Art Central Hong Kong 26-29 May 2022

AAD Gallery is happy to participate in the prestigious Art Central in Hong Kong this year! Running from the 26th to the 29th of May at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong. Art Central is one of Hong Kong's leading art events, displaying the next generation of talent from Asia’s most innovative galleries alongside distinguished artists from around the world. 

We are excited to be a part of this spectacular opportunity, with featuring artists Shazia Imran and Rudy Rahme to be showcased at this event. Find us at Booth B19 or online! 

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Participating Artists:

Shazia Imran
Sydney based artist, Shazia Imran introduces a new collection that is extensive of her previously renowned Mandala series to Art Central as ‘Mandala: Re-imagined’. This entirely new development of works is a contemporary take on the traditionally explored mandala works that still maintain the signature golden threading, mixed media and acrylic based materials but with further engagement towards circular motifs. Her previous collection centralised on unity and harmony through the idea of wholeness, whereas this series acts as an artistic response to restriction and distraught as a result from the pandemic in 2021, symbolising hope and positive outlooks. This extends throughout her dreamlike cityscapes and spring scenes where vivid colours and blossoming flora reflect such ideas. 
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Shazia’s new mandala collection also incorporates elements of East Asian calligraphy with ink splashes and specifically sourced mono-prints to honour the essence of Art Central itself. 

Mandala Re-imagined

Glimmer of hope
Mixed media on canvas, 89.5 x 89.5cm

​Glimmer of Hope is a mixed media piece that is a part of the Mandala Re-imagined series, a distinguished approach to the original Mandala concept. Although the work uses darker colour schemes, themes of dream, memory and ambiguity express the notion of positive outlooks that are explored throughout the series. The signature gold threading and circular motif reconfigures the previous spiritual representation towards centralising ideas of hope and positive potentials. 

Fantasy island
Mixed media on canvas, 89.5 x 89.5cm

Fantasy Island highlights a unique approach from the original Mandala series while maintaining the signature threading and circular motif. In addition to harmony and connectivity explored previously, this work utilises vibrant, dream-like colour schemes that engage with themes of hope and perseverance in unknown futures. The layering created by the threading and multi-planed cityscapes, reflects the complexity of ideas while also acting as an unveiling that further reinforces ideas of brighter outlooks.

Dreamland series - 1
Mixed media on canvas, 50 x 50cm 

Dreamland series - 4
Mixed media on canvas, 50 x 50cm

            Dreamland series - 7
Mixed media on canvas, 50 x 50cm

Dreamland series - 2
Mixed media on canvas, 50 x 50cm

Dreamland series - 5
Mixed media on canvas, 50 x 50cm

Dreamland series - 8
Mixed media on canvas, 50 x 50cm​

Dreamland series - 3
Mixed media on canvas, 50 x 50cm

Dreamland series - 6
Mixed media on canvas, 50 x 50cm

Dreamland series - 9
Mixed media on canvas, 50 x 50cm

Dreamland series incorporates the iconic circular motif and threading over an impressionist cityscape scene. The style consistently uses vivid colour schemes that are highly dream-like and illusive​​ to stray from conventional approaches towards urban landscape. This engages with the common theme of positive yet unknown potentials found throughout the Mandala Re-imagined series, exploring ideas regarding undisclosed futures that are solely left to imagination. The circular emblem placed in the depth of the square frame heightens the focus as well as the significance of the piece, emphasised by the layering of threading that reflects a notion of unveiling. The collective works invite viewers to observe different attitudes of hope and positive outlooks through varied composition and colour schemes on small-scaled surfaces. In this instance, quantity enhances the work through connotations of limitless potential. ​

Luscious
Mixed media on canvas, 97 x 97cm

Luscious is a unique mixed media approach to the new Mandala Re-imagined Series, exhibiting the complex layering of the acrylic abstract painting more prominently than her previous mandala works. In particular, this work incorporates black calligraphy ink derived from East Asia on a blue themed, fluid ground that reflects the cultural influences experienced by the artist. The signature threading is composed vertically on the outer sides of the work, creating an impression of unveiling for the subtly incorporated circular motif within. Luscious is an abstract approach towards the underlying theme of hope and positive outlooks found in this series. 

Vital Symphony
Mixed media on canvas, 97 x 97cm​

Vital Symphony is a mixed media abstract piece that is a part of the Mandala Re-imagined series, incorporating the noted threading and circular motif in a method distinctive from previous Mandala works. The artwork incorporates layered magenta and neutral hues with bold ink to create a balanced piece consisting of vibrant yet monochrome schemes that reflect themes of perseverance and positive outcomes in moments of turmoil, a commonly understood experience by many. The threading similarly creates an idea of unveiling for the complex painted foundation and subtly elevated circular motif.

Mandala - ​Original collection

Mystique memory
Mixed media on canvas and wood panel, 155 x 96.5cm

​Mystique Memory is an expressionist mixed media work within the original Mandala series, highlighting the idea of unity and human connectivity through a spiritual motif of the mandala on an abstract composition of architectures. Using the signature gold threads to centralise the piece and the elevated emblem, this work incorporates spiritual  elements through the subject matter of a church with layers of rich, vibrant colours that are dreamlike and reminiscent of memory in familiar space. 

