Asia Art Archive unveils artists’ early worlds

Asia Art Archive (AAA) is presenting At 25: Artists’ Early Worlds, Part II, an exhibition exploring the early life trajectories and artistic practices of four artists through rare archival materials and newly commissioned works.

The exhibition, currently on view at AAA’s library, is the concluding chapter of the organization’s 25th anniversary programme series, Archive for All: Growing with Communities. It is built around the question, “What were you doing at 25?”

The exhibition features Pakistani artist and educator Salima Hashmi, Hong Kong photographer and writer Holly Lee, Korean artist Bahc Yiso, and Raqs Media Collective, an artist collective formed in 1992.

Drawing from materials gathered from the artists, their families and various institutions, the exhibition reconstructs aspects of the artists’ lives and practices when they were 25. The materials include early works and archival records that highlight how their practices extended beyond artmaking into education, writing and advocacy.

Two newly commissioned works complement the archival display. Hashmi reflects on the fragility of memory, while Raqs Media Collective revisits an unfinished project.

AAA’s curatorial team will also conduct free English and Cantonese tours from August to October, offering visitors an introduction to key concepts and selected materials from the exhibition. The tours examine how the team reconstructed the artists’ creative processes, thoughts and daily lives at 25, as well as the early influences on their later practices.

At 25: Artists’ Early Worlds, Part II runs until 31 October 2026 at the CCG Library, Asia Art Archive, 11/F Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. It is open Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Curator-led tours are scheduled on 19 August, 26 August, 23 September and 21 October, with sessions in English and Cantonese. Registration is required. DT