HONG KONG, March 5, 2015 - The first major solo Hong Kong exhibition of Yoshitomo Nara, one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary artists, opened to the public at the Asia Society Hong Kong Center on March 6. Running until July 26, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Presents – Life is Only One: Yoshitomo Nara features more than 20 new creations as well as iconic Nara artworks of the past two decades.

Generously supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the exhibition and its accompanying lectures, docent tours and education programs are free for the public to enjoy.

On March 5th, the Asia Society Hong Kong Center hosted an opening ceremony with Yoshitomo Nara and guest curator Fumio Nanjo. ASHK’s Chairman of the Board Ronnie Chan welcomed invited guests and Executive Director S. Alice Mong introduced the exhibition.

“In support of Hong Kong’s emergence as a hub of contemporary art, the Asia Society Hong Kong Center is delighted to present Yoshitomo Nara’s thought-provoking work in this free exhibition. We have also produced exciting educational programs in cooperation with the artist and the Jockey Club that we hope will inspire budding local artists and encourage members of the public to engage with art more deeply,” Ms. Mong said.

Leong Cheung of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust said the Jockey Club was delighted to be the exclusive sponsor of the exhibition, and noted, “the Trust’s donation also covers a wide range of programs, such as customized docent tours, ‘Sunday with Nara’ workshops, public lectures by Yoshitomo Nara, Fumio Nanjo and scholars, and master classes to cross-over with local artists to inspire art appreciation. All these activities, along with out-reach programs to the underprivileged and schools, help bring the exhibition to the next level where more people can experience the beauty of art.”

A series of educational programs also made possible by The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s donation, will offer public lectures by a range of scholars, weekend tours and workshops, and an Illustration Master Class series hosted by local artists. Exhibition visitors will also have the chance to create their own works of art on every last Sunday of the month at the Asia Society Hong Kong Center Landscape Terrace from noon. Completed works can be entered into the “Life is Only One” Art Competition. Throughout the exhibition, outreach partner Hang Lung Properties will present educational workshops and other events at popular locations: Fashion Walk in Causeway Bay, The Peak Galleria and Kornhill Plaza in Quarry Bay.

The public will also be able to purchase unique exhibition memorabilia especially made by Yoshitomo Nara for Asia Society Hong Kong Center. All proceeds will support the Center’s education programs for students and youth. Please check out our website and Facebook page for more details.