 Ornate Memories​
Mixed media on canvas & wood panel
64x94cm

Ornate Memories​ is a mixed media portrait piece found within the original Mandala series, engaging with the signature spiritual emblem of the mandala but in a differing architectural composition. This particular piece draws inspiration from traditional Moroccan architecture which is another familiar infrastructure that embodies the underlying themes of harmony and closeness within human relationships. Similarly, the golden threads that focus the elevated motif are apparent in the work also to reinforce this idea.

Reminiscence
Mixed media on canvas & wood panel
115x94cm

Reminiscence is a large-scale mixed media piece that indicates themes of unity and connectivity through familiar architectural interiors. The Mandala centrepiece being consistently placed on a square, wooden elevation, is enhanced by additional mandalas on parallel sides of the work. The emblem in this instance distinguishes the building summits, reminiscent of spiritual and religious worship. The golden threads and painted acrylic simultaneously present inwards towards the mandala whilst also moving outwards, similarly to sun rays. 

Glorious Passages
Mixed media on canvas & wood panel
64x94cm

Glorious Passages is a mixed media piece that is a part of the original Mandala series, using the signature golden threading and centrepiece of the mandala on a base of cityscape abstracts. While the buildings aren’t specific to certain locations, the nature of memory and unity persist through the idea of familiarity that is depicted through the layering of recognised urban scenery and infrastructures. The mandala itself generates this focus further, enhancing the complexity and harmony of the work. ​

Sydney Opulence,
Mixed media on canvas & wood panel, 156 x 106cm
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Sydney Opulence is a large-scale mixed media expressionist piece that celebrates the artist’s residence in Sydney, Australia. Using the iconic monumental Sydney Opera House, the work creates a sense of familiarity through recognition whilst adding depth and complexity using layering of textiles, perspective and methodologies. The centralised section of the work within the mandala is painted with bolder, vivid colours that depict the most noted representation of the building. On the acrylic foundation, urban scenery and interior depictions of the Sydney Opera house further engage with the celebration of this subject, underlied by threading to promote unity and wholeness.

Blue Melody
Mixed media on canvas, 153 x101cm

This abstract piece is an innovative and versatile use of acrylic paint mediums and mixed media, contrasting and conveying a fascinating sense of balance and harmony. Focusing on the presence of blue hues and tones, spontaneity in the application of mediums is a key factor that accompanies the creative vision. In particular, the work captures components of human emotion and connectivity felt universally, evoking a narrative that applies an immediate visceral effect on viewers. Rather than depicting these notions through pure realism, the work demonstrates this through an engagement with inner sentiments, dynamic expressions as well as abstraction and imagery that allude to human emotions. 
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Symphony
​Mixed media on canvas, 200 x 134cm

Symphony depicts minimal colour combinations with heightened focus on tone. The acrylic and collage work utilises a monochromatic base with layers of varied tonal strokes applied throughout the canvas. The focal point of the vibrant red splashes and orange hues contrast strongly with the grey-scaled foundation, displaying a combination of opposing colours in a harmonious manner. Additional use of black paint reminiscent of Asian ink calligraphy corresponds to the artist’s cultural influences, reinforcing the importance of collaboration to produce a more meaningful as well as extensive work. The large-scaled surface and dramatic application of brush strokes, splashes, and bold colour creates a playful and passionate piece, reflecting positivity through the expression of colour, movement and form. 
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Splash Me Aqua
Mixed media on canvas, 132 x 132cm
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Splash Me Aqua utilises acrylic paint and mixed media on a large canvas surface to engage with emotions surrounding joy, hope and positive outlooks from times of distraught and struggle. Lingering on moments within human emotion, the extravagant applications of paint and intricate layering of collage brings the work to life with varied depths of brilliant tones and gestures. The work highlights a nurturing of such emotions until hope and light is elevated throughout the canvas, using contrast in particular with darker and bolder tones. Hints of intuitive mark making and dramatic colours also combine to narrate elements of passion and spirit. 

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Rudy Rahme
Rudy Rahme explores poetic connotations through realistic bronze sculptures. Working with multi-scaled pieces, his works are often reflective of culturally and religiously influenced stories or characters, creating intricately made sculptures that are dramatic and seemingly in motion. 
His works that will be showcased in Art Central will also include small-scaled bronze sculptures consisting of his signature nude figurines.

The Flame of The Alphabets
Bronze, 25 x 21 x 13cm

The Flame of The Alphabets is a miniature bronze sculpture piece that is a direct response to the poetic background of the artist. The intricately composed piece incorporates carved letters of the alphabet into the beacon of flame that the figure is gracefully uplifting, expressing the significance of words and language. While the figure is small, the fluid yet poised nature of the posture creates height and a sense of reach that further enhances the prominence of the held beacon. 

Cedars Harmony 1
Bronze, 25 x 21 x 13cm

Cedar’s Harmony is a bronze sculpture work composed of multiple figures in varied poses layered as a singular piece. The work mimics the structure of a young cedar tree, reminiscent of the artist’s noted practice involving the creation of figurative works through his renowned tree carvings in Lebanon. The figure’s limbs reflect ideas of tree branches whilst upholding itself on a singular leg, acting closely to a tree stump. The work explores the significance of harmony and human collaboration in regards to relationships found in nature, establishing a greatly poetic piece that uniquely interprets such universal ideas.