Category Archives: Mind Philosophy 艺门

Mind Philosophy 艺门

Seeing Perfection through Imperfection 透过不完美端量完美

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When the moon and stars are aligned, the perfect night is created and in this case, an IMPerfect night of art, wine and friends.

The ‘IMPerfect Creation’ was held in Melbourne’s SpACE@Collins gallery recently featuring award-winning Asian contemporary sculptor Ch’ng Huck Theng’s bronze sculpture creations. Pronounced as “I am perfect”, it was his first solo exhibition in Australia and successfully sold seven out of the 11 pieces on display. The 11 interesting artworks carries its unique story, meaning and philosophy inspired by different people and happenings around the artist.

星月映照的完美夜晚，“IMPerfect”铸造了这个以艺术，葡萄酒和朋友齐聚的沉醉之夜。

“IMPerfect 创作”在墨尔本的SpACE @ Collins艺术画廊举行，这是屡获殊荣的亚洲当代雕塑家庄学腾的青铜雕塑作品展览会。这是他在澳大利亚首次个展，名称发音为“我很完美”，并在11件展品中成功卖出其中7件。而全部 11件的趣味艺术作品带有环绕着创作者身边人与事的独特故事，意义和哲学灵感。

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The opening night was officiated by Rupert Myer, Chair of the Australian Council of the Arts and was attended by more than 150 people, all who were the artist’s close network of friends.

In Myer’s speech, he said: “This new perspective that Ch’ng introduces is the concept of beauty and ugly – in which beauty cannot be seen if one cannot see ugliness. Chng strikes me as not just a business man, he’s an artist and editor with an inquisitive mind. I know this as he interviewed me for his magazine, Essenze, where he seemed to understand my full story even though the interview was just a short one. Rupert continued by comparing Ch’ng’s concepts and philosophies with Australia’s great including artist Arthur Boyd and Albert Tucker. He is a brilliant and talented man.”

The evening was catered by Humbling Eats, one of Melbourne’s finest caterers for fine cocktails.

“The sculptures show us social behaviour that we encounter daily, or that we ourselves act out consciously or unconsciously. Each piece tells a deep story and are inspired from my own personal experience too,” said Ch’ng.

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开幕仪式由澳大利亚艺术委员会主席Rupert Myer主持，逾150人出席参与，显现艺术家丰富绵密的人际网络。揭幕礼贵宾Rupert Myer表示， 庄学腾的作品以新视角解析美丽和丑陋的概念 – 如果一个人看不到丑陋，同样看不见美丽。

“庄学腾的不仅是一名商人，同时具备艺术家和主编的好奇心，我们相识于他主导编辑出版的杂志-御智（Essenze），作为被采访的对象，他似乎理解我全部故事，即使是简短急促的会面，也印证他是一个闪耀和才华横溢的人。”

墨尔本最佳精品鸡尾酒供应商之一 Humbling Eats 也承担晚会餐饮。

“雕塑作品还原了我们每天遇到的社会行为，我们本身有意识或无意识地表现出来，每件作品都叙述一个深刻的故事，大多数都来自我的经历。”

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Some of the pieces are more personal to him. “Princess Liberty for example, depicts the time when my daughter went to university in Australia. So she’s riding a horse which also represents the plane, but I named it Princess Liberty because even though she’s away from home and grown up, she’s still daddy’s little princess.”

“I hope that my art will make us look deeper into our own hearts when faced with issues and problems,” said Ch’ng.

It takes Ch’ng almost six months to create one sculpture and the heaviest piece named “Angel of Love”, weighs more than 100kg.

Ch’ng is currently one of the leading artists and sculptors in Malaysia as this year marks the artist’s 22 years in art. His works are collected not only in Malaysia but around the world by respected institutions that include the National Visual Art Gallery Malaysia, Singapore Art Museum, Hong Kong University Museum & Gallery, Shanghai Art Museum and Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (ENSBA) in Paris.

至于一些更是属于庄学腾个人生活片段。“比如“自由公主”的雕塑，描绘我女儿前往澳大利亚大学念书的时刻，雕像的女孩乘坐的马儿也代表飞机，而命名为自由公主，因为即使她长大与离开家，她仍然是爸爸的小公主。”

他希望自己的作品能让大家在面对问题时更深入地解析本身的心情。而耗费他约6个月时间创作的雕塑作品“摩登老子”，重量超过100公斤。

庄学腾是马来西亚当代领先的艺术家和雕塑家之一，今年是他迈入艺术创作生涯的22周年。另外，不仅在本土，世界各地艺术博物馆皆有收藏其作品，包括马来西亚国家视觉艺术画廊、新加坡艺术博物馆、香港大学博物馆和画廊，上海艺术博物馆和巴黎国立高等美术学院(ENSBA)。

Mind Philosophy 艺门

Dare for Impermanence 勇于铸造无常

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Spend a special moment with your loved ones in one of the world’s first ICEHOTEL, located in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, and experience some of the largest permanent outdoor art exhibit in Sweden. Situated approximately 200 km north off the Arctic Circle, the ICEHOTEL is setting a new precedent by building a permanent ice and snow structure adjacent to its already existing site. Built from natural snice (mixture of ice and snow) taken from Torne River, the environmentally-friendly structure will now cater 365-days a year experience for its guests.

