Design-led luxury hotel to showcase culture and creativity on 22 November with “Beauty by Hajime Kinoko”, a dazzling display of performance art in partnership with MeART
Hong Kong: Mondrian Hong Kong, the vibrant, art-inspired luxury lifestyle hotel overlooking Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui, will continue to showcase contemporary art and cultural expression this November, as it welcomes Hajime Kinoko for an exclusive live performance that will reveal the intriguing and intimate Japanese art of shibari.
Shibari, which means “to tie and restrain” in Japanese, is an extraordinary form of physical art that sees human figures bound by ropes in intricate, visually provocative and emotionally inspiring poses. Originally conceived in the 1990s as a means of spiritual meditation, sensory stimulation, or simply for its striking visual beauty, shibari has become a compelling form of live human sculpture that stirs the senses and creates a dazzling spectacle.
For one night only, on 22nd November 2024 (20.30 to 23.00 hrs), Hajime Kinoko, the world’s most renowned shibari artist, will demonstrate his awe-inspiring art at Mondrian Hong Kong. Curated by MeART, which weaves modern art with hospitality by providing exclusive access to prestigious events, curated tours and cultural shows, and supported by local artists Nawa Shishi and Steve Freeman, this evening’s theme is “The Shibari Connection: Love, Lust and Beauty,” exploring human connection through trust.
Beauty by Hajime Kinoko
World-leading shibari artist Hajime Kinoko expresses beauty through his unique style. His work inspires awe, showcasing a deep connection to body, mind, and spirit. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Hong Kong’s sparkling cityscape, this new bamboo performance blends visual artistry and emotional depth, creating an exhilarating experience.
Love by Nawa Shishi
In a captivating fusion of art and performance, Nawa Shishi explores the theme of love alongside renowned calligrapher Merryislovely. This collaborative display emphasises the profound connection and synchronisation between the performers, embodying the essence of their interpretation of love.
Lust by Steve Freeman
In exploring human desire, Freeman delves into the emotion of lust through his evocative performance. He captures appreciation for the human form, balancing longing with admiration and protection. Freeman’s portrayal illustrates the intricate nature of human passion.
“I am very excited to work alongside MeART and introduce shibari to an international audience at Mondrian Hong Kong. This hotel is special, infused with culture and creativity, making it the perfect venue for me to present my work and collaborate with two Hong Kong shibari artists. This intimate evening will explore love, lust and beauty, exquisitely blended to delve into the essence of what it means to be human. I hope my new bamboo-themed shibari work will have a profound emotional impact on guests,” said Hajime Kinoko.
“Working with local and international talents and using our hotel spaces for cultural programming, is part of our key mission to feature people that inspire us and that make this city a unique and creative hotspot. Showcasing the artistic genius of Hajime Kinoko on our rooftop, in front of the world’s most amazing skyline combined with the performance of amazing local artists is truly special and we are so proud to feature the intriguing and often misunderstood artform of shibari,” said Dirk Dalichau, General Manager, Mondrian Hong Kong.
“We could not have found a better partner than Mondrian, a dedicated supporter of arts and culture. Seeing Kinoko’s work inspired me to bring him to Hong Kong. It also presented the perfect platform for local artists. Nawa Shishi's work spans traditional kinbaku and contemporary rope art and aims to foster respect for this often-taboo artform, and Steve Freeman's visually stunning, gentle bindings will reveal inner beauty and relate to Shibari's historical roots. Bridging and connecting cross-cultural art, while celebrating our local talent to give Hong Kong a new perspective on shibari, is what inspired this project,” said Debbie Bailey, Founder of MeART.
In addition to the performance, Hajime Kinoko will conduct a series of five workshops over the weekend. These classes cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, to provide a unique opportunity for curious minds to learn the art of shibari from a true master.
Beauty by Hajime Kinoko will be staged at Mondrian Hong Kong’s rooftop garden on 22nd November 2024, from 20.30 to 23.00 hrs. Limited spaces are available for this exclusive, one-night-only event, so please book your place at meart.art.
Ever since it opened its doors in late 2023, Mondrian Hong Kong has stood as a beacon of contemporary art and design. Selected for its distinctive, futuristic architecture, this luxury hotel makes a striking impact with its original interiors, including a spectacular mosaic in the lobby and the dramatic video installation on the 38th floor, plus unique artworks and a playful guestroom concept which reflects the city’s rich heritage.
Visitors who want to transform this experience into an unforgettable night at Mondrian Hong Kong can discover the “MeART Kinoko Live Package”! Available only on 22nd November 2024, this exclusive offer is priced at just HKD 3,028+ and includes a stylish one-night stay in a Harbour View room, two tickets to the shibari live show, and breakfast for two people. Guests booking this package can also enjoy 15% off the Best Available Rate for pre- and post-stays at Mondrian Hong Kong.
To book, guests can reach out to the reservations team at reservations.hk@mondrianhotels.com or via WhatsApp at +852 6388 0815.
