Aberdeen: Art Galleries & Lunch at the Fish Market Canteen

Aberdeen was a pirates’ den two centuries ago before growing into a fishing village. But with today’s skyrocketing cost of real estate, many high-rise developments are becoming backdrops to Aberdeen’s Typhoon Shelter, towering above the numerous junks and sampans that sail daily to the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market. In this Saturday activity, we will experience how modern art blends into this former fishing village. The morning will start with a private tour to two contemporary art galleries – Koru Contemporary Art and Alisan Fine Arts – followed by one of the freshest seafood lunches in Hong Kong at the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market Canteen.

Koru Contemporary Art, established in 2001, represents a diverse range of contemporary international artists, specializing in modern sculptures. A large selection of their collection can be found in their two gallery spaces with a combined exhibition area of over 7,500 square feet.

Koru’s art consultant, Amandine Hervey will give an introduction on the evolution of glass and its role in art history. She will introduce the glass making centers and masters that have played key roles in art history, discuss in detail their techniques, both new and old, as well as identify useful tools to appreciate this special art. Following her talk, we will tour their collection to explore how contemporary artists are using the various techniques developed over centuries past.

Alisan Fine Arts, founded in 1981, was one of the first professionally run galleries in Hong Kong. Well placed to service the serious collector and novice alike, this gallery has been associated with some of the best contemporary Chinese paintings and sculptures, with styles ranging from traditional to abstract. Over the years, it has organized more than 100 exhibitions for Chinese artists around the world. Through these exhibitions and other events, Alisan has brought to Hong Kong and other parts of Asia, established international Chinese artists such as Zao Wou-ki, Chu Teh-chun and Gao Xingjian (France), Chao Chung-hsiang, Walasse Ting, John Way and Fay Ming (USA), Hsiao Chin (Italy) and Lui Shou Kwan (Hong Kong). In 1987 the gallery began promoting Chinese artists from the mainland, including Yang Jiechang, Wei Ligang, Wang Tiande and Luo Qi.

Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market Canteen has been operated by one family for several decades. Situated inside the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market, this cha chaan teng serves typical instant noodles with fried egg and sausage, milk tea and French toast to the various fishermen, seafood wholesalers and buyers from the early morning hour of 4 am. But by noon, it proudly presents its diners one of the freshest and tastiest seafood meals in the city. With its close proximity to vendors that distribute a large share of live-seafood imported to Hong Kong, the canteen serves only the freshest daily catch available in the simplest settings.

Join us for a sumptuous seafood lunch in this hidden gem. Advance reservations are required, as the canteen will purchase the live-seafood according to the number of diners in our group.