阳光照耀100天长昼无夜，这是地球上最冰冷的奢华空间。全球第一家位于瑞典Jukkasjärvi的冰酒店(ICEHOTEL)，体验瑞典最大的永久户外艺术展览，感受永生难忘的时刻。冰酒店在北极圈北面约200公里处，在现有既定的恒久地点设立新的冰雪结构建筑。而酒店建筑是采用从Torne河流中的结晶(冰雪混合物)建成，环保循环的架构为客人提供每年365天的体验。

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With the new technological advancement, they are now able to maintain the ice structure year-round incorporating energy from a solar cell facility made of 875 m2 of solar panels enough to power other parts of the building including the restaurants during the summer months.

With higher expectations than ever before, it has specially invited and handpicked over 70 artists, designers and architects from around the world based on their creativity, experience and technical proficiency to work on the new ICEHOTEL 365 as well as the 27th edition of the winter hotel.

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随着技术的发展，目前它能够全年保持冰雪结构，包括太阳能电池设施能量，由875平方公尺的太阳能电池板组成，足以在夏季向建筑物的其他部位-包括餐厅供电。

为了展现新创意，特别邀请和挑选来了自世界各地的70多位艺术家、设计师和建筑师，发挥他们的创造力，经验和技术水平，铸造全新的冰酒店365及第27版的冬季酒店。

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The 2016 edition, covering an area of 2,100 m2, will hold 55 rooms, a magnificent ice bar serving 27,000 cocktails in the rocks, and an ice gallery. When parts of ICEHOTEL melts back into the Torne River in the spring, ICEHOTEL 365 will continue to offer visitors an ice experience year-round. The permanent structure will be housing nine deluxe suites, each with its own warm bathroom and sauna, as well as eleven art suites.

2016年版的冰酒店面积为2100平方公尺，容纳55间客房，一个漂亮的冰酒吧，在岩石里供应2万7000种鸡尾酒，其中包括冰画廊。当部分ICEHOTEL在春暖之际融化到Torne河中时，ICEHOTEL 365将继续为旅客提供全年无休的冰上体验。永久性结构将容纳共9间豪华套房，每间自带温暖浴室和桑拿浴室及11间艺术套房。

Image(s) courtesy of images.icehotel.com

Mind Philosophy 艺门

Connecting Captains Capturing Contemporaries: Hong Kong 捕捉现代典雅掠影:香港

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Talk to anyone that has visited Hong Kong before and most will tell you with confidence how one should go about visiting the island. Not to mention, there are plenty of information on the world wide web providing visitors with comprehensive to-do lists and how to go around doing it. In an attempt to bring readers beyond the normal and expected route, we have chosen a few interesting spot for those who would prefer a touch of elegance, class and style.

只要提到去香港，许多人会老马识途般给你扎堆的吃喝玩乐建议，更别提网络上巨细靡遗的旅游攻略。为了试图带给读者超越预期的路线，我们选择趣味的另一面：展现香港优雅、高贵和时尚的风貌。

The Art of Collecting

Hong Kong has a long history of playing the middle man between East and West, hence making this a treasure island for collectors of arts and antiques especially Chinese artefacts. These highly sought-after items continue to see auction houses around the world hammering new record prices every now and then. Hollywood Road and its surrounding areas have historically been the hunting ground for many of such unique pieces  and continue to be a popular area for new discoveries. A note of caution to those who may have stumbled across a good art deal, which more than likely be forged or copied artwork professionally crafted to look just like the real deal. Be prepared to make a purchase with the absolute knowledge of the artwork and mindful that you can always go away and do a little research before coming back with an offer. HK7.png

藏品的艺术
长久以来，香港在东方与西方之间一直扮演着中间人的角色，从而成就它作为艺术和古董收藏家的金银岛，尤其是中国经典文物。从以前到现在，这些受到高度追捧的文物不断在世界各地拍卖行锤击出全新或创纪录的价格。而作为古董古玩的最大狩猎场-荷李活道及周边区域是随时能淘到宝的热点地方。不过，要注意就算发现心仪的艺术品，也可能是专业制作的赝品，只是看起来惟妙惟肖的仿真品。如果做好购买的准备，除了具备对艺术品的绝对知识，其实可以考虑先离开走一圈，过后再回来报价交易。

Pearl Lam Galleries in Pedder Building nearby is a respected art gallery that plays a vital role in promoting Chinese and Asian contemporary art. This unique gallery is committed to encouraging cross cultural exchange and stimulating international dialogues. A few other art galleries are also located in the same building. Another interesting art gallery to visit is none other than the Opera Gallery on Wyndham Street. With a headquarter based in Paris, this well-established international chain of galleries, is one of the leading dealers in modern and contemporary art.

