Newsroom

Hong Chi Association Presents
Neighbour ‧ 活  at Art Basel Hong Kong 2025

An exhibition on the theme of community to showcase the unique perspectives of
artists with intellectual disabilities

(21 March 2025, HONG KONG, CHINA) Hong Chi Association (HCA) is delighted to participate for the second year running in Art Basel Hong Kong, taking place from March 28 to 30, 2025, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year, HCA proudly presents Neighbour ‧ 活, an exhibition that showcases the unique perspectives of artists with intellectual disabilities as they explore the theme of community through creativity.

From the tranquility of gardening to the joy of friendship, these artists transform everyday moments into extraordinary visual narratives, using vibrant colours and imaginative forms to depict love, support, and belonging. Each artwork invites viewers to reflect on their own connections within the community, celebrating the power of inclusivity and the dynamic voices of HCA.

 

Among the featured artists is Leung Ka Him, with mild intellectual disability, autism and ADHD but talented 18-year-old student skilled in digital illustration. His animation works, often inspired by Japanese manga aesthetics, vividly capture the rhythm of community life. In his film “One-Second Dodge”, Ka Him explores a mindful technique as a way to avoid staring directly at people, which can make others feel uneasy. Especially in crowded places, Ka Him reminds himself to look at someone for no more than one second before naturally shifting his gaze elsewhere. This practice not only helps him navigate social settings but also eliminates negative thoughts, bringing a sense of calm and focus to his mind. This introspective concept comes to life in his animation, blending dynamic visuals with a subtle commentary on social interaction.

Ka Him has collaborated with numerous organizations on illustrations, short films, and greeting cards, aspiring to become an "Artistic Pentathlon Champion" in illustration, animation, comics, typography, and game design. 

The exhibition highlights the remarkable talent of HCA members to the public, breaking down barriers by challenging perceptions of ability. By providing a critical platform for these artists to express themselves, the collaboration with Art Basel also fosters a sense of pride to enhance students’ wellbeing, empowering them to embrace their individuality and inspiring others to recognize the value of diverse perspectives in our community.

HCA Chairman Mr. Edward Yau Tang-wah, GBS, JP, shares, "Following our inaugural collaboration with Art Basel Hong Kong in 2024, Neighbour ‧ 活 continues this meaningful journey, highlighting art’s ability to transcend boundaries, spark dialogue, and foster a more inclusive art world for the well-being of all. Such initiatives solidify Hong Kong’s position as a cultural capital that not only embraces diversity but promotes it, serving as a leading voice in driving inclusivity in contemporary art and reinforcing the city’s commitment to nurturing a rich and varied artistic landscape."

On March 28, the Neighbour ‧ 活 Exchange Circle will feature HCA artists who will share their collaborative ceramic works and the creative processes inspired by their daily lives. This interactive event will also offer a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the artists, some of whom will perform live demonstrations, including sketching portraits of guests on iPads to highlight their digital art skills.

HCA warmly invites everyone to join this artistic journey, experience the rainbow of life that unites us all, and witness the limitless potential of artists with intellectual disabilities.

 

Important Information:

Neighbour．活 Exhibition at Art Basel Hong Kong

Date:         26 – 27 March 2025 [Media Preview]

                    28 – 30 March 2025 [Public Viewing]

Venue:      THE ROASTERY, L3 Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

 

Neighbour．活 at Art Basel Hong Kong’s “Exchange Circle”
Date:         28 March 2025

Time:         1:15pm - 2:00pm

Venue:      Exchange Circle, L1 Concourse (near Entrance 1A),
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
 

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About Hong Chi Association

Hong Chi Association, founded in 1965, has grown to become one of the most well-established non-profit organizations dedicated solely to serving over 9,700 people of all ages and all grades of intellectual disabilities and their families in Hong Kong. It operates 105 service units to provide comprehensive services.

Website: www.hongchi.org.hk
Facebook: Hong Chi Association   Instagram: hca_hongchi

Media Enquiries:

Hong Chi Association, Communication and Fund Raising Office

Phone: 26610709

Email: cfr@hongchi.org.hk

 

About Art Basel

Founded in 1970 by gallerists from Basel, Art Basel today stages the world’s premier art shows for Modern and contemporary art, sited in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Paris. Defined by its host city and region, each show is unique, which is reflected in its participating galleries, artworks presented, and the content of parallel programming produced in collaboration with local institutions for each edition. Art Basel’s engagement has expanded beyond art fairs through new digital platforms and initiatives, such as The Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report and Art Basel Shop. For further information, please visit artbasel.com.

(For the media kit, please refer to here)