Organisers defend ‘inflatable wonders’ after artist calls final display ‘very ugly,’ and not approved by her
Hong Kong Free Press
Organisers behind a harbourfront installation featuring inflatable, white sculptures of world landmarks have defended the show, after the artist called the display “very ugly.” She said she had not given her approval for the final design, and hoped the exhibition would be axed.
The disagreement came days after organiser – Central Venue Management (CVM) – set up the large-scale replicas along the Central Harbourfront, each surrounded by large concrete weights and guy ropes.
The free exhibition – funded by the organiser and not by the government – has since been the target of mockery online, with online commenters saying they looked tacky.
In an article published by Yahoo on Saturday, the Armenian artist – who goes by the name Joann – said that, while she had authorised her designs to be used, she was not shown the display before it was finalised.
In response, CVM said in a statement to local media outlets they had been in constant contact with Joann via email leading up to the exhibition. The artist did not request to give the final show a green light to, CVM said.
The artist told Yahoo she did not like how the installations turned out, saying they were “very ugly” and “not well-proportionated.” She also said she agreed with comments that the replica of pre-historic UK landmark Stonehenge resembled an inflatable graveyard.
Joanne said she hoped the installation would be scrapped.
‘Useless plastic crap’
Part of the annual SummerFest along the harbourfront, the inflatable wonders display features five of the world’s landmarks – Stonehenge in the UK, the Easter Island Moai in Chile, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Tower of Pisa in Italy, and the Arc de Triomphe in France.
The display, on Lung Wo Road by the Central harbourfront, began on Friday and will run until mid-August. Entry is free to the public.
In a social media post on Wednesday ahead of the showcase, SummerFest said the display was inspired by the work of renowned AI artist Joann. The event “will transform [Joann’s] digital concepts into large-scale physical installations,” the post read.
On Thursday, another post on SummerFest’s social media pages read: “The pure white design represents simplicity, elegance, and refinement! Bring your friends and dress up in colorful outfits for the perfect Instagram photos!”
Some netizens, however, did not agree. “Just what the harbour-front needs: more useless plastic crap,” one person wrote on Instagram.
Photos taken at night showed the white sculptures lit up against the skyline.
Around one to two dozen attendees were spotted at the exhibition when HKFP attended at dusk on Friday, the opening day.
CVM, which runs SummerFest, is the exclusive operator of the Central Harbourfront Event Space. It was appointed by the government in a tender in 2016, according to the SummerFest website.
HKFP has reached out to Joann for comment.
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