Hong Kong’s contemporary art scene is taking centre stage in Italy as “Fermata: Hong Kong in Venice” opens as a Collateral Event of the 61st Venice Biennale. Organised by the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, the exhibition runs from May 9 to November 22, showcasing works by Hong Kong artists Kingsley Ng and Angel Hui.

Inspired by the musical term “Fermata”, the exhibition reflects on pause, reflection and connection, while highlighting Hong Kong’s distinctive East-meets-West culture. Across five installations set within a Venetian courtyard and gallery spaces, the artists blend everyday memories, sound, craft and light into immersive experiences.

Ng’s multimedia works draw inspiration from shared urban scenes in Hong Kong and Venice, including hanging laundry and the city’s night-time sounds. Hui, meanwhile, combines traditional Suzhou embroidery and handcrafted iron window grilles with contemporary artistic expression, creating poetic installations that bridge heritage and modern life.