Hong Kong Museum of Art

One of the first Saturdays in Hong Kong, I ventured over to Tsim Sha Tsui to check out the Louis Vuitton exhibit at the Museum of Art.The exhibit was different than expected: half LV product display, half art exhibition. International artists, funded by the Fondation Louis Vuitton pour la Création, each had a room designated for their artwork.

Work by Gilbert and George.

The ceiling of a room projection by Hong Kong artist.

The first project on display: a model of the Jardin d'Acclimatation designed by Frank Gehry (Canadian architect). With an exterior made of glass, the structure will house temporary and permanent art exhibitions. The project is funded by Fondation Louis Vuitton pour la Création and will be built on the western side of Paris. Made me think of you Mat DeLaire!Most of the other projects were short films or mixed media. My favorite was "Les oiseaux", shown on a small television screen. The director filmed birds "massing" in twists and turns at dusk. It was only 8 minutes long but really hypnotizing.

The LV designer luggage collection was not as extensive as expected, but still interesting because I never knew the history of LV brand. A truly inventive designer, Louis Vuitton created trunks for efficient travel. Early luggage catered to those traveling by steamship or train. The trunks were of a specific size with thoughtful compartments. My two favorite pieces were trunks that folded out into furniture: one opened to be a writing desk, the other blossomed into a bed. Fancy that kind of functional furniture in the 1800's!

LV collaborations under the direction of Marc Jacobs were also on display. Prints and products included neon graffiti and hyper pink roses by Stephen Sprouse, open mouth flowers and googoo eyed cherries by Takashi Murakami and twisted references from Richard Prince. (Even three of the last year's gauzy "nurses" were on display!) The exterior of the art museum has been covered by Prince's "Big City After Dark" wallpaper- pulp fictions altered, fading into a series of LV logos.
Related news: French artists Zevs was arrested in Hong Kong about a week after I went to the museum. Known for his usage of logos (one main focus is the LV monogram), he 'liquidates' his work by injecting bright paint. Perhaps for shock value, he was caught 'liquidating' a Chanel logo on a Giorgio Armani store front in HK. Check out Hong Kong's Art Statements Gallery where his work is currently being shown for more information.