驻扎毕打行的 “艺术门画廊- Pearl Lam Galleries”是相当受推崇的艺术画廊，它在促进中国和亚洲当代艺术起着关键作用。这家独特的画廊致力于跨文化交流与倡导国际对话，而一些艺术画廊也设在同一大楼，其中最吸引人的是云咸街的“Opera Gallery”，这个总部设在巴黎，颇具规模的国际连锁画廊，是现代与当代艺术的主要经销商之一。

C.Y. Tse Antiques & Collectibles founded by Joseph Tse over 40 years ago has a shop along Hollywood Road and a boutique lot in Landmark Prince’s Central. Joseph and Phillip owner to this father and son business have been in the buying and selling of antiques and collectibles for many years. Their  knowledge in the business have gained trust among their regular buyers and sellers in all their purchases. Both shops house mainly beautiful antiques that date back to the Qing dynasty and collectibles from of the Republic era. The Christies’ Hong Kong sales office located directly opposite their shop, in Alexandra House provides some of the latest auction gossips in town.

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The pearl is the heart and the very soul for those who demand exceptional luxury an
d one that provides exquisite taste for fine quality pearl in Hong Kong would be none other than René Hodel. Founded in 2005, the Hodel brand name is one of the most truste
d Swiss brands when it comes to defining nature’s miracle. When it comes to showcasing Hodel jewellery to their friends and customers, René and his wife Linda exert only their undying passion, sincerety and commitment like no other.

大自然的奇迹
夺人心魂的珍珠是华丽的奢侈品之一，而香港优质珍珠品牌当属成立于2005年的René Hodel – 这系列品牌名称源自值得信赖的瑞士品牌，而精致无比的珍珠首饰杰作定义了大自然的奇迹。René和他的妻子Linda把品牌系列首饰展现于朋友和客户时刻，显现了崇高热情与真挚承诺。

Dining Day & Night

One will never go hungry in Hong Kong as it lives up its name as a food paradise providing unsurmountable choices at every nook and corner of the city. It is definitely the place for those who prefer local delights served with a touch of elegance and class. Moreover, some of the best find for the most delicious local snacks or fine dining experience can be found on the internet – the fastest and updated source. These hidden gems are normally found on the upper floors of tall buildings around the city. Whether it is dim sum served at the Sportful Garden Restaurant up on the 24th floor of ISQUARE or a gathering of friends at Budaoweng Hotpot Cuisine in Time Square, Hong Kong’s undying love for food never fail to charm visitors and residents alike.

餐饮的日与夜
这是一个绝对不会挨饿的地方，作为美食天堂，香港的每个角落旮旯都有吃喝惊喜。无论是当地的美食抑或优雅的高级料理，只要一个点击就能捕获美味餐馆，除了网络上铺天盖地的美食体验和介绍，周围环绕的高层建筑楼上总会发现隐藏着的珍宝。无论是ISQUARE国际广场24楼的“陶源酒家”，还是时代广场的“不倒翁中日火锅料理”，香港永不休歇的美食寻觅总不会令人失望。

The InterContinental Grand Stanford

The InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong is strategically located between Kowloon and Hong Kong city centres. Perfectly nestled in the ‘quiet’ gully slightly away from the hustle and bustle of this metropolis, this hotel is located only minutes away from some of Hong Kong’s popular tourist destinations such as Hong Kong Science Museum, Tsim Sha Tsui Shopping District and Promenade and MTR. Moreover, breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour from the hotel room and friendly staffs are just reminders why you should prolong your stay. The captain responsible for leading this 5-star luxurious hotel is none other than hotelier heavyweight Alexander Wassermann. He has managed respected and international hotels around the world including brands such as Hilton, Kempinski, Movenpick and InterContinental.HK3.png

Alexander was indeed an interesting and most certainly an informative man. This General Manager was fascinated with 5-star hotels and their impeccable services since he was a kid and eventually came face-to-face with having to decide a career path. His three choices were between being a priest, a chef and a rock star. He thought that being a priest was not a suitable choice as he still preferred girlfriend(s); cooking was a bit too difficult and being a rock star was a tad too ambitious. Consequently, Alexander decided that joining the hotel industry was the best option which led him to starting an apprenticeship in 1992 and joining the Intercontinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong as Hotel Manager in 2007 before spending some time in China, and returning as the General Manager in Intercontinental Grand Stanford in 2014. Today Hong Kong is home to this ‘Intercontinental Boy’ as he believes that he is in the premier league of hospitality.

