Moore and Hong Kong
Moore’s Visions. More Revisions. began with a simple question: How do we revisit a legacy like Henry Moore’s—not just to celebrate it, but to challenge it and build upon it?
Moore’s presence in Hong Kong is historically significant. From the 1960s to the 1990s, the Hong Kong Museum of Art presented five exhibitions focused exclusively on Moore. A record unmatched by any other artist at the time. His sculptures played a crucial role in how modern art entered the city’s public landscape. Yet visibility does not always translate into familiarity. Moore’s arrival in Hong Kong was shaped largely by institutional and diplomatic efforts, which created both admiration and distance. One anecdote captures the scale of his symbolic presence: in 1986, during preparations for a major exhibition, a helicopter airlifted one of his sculptures to the then Queen’s Pier, while a second helicopter hovered nearby. A local critic joked that it felt like a divine offering—Henry Moore, sent down from the sky.
Full Curatorial Statement Here
About Henry Moore
Henry Moore (1898–1986) was a pioneering British sculptor renowned for his semi-abstract depictions of the human form. His work, often exploring themes of resilience, nature, and maternal bonds, remains celebrated for its universal appeal and monumental beauty. Moore’s legacy endures across continents, and in Hong Kong, his profound impact continues to inspire new generations of artists and audiences.
About The British Council Collection
The British Council has been collecting works of art since 1938 and our Collection now comprises almost 9,000 paintings, prints and drawings, sculpture, photography and multi-media artworks showcasing the best of UK-based contemporary visual artists which we hold in trust for the people of the UK. The Collection is central to our mission to build connections, understanding and trust between the people of the UK and the wider world and to facilitate debate on global issues.
