hong Kong scenes. These contemporary artworks are truly impressive.
Finally, the reason people are visiting the Oi! premise is this multimedia art space. The warehouse was transformed into a multimedia art space that allows visitors to have a multi-sensory experience. I was awed upon stepping into the art space. This consists of animated collages from Gary's artwork. There are screens fitted on the walls too that show his digital designs and processes.
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The animated collages projected from the flooring reflect on the mirror walls and ceiling beams. This creates a massive artistic landscape. As we reflect ourselves in the mirror, we become as though part of the artwork as well. Visitors can't keep themselves from taking videos and photos inside with their reflections. Of course, as a photo lover, I did the same too.
You can check my short reel taken at this multimedia art space here.
After spending some time admiring displays and taking enough photos at art showrooms, I took a stroll around the Oi! Warehouse premise. The second floor serves as the office for staff and artists.
There's a stage at the back with a large screen where the digital works of the artists are displayed. Visitors can comfortably occupy seats to relax and watch.
Meanwhile, at the back is this lawn of pebbles for a therapeutic walk. This is called Tap Shek in Chinese, which is a kind of reflexology. There are a lot of benefits to walking on stones, like reducing stress and tension and even lowering blood sugar. So this kind of stone field is commonly seen in different parts of Hong Kong, and, of course, in China. It's kind of hurtful, but beneficial.
After walking on stones, visitors can relax inside this cool hub. Some facilities and art exhibition rooms are free to access in Oi! Arts and Crafts Exhibition Center.
It was a wonderful afternoon stroll around Oi! premise, and the artist artworks are worth visiting.
Thanks for your time.
Jane is a Filipina wanderer in a foreign land who finds comfort in nature and freedom in writing. She loves watching raw picturesque landscapes, listening to the symphony of nature, breathing in drops of sunshine, walking through scenic trails and cityscapes, tasting new culinary flavors, capturing pretty little things, venturing into hidden gems, and dancing with the flow of life.
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