Source: Media Outreach
A Grand Scale Hong Kong Solo Debut Transforms the Atrium into a Tactile Art Experience
‘THE ISLAND – ONIGASHIMA’ marks Ayako Rokkaku’s highly anticipated Hong Kong solo debut and her largest installation worldwide within a commercial space — a reflection of LANDMARK’s commitment to bringing world-class artistic experiences to Central. Celebrated for her energetic, finger-painted works that have garnered immense popularity and praise across Asia, Rokkaku is one of the most sought-after voices in contemporary art, her canvases brimming with vibrant narratives and childlike wonder.
Step Inside ‘THE ISLAND– ONIGASHIMA’: An Interactive Dreamscape
Inspired by the mythical ‘Onigashima’ from Japanese folklore, Ayako Rokkaku thoughtfully selected this theme upon recognising the shared island geography of both Hong Kong and Japan. The artist’s vision further integrates Momotaro’s legendary ‘half-human, half-oni’ persona, which subtly symbolises the delicate boundary between dreams and reality. This fantastical quality inspired Rokkaku to infuse the art installation with a blend of childlike wonder and mystery, thereby blurring the lines between the artist and the audience.
Crafted with soft forms and inviting fabrics, ‘THE ISLAND – ONIGASHIMA’ is designed not just to be observed, but to be experienced. Rising to an impressive 6 metres, the sculpture creates a sprawling organic topography within the Atrium, which has been curated with a museum-like approach to invite interaction. Visitors are encouraged to touch, feel, and even repose upon its rich textures, transforming passive viewing into active engagement, allowing them to create their own journey without a prescribed path. Imagine stepping into a colossal, living artwork of soft forms where every interaction becomes a part of its story. Within the Atrium, the artwork encompasses a captivating tunnel housing 12 wooden sculptures for intimate viewing and beautifully surrounded by 11 additional paintings.
Ayako Rokkaku presented a special performance to mark the opening of ‘THE ISLAND – ONIGASHIMA’ by painting live at the installation. Witnessing her uninhibited gestures, layering vibrant pigments directly with her hands, offered a rare glimpse into the spontaneous creation of her iconic figures and landscapes. The session underscores her philosophy of direct artistic expression and the intimate connection between artist and creation. Later in the day, a cocktail party was hosted to celebrate the opening of the installation and featured dignitaries from around the region, including renowned Thai actor and singer Bright.
As a self-taught artist whose distinctive style emerged in 2006, Rokkaku blends manga influences with abstract and emotive colour fields that are often born spontaneously, without preparatory sketches, reflecting a raw and unmediated artistic impulse. Her signature motif — stylised wide-eyed girls surrounded by vibrant, multicoloured landscapes — has garnered global recognition, including the prestigious Illustration Prize at Takashi Murakami’s Geisai art fair. This collaboration is a further expression of LANDMARK’s ambition to bring the world’s most celebrated creative talents to Central, creating cultural experiences found nowhere else in Hong Kong.
Redefining Luxury Through Art: An Immersive Cultural Landmark
“Ayako Rokkaku’s ‘THE ISLAND – ONIGASHIMA’ represents everything we believe a great experience should be — immersive, surprising, and something that stays with you,” said Mr. Alexander Li, Director and Head of Retail, Hong Kong & Macau, Hongkong Land Limited. “That she chose LANDMARK for this reflects our simple goal: to deliver experiences that are best-in-class and uniquely Central. That is the spirit of our ongoing Tomorrow’s CENTRAL transformation, and it is what ‘Experience is Central’ means to us.”
Exclusive Engagement and Collectibles: Extending the Artistic Journey
Beyond the Atrium, BELOWGROUND hosts a dedicated pop-up where visitors can acquire a piece of Rokkaku’s distinctive universe. This curated space features a collection of 9 original artworks and exclusive limited editions, including 1 print in an edition of 50 and 1 bronze sculpture in an edition of 3, alongside a range of bespoke merchandise. Visitors can choose from a range of limited-edition tote bags, apparel, books, scarves, and a unique lamp collaboration with AllRightsReserved. This offers visitors the opportunity to take a souvenir home from ‘THE ISLAND – ONIGASHIMA’ and deepen their connection with Ayako Rokkaku’s unique artistic world.
For a holistic experience, visitors who begin their journey at BELOWGROUND are invited to explore the main installation in the Atrium for a different, interactive angle of ‘THE ISLAND – ONIGASHIMA‘.Adding to the immersive experience, MTR will launch a special digital Octopus card featuring the exhibition’s key visual, allowing the public to carry a piece of this art journey with them. Ayako Rokkaku will host an exclusive book signing event on March 24th at 6 PM. This special occasion offers visitors a unique opportunity to meet the renowned artist in person and acquire her latest publication, ‘Close To Your Treasure,’ directly on-site, complete with a personalized autograph. Further opportunities to engage with the artist through potential talks or panels will be announced shortly.
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