The exhibition, curated by Dr. Rachel Parikh, Deputy Director of the Dunhuang Foundation, and Dr. Lilian Chan, Director of the Bunker Exhibition Hall, will run from November 5, 2024, to February 23, 2025.
This exhibition is one of the 30th-anniversary celebrations of the City University, unprecedentedly encompassing nearly two hundred pieces of etiquette weapons and armor that span cultures, nations, religions, and history, revealing the essence of ceremonial arms and highlighting their importance as symbols of culture, society, and identity. The new exhibits come from highly regarded private and local public collections, including the famous Mengdie Xuan and several rare and exquisite pieces borrowed from the Zhai collection, showcasing the diverse roles of arms and armor from symbols of status to religious worship objects. Traveling through time and space to re-understand technology and cultural etiquette weapons**_ As the first large-scale exhibition of ceremonial arms from various eras, cultures, and regions in Hong Kong, visitors can learn more from four meticulously planned main areas, including: (1) the concept of ceremonial weapons and armor; (2) the visual vocabulary of decorative techniques for ceremonial weapons; (3) ceremonial arms and armor from seven major regions, covering North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Caucasia, and the entire Asian region; and (4) ‘Looking East’: exploring the mutual influence of trade, expeditions, and colonialism on the production of Eastern and Western ceremonial arms. Rare integration of art, science, and technology to enhance understanding and refresh the exhibition experience**_ The exhibition content is derived from inter-departmental collaborative research on ceremonial arms from different regions at City University, a rare practice both in Hong Kong and globally. The integration of art, science, and technology will undoubtedly deepen visitors’ understanding and refresh their perception of art exhibition experiences. The exhibition utilizes immersive experiences, interactive media, metaverse, and moving images, complemented by the application of algorithms in media art, scientific analysis of specific weapons using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the study of portraits in the Zili Pavilion using multispectral imaging (MSI), providing a unique cross-disciplinary perspective for people to explore the stories of ceremonial arms. Since its establishment, the Bunker Exhibition Hall at City University has focused on preserving cultural heritage and bridging Eastern and Western cultures. Adhering to the mission and characteristics of the exhibition hall, it provides exhibitions that are rich in artistic elements, innovative, and integrate technology, connecting and interacting with the community. Co-curator and Director of the Bunker Exhibition Hall, Dr. Lilian Chan, said: ‘The craftsmanship of ceremonial arms and armor is exquisite, like precious jewels, and different societies are connected through their craftsmanship, spirituality, and shared diplomatic traditions; and because ceremonial arms and armor are enduring symbols of identity, aesthetics, and human creativity, they are still found everywhere in media such as movies, comics, and online games today.’This exhibition showcases the extraordinary craftsmanship, professional technology and innovative design of ceremonial armor. At the same time, it uses an interdisciplinary research method and takes advantage of the integration of different disciplines. The exhibition can not only use non-traditional linear narrative methods, but also combine new perspectives and knowledge with art, science and technology to present. The public can appreciate these outstanding armors at multiple levels and enjoy a diverse and interactive visual feast. The full text is open from November 5 to February 23. The specific business status is subject to the opening situation on that day.
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