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The University Museum and Art Gallery (UMAG), The University of Hong Kong (HKU), is honoured to present 8 times 8. stories．series．systems in mythology & art. The exhibition highlights the crucial role of the number 8 in mythology and art. In Asian art this can be seen, for example, in the 8 trigrams of the I Ching, the 8 Immortals, the 8 Buddhist symbols or Auspicious objects. These interrelated elements are often depicted as a group of 8 in the form of a serial narrative, which are supplemented by motifs of pairs, figures or scenes from stories, landscapes, plants, flowers, animals, ornaments and symbols.

The opening of the exhibition was held at UMAG on March 20. Officiating guests included Associate Vice-President of Cultural and External Affairs Professor Derek Collins, UMAG Director Dr Florian Knothe and UMAG Exhibition Curator Dr Harald Peter Kraemer.

Several objects – each consisting of eight sections – were selected from the UMAG collection to demonstrate the diversity and richness of serial narratives in Chinese art and craftsmanship. In addition to the narrative structure, these eight-part objects can be understood as components of superordinate systems. In the microcosm of their diverse details, they refer to the macrocosm of mythology, which results in a network of relationships that continuously refer back to one another.

This dynamic interplay between individual elements within a larger whole is also evident in the contemporary artworks of YAU Wing Fung (*1990) and Daphne Alexis HO (*1975) from Hong Kong, YU Hee (*1967) from Korea, Adrian FALKNER (*1979) from Switzerland and Klaus MERKEL (*1953) and Arvid BOECKER (*1964) from Germany. However, in their work this interaction unfolds through form and colour, alienation and manipulation, as well as self-referential quotations and artistic dialogue.

The six contemporary artists are juxtaposed with the traditional works of applied art so as to demonstrate that serial and systemic narratives are still used today as artistic strategies. The interplay between the individual symbols and the overarching programme mirrors the relationship between contemporary art and traditional arts and crafts. Together, they complement each other in an inspiring way, inviting the visitors to uncover hidden meanings and deeper connections.

For more images and exhibit captions, please click here.

Details of the Exhibition
Period: March 21, 2025 (Friday) to June 8, 2025 (Sunday)
Opening Hours:
9:30 am–6 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
1 pm–6 pm (Sunday)
Closed on Mondays, University and Public Holidays
Venue: 1/F, T. T. Tsui Building, UMAG, HKU, 90 Bonham Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
Tel/Email: (852) 3917 5500 (General Enquiry) / museum@hku.hk
Admission: Free admission In light of the HKU Tourist Flow Management Scheme, please enter via the ground floor of the Fung Ping Shan Building
Website: https://umag.hku.hk/exhibition/8-times-8-stories-series-systems-in-mythology-and-art/

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About UMAG
UMAG was founded in 1953 as the Fung Ping Shan Museum. It was originally established as the Fung Ping Shan Library in 1932 in honour of its benefactor. For more information on UMAG, please click here.

Media Enquiries
Tel: (852) 3917 5513, Email: musnews@hku.hk