The obsession with collecting trading cards has grown from a somewhat nerdy hobby into a massive cultural phenomenon in recent years, and it was only a matter of time before it infiltrated the art world. This May, that intersection arrives at PMQ with Pocket Art, Hong Kong’s first art collection card exhibition where contemporary art is shrunk down into palm-sized masterpieces that can be carried, collected, and appreciated by anyone.
Curated by local artist armechan, the exhibition brings together 10 local and overseas artists to showcase more than 50 original works. By reimagining trading cards as an alternative artistic medium, this project flips the intimidating gallery experience of staring at a canvas on a distant white wall into a space where visitors are invited to hold, swap, and build their own miniature art collections.
The artist lineup covers a variety of styles in the world of painting and printmaking. Leading the pack is curator armechan himself, whose work draws from the orderly chaos of everyday queues where self-discipline and impatience coexist. Joining him is renowned comic master Li Chi Tak – famously the first Hong Kong comics artist to have a solo exhibition at France’s prestigious Angoulême International Comics Festival – who uses his signature linework to transform each card into a tightly composed narrative frame.
Photograph: Courtesy Pocket ArtPocket Art exhibition at PMQ
Other artists include Rex Koo, who injects classic Hong Kong humour into his pieces titled Four Crowns of Lush Hair, while Man Tsang channels nostalgic childhood memories of the 1980s. Alongside them, Lio Yeung brings an edgy, bold aesthetic to the mix; Erika Shiba reimagines snaps of structures, scenes, shapes, and spaces from her five-year camera roll; and Abby Lee Yan Yee paints quiet, cinematic corners of urban car parks.
The best part is that you can actually take these pieces home without needing a billionaire’s art budget. The exhibition is launching collectable card packs that turn over 50 artworks into nearly 200 collectable cards with Common, Rare, Super Rare, and Signature Rare editions. If luck is truly on your side, you might even pull an Original Rare card, which are exceptionally rare originals hand-painted or created by the artists themselves.
Photograph: Courtesy Pocket ArtPocket Art exhibition at PMQ
PMQ has even partnered with next-generation card-grading company Grading Eleven Authentication to provide on-site grading and authentication services, along with two exclusive protective slabs with its dedicated grade printed on the case. Beyond the cards, there’ll also be a series of limited-edition merch, including an apparel collection co-created with local fashion brand Grocery, where motifs from the art cards are translated into streetwear.
The exhibition is running from May 29 to June 21 at PMQ (HG11-12, Block B). Admission is completely free, making it the perfect afternoon stop to grab some gear, swap some cards, and start your very own pocket-sized art collection.
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