海景嘉福洲际酒店
海景嘉福洲际酒店位于九龙城和市区之间，闹中取静，完美的稍微隔开都市的喧嚣，距离一些热门旅游胜地如香港科学馆、尖沙咀购物区，海滨长廊和地铁只有几分钟的路程。此外，一览维多利亚港海景的客房和亲善员工，都起了很大留客的作用。而负责带领这家五星级豪华店的“队长”就是Alexander Wassermann，这名成功在世界各地国际酒店品牌如希尔顿、凯宾斯基、莫凡彼和洲际创下佳绩的领导者。

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Alexander言谈举止除了令人感到有趣，也带有深刻信息。这名酒店经理对于五星级酒店无可挑剔服务很是着迷，但他长大后面对职业决定时，其中的3个选择是神父、厨师或摇滚明星。过后他认为，神父并不合适，他还是喜欢女朋友；而烹饪是有点太难，摇滚明星也太过雄心勃勃。因此，综合所有条件，他觉得酒店行业是最好的选择，1992年作为学徒生加入酒店行业后，除了在中国驻扎了段时间，2007年和2014年前后再度返回任职海景嘉福洲际酒店经理。今天，香港是这名“洲际男孩”的家园，他觉得自己是身处酒店业的英国足球超级联赛。

Although there are plenty of dining choices in Hong Kong, InterContinental Grand Standford takes a notch up by offering Halal meals to guests and diners upon requests. Hoi King Heen, one of the restaurants at the hotel, is recognised as one of Hong Kong’s finest Chinese restaurant in town. Awarded ONE MICHELIN STAR by the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau in 2011, this restaurant boasts not only authentic Chinese dishes but also its celebrity chef Leung Fai Hung for his skilled craftmenship. Customers who had dined at the restaurant has only described meals fit for the Emperor.

EZ highly recommend the ‘Braised Beef Brisket Stuffed in Pear’, ‘Fried Prawns with Wasabi and Sesame Sauce’ and ‘Braised Winter Melon Balls stuffed with Black Olives Mustard’. To finish off the perfect meal, try its refreshing selection of desserts of either ‘Almond Cream with Egg White’ or ‘Chilled Hawthorn Rolls’. If there is a choice to experiencing one 5-star hotel in Hong Kong, let it be InterContinental Grand Standford, a choice for comfort, service, class and fine dining.

纵然香港的餐饮选择多多，海景嘉福洲际酒店的高级餐厅-海景軒，也是香港公认最佳中餐厅之一，获得2011年香港澳门米其林指南的“米其林一星”，不仅拥有正宗的中国菜和清真食品，中餐行政总厨梁辉雄更是展现卓越的厨艺，在此用餐的食客可享受帝王规格的菜肴。

EZ最为推荐“水晶牛肋肉”，“鸳鸯虾球”和“榄菜玉珠”，而要以完美的一餐作为谢幕，可以尝试新鲜甜点“蛋白杏仁露”或“泮塘山楂卷”。如果你想在香港体验五星级的酒店和服务，海景嘉福洲际酒店是最佳选择，可以同时获得舒适、服务和美食馈赠。

The Flying Goose

Hong Kong is famous for its delicious Cantonese crispy roast pork, duck and goose. The most iconic and award-winning restaurant in Hong Kong that serves the world’s best roast goose is none other than Yung Kee restaurant. Strategically located in the Central of the CBD, this restaurant has a humble beginning as a ‘Dai Pai Dong’ (a name for a street foodstall) in 1942. Today, Yung Kee is managed by second generation Ronald Kam and his two children Carrel and Yvonne. This last remaining charcoal-grilled oven in town is not only famous for its flying roast goose but also other dishes including its roast chicken and the suckling pig popular among locals and tourists. According to Yvonne who comes from an accounting background, it is important to ensure an authentic way of roasting and cooking; by selecting the finest goose and choosing the very best ingredients. This is not only to preserve the good name of Yung Kee but also to ensure that the heritage brand of Hong Kong is protected preserved. HK2.png

飞天的烧鹅
香港粤菜中以脆皮烧猪、鸭和鹅等美食见称，其中标志性和屡获殊荣的“镛记酒家”，除了供应全世界最香脆的烧鹅餐厅，也是香港烧鹅界的鼻祖。座落在中央商务区的这家餐厅自1942年以“大排档”(街道食摊)的方式起家，目前镛记由第二代Ronald Kam和他的孩子Carrel和Yvonne接棒掌管。而祖传的炭火烧烤方式不仅是造就了飞天烧鹅，其中如烧鸡和乳猪也拥有一致口碑。具备财务会计资历的Yvonne表示，确保纯正的烧烤和烹饪方式，遴选最佳的鹅和原材料，不仅是捍卫镛记的名声，也是保护香港品牌文化